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The stye, also known as the hordeolus, is an inflammation in a small gland in the eyelid that happens mainly due to infection by bacteria, leading to the appearance of a small swelling, redness, discomfort and itching at the site.
Despite being uncomfortable, the sty usually disappears on its own after 3 to 5 days without the need for specific treatment, however to relieve symptoms it is interesting to make warm compresses to help deflate and relieve discomfort.
However, when the stye does not disappear after 8 days, even with compresses, it is important that the ophthalmologist is consulted, as it is possible that the stye has evolved into chalazion, in which treatment is performed from a small procedure. surgical.
Stye symptoms
The stye can be perceived mainly through the appearance of a swelling in the eyelid that causes discomfort mainly when blinking the eyes. Other symptoms of sty are:
- Sensitivity, feeling of dust in the eye, itching and pain at the edge of the eyelid;
- Emergence of a small, rounded, painful and swollen area, with a small yellow dot in the center;
- Temperature increase in the region;
- Sensitivity to light and watery eyes.
The stye usually disappears on its own after a few days, however if it is persistent, it is also possible that there was inflammation in the glands that are present near the roots of the eyelashes, giving rise to chalazion, which is a nodule that does not cause symptoms, but which is very uncomfortable and needs to be removed with a small surgical procedure. Learn more about chalazion and how to identify it.
Main causes
The sty occurs mainly due to infection by microorganisms, most often, bacteria, which promote local inflammation and lead to the appearance of signs and symptoms. However, it can also happen due to seborrhea, acne or chronic blepharitis, which is an alteration characterized by inflammation at the edge of the eyelids that leads to the appearance of crusts and excessive rashes. Understand what chronic blepharitis is.
In addition, the stye is more common in adolescents, due to hormone dysregulation, in the elderly, as well as in people who have excess oil in their skin or who have another inflammation of the eyelid.
What to do to treat the sty
The sty, normally, does not need medicines to cure and, therefore, the treatment can be done at home, following some recommendations, such as:
- Clean the area around the eyes, and do not allow too much secretion to accumulate;
- Apply warm compresses to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day;
- Do not squeeze or move the area too much, as it can worsen inflammation;
- Do not wear makeup or contact lenses, stop not spreading the lesion, getting bigger, and not making it last longer.
The stye generally disinfects or drains on its own in about 5 days, and does not usually last more than 1 week. The signs of improvement are a reduction in swelling, pain and redness. Some cases, however, are more serious, and may last longer and worsen the infection, therefore, one must pay attention to the signs and seek care from an ophthalmologist or dermatologist.
See how the stye treatment at home should be.
When to go to the doctor
It is important to go to the doctor if it is found that the eyes are very red and irritated, there was a change in vision, the stye does not disappear in 7 days or when the inflammation spreads over the face, leading to the appearance of a red, hot and painful area.
After evaluation, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or eye drop and, in some cases, it is even necessary to use antibiotics orally. There are also few more serious cases in which minor surgery may be required to drain the sty pus.