What Is a Stye?

Aug 09, 2021 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Qingqiang

Introduction

A stye (hordeolum) is an acute inflammatory condition caused by purulent bacterial infection of the eyelid glands, also known as blepharitis. It can be classified into external and internal styes. The most common causative bacteria are staphylococci, particularly *Staphylococcus aureus*. An external stye results from infection of the hair follicle of an eyelash or its associated sebaceous or modified sweat glands, leading to inflammation at the eyelid margin.

Hordeolum (stye) is an acute inflammatory condition caused by pyogenic bacterial infection of the eyelid glands, also known as blepharitis. It is classified into two types: external hordeolum and internal hordeolum. The most common causative bacteria are staphylococci, particularly Staphylococcus aureus. External hordeolum results from infection of the hair follicles of the eyelashes or their associated sebaceous or modified sweat glands, leading to inflammation along the eyelid margin.

Internal hordeolum is an eyelid infection involving the meibomian glands. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hordeolum is termed “needle-eye” and is believed to occur when the body’s resistance is weakened—especially following overeating or excessive consumption of late-night snacks.

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Can people with blepharitis receive the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine?

Patients with blepharitis can receive the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine, as there is no direct contraindication between the two conditions. Blepharitis is a localized inflammation of the eyelid margins, whereas the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine primarily acts on the systemic immune system to prevent infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Localized inflammation is not an absolute contraindication for vaccination. However, it is important to ensure that the inflammation is not in an acute flare-up phase before vaccination.

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Is a stye the same as conjunctivitis?

A stye is not conjunctivitis; the two conditions differ significantly in terms of affected site, underlying cause, and clinical presentation, and must be accurately differentiated based on specific characteristics. In daily life, maintaining good eye hygiene and avoiding rubbing the eyes can effectively reduce the risk of both eye conditions. Accurate differentiation is essential for appropriate management.

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A chalazion is a stye.

Stye usually refers to hordeolum. In general, chalazion and hordeolum are not the same eye condition. Although both occur on the eyelid, they are two distinct diseases and should not be considered equivalent. Daily care should emphasize eye hygiene, avoid rubbing the eyes with hands, and reduce the risk of bacterial infection. It is also important to ensure adequate eye rest, avoid prolonged eye use that leads to fatigue, and thereby lower the likelihood of developing these conditions.

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What should I do if the bump remains after a stye has healed?

After a stye has healed but a lump remains, you can improve the condition by applying warm compresses to promote absorption, using medications as directed by a doctor, maintaining eye hygiene, adjusting your diet, and avoiding eye irritation. Most residual lumps will gradually resolve. If the lump continues to grow, hardens, or is accompanied by pain, seek medical attention promptly. Apply a warm towel at around 40°C to the affected eye for 10–15 minutes daily.

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How to prevent the recurrence of styes

To prevent recurrent styes, it is important to maintain good eye hygiene, avoid eye strain, adjust dietary habits, enhance overall immunity, and promptly address any eye issues—targeting the underlying causes to reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. If styes occur frequently or are accompanied by eye discomfort, prompt medical evaluation is recommended to identify potential underlying causes. Routinely clean the eye area with warm water and avoid rubbing the eyes with hands.

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Symptoms and Treatment of Hordeolum

Symptoms of hordeolum include eyelid redness and swelling, localized pain, hard nodule formation, pus drainage, foreign body sensation in the eye, etc. Treatment options include topical medications, systemic medications, physical therapy, incision and drainage, and daily care, which should be tailored according to the severity of the condition. If symptoms worsen or if fever or vision changes occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.

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What should I do for a painful, red and swollen stye?

Warm compresses applied locally, topical anti-inflammatory medications, maintaining eye hygiene, adjusting diet and sleep schedule, and avoiding eye irritation can help relieve redness, swelling, and pain associated with styes. Targeted treatment is necessary to control the progression of inflammation. If the redness and swelling spread, pain worsens, or vision decreases, prompt medical attention is recommended. Apply warm compresses 3–4 times daily for 10–15 minutes each session.

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What should I do if a stye is very painful?

Severe pain from a stye can be relieved through proper warm compresses, topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, maintaining cleanliness around the eyes, adjusting diet and sleep habits, and avoiding irritants that may worsen discomfort. Promptly controlling the inflammatory response helps reduce pain. If the pain becomes unbearable, redness and swelling spread to the surrounding eye area, or fever develops, prompt medical attention is recommended. Apply warm compresses 3–4 times daily.

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