STYE Care

A stye is a bacterial infection which affects one or more of the small glands near the base of your eyelashes.

It looks similar to a boil or a pimple and is painful.
A sty is mostly seen on the outside of eyelid in between the eyelashes but sometimes it can form on the inner part of eyelids.

Symptoms

Causes

Risk factors

Touching eyes with unwashed hands
Inserting contact lenses without thoroughly disinfecting them or washing your hands first
Leaving on eye makeup overnight
Using old or expired cosmetics
Lack of hygiene, and rubbing of the eyes

Management-

In most cases, a stye doesn’t require specific treatment.
A sty typically goes away on its own. Recurrences are common.
Apply a warm compress to the affected eye.
If you have recurrent stye, you may be advised by your doctor for antibiotic cream, ointment or eye drops. Sometimes you may need to take antibiotic pills.
A sore spot near your eyelashes can be an early warning sign of a stye. It is best to apply a warm compress at the first sign.

Prevention of recurrence –

Hand wash– Washing hands with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer several times each day. Make sure that your hands are clean before dealing with your eyes.
Take care with cosmetics- Reduce your risk of recurrent eye infections by throwing away old cosmetics. Don’t share your cosmetics with others. Don’t wear eye makeup overnight.
Caution with contact lenses– If you wear contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts and follow your doctor’s advice on disinfecting them.
Avoid Sharing of washcloths or face towels– especially if you have frequent styes.

-Dr.Afroze Fatima

References