An infection of oil glands in the eyelid.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Styes are acute infections of oil glands in the eyelids caused by bacteria from the skin. They are similar to common acne pimples which occur on skin elsewhere. More than 1 stye can occur at one time. Styes usually develop over a few days may drain spontaneously and heal. White blood cells may kill the bacteria, but leave behind a chronic lipogranuloma, called a chalazion .
Treatment
Styes can be treated by applying warm compresses for 10 minutes, 4 times a day. Do not attempt to squeeze the stye; let it drain on its own. Antibiotic creams are sometimes used for recurrent or persistent styes (caused by bacteria). Occasionally styes require lancing to drain the infection.
Expectations (prognosis)
Styes often resolve on their own or they may recur. The outcome is excellent with treatment.
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if lumps on the eyelid continue to enlarge or do not resolve spontaneously within a week or two.
Prevention
Wash hands thoroughly before touching the skin around the eye. Careful attention to cleaning excess oils from the edges of the lids may help prevent styes in susceptible persons.