What is a stye?

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is an inflammation of the glands in the eyelids. It develops when one of these glands becomes blocked, usually due to the presence of bacteria (mainly Staphylococcus aureus) or other causes such as the accumulation of dead cells.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a stye include:

swelling and redness of the affected eyelid
pain or discomfort in the area
sensation of a foreign body in the eye
excessive tearing
pus production at the site of the stye

Causes

A stye is usually caused by situations that lead to the accumulation of secretions and inflammation, such as:

Bacteria Staphylococcus aureus: commonly found on the skin and can affect the eye glands, causing an infection
Inadequate hygiene: lack of eye hygiene, such as not completely removing eye makeup or not properly cleaning the eyelids, can contribute to the development of styes
Stress and fatigue: prolonged stress or lack of adequate sleep can compromise the immune system and increase the risk of infections, including styes
Use of contact lenses: improper cleaning of contact lenses, for example, can increase the risk of eye infections such as styes

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a stye is usually based on a clinical evaluation performed by a healthcare professional, such as an ophthalmologist. Common steps to diagnose the condition include:

Physical examination: the affected area, usually the eyelid, is examined to check for the presence of a red, swollen, and tender nodule
Medical history: questions are asked about symptoms, duration, and factors that may have contributed to the infection (such as the use of makeup or contact lenses)
Differentiation from other conditions: the physician may need to differentiate a stye from other eye conditions that may present similar symptoms, such as a chalazion (a cyst in the eyelid) or a more severe infection

Treatment

Treatment for a stye usually involves simple measures that help relieve symptoms and promote recovery, such as:

Warm compresses: applying them to the stye is one of the most effective ways to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote the drainage of pus. Use a warm compress for about 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. This can be done with a clean cloth soaked in warm water
Eye hygiene: keep the eye area clean. Avoid using eye makeup during the infection period. Carefully wash the eyelids with warm water and mild soap
Do not squeeze: although it may be tempting to squeeze a stye, this can worsen the condition and lead to complications. Let the stye drain naturally
Use of eye drops or ointments: in some cases, the physician may recommend the use of antibiotic eye drops or ointments to treat the infection. In addition to the ointment, oral antibiotics may be used in some cases

Prevention

Preventing a stye involves simple eye hygiene practices and measures to reduce the risk of infections in the sebaceous glands of the eyelids:

Maintain proper hygiene: wash hands regularly and avoid touching the eyes with dirty hands. Good personal hygiene is essential to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the eye area
Remove makeup: for those who wear eye makeup, it is important to ensure it is completely removed before sleeping. The accumulation of these residues can be harmful to eye health
Avoid sharing personal items: such as towels, sheets, pillows, makeup, or other personal items that come into close contact with the eyes
Do not rub your eyes: this can irritate the area and increase the risk of infections

References

Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde

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