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What is a stye?

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a small, red and painful lump that can be found at the edge of the eyelid. This pimple-like lump is often filled with pus and can form either on the outer or inner side of the eyelid, the former being more prevalent. It occurs as a result of a bacterial infection (usually by Staphylococcus aureus) of an oil gland on the edge of the eyelid and usually subsides on its own within one or two weeks without damaging the eye or affecting the eyesight. It can occur at any age, but is more commonly seen in adolescents.

Stye VS Chalazion

Another condition that causes a swollen bump on the eyelid is chalazion. Unlike a stye, it is a painless bump caused by a blocked oil gland and takes longer to develop. In severe cases, the chalazion might press against the eyeball, resulting in blurred vision. Similar to a stye, a chalazion is self-limiting and can usually subside on its own within a few weeks.

Common symptoms of stye

A painful, red lump on the edge of the eyelid (similar to a pimple)

Swollen eyelid

Scratchy feeling in the eye

Scaly crusting along the eyelid

Tearing

Sensitivity to light

Possible causes of stye

Touching your eyes with unclean hands

Putting on contact lenses without disinfecting thoroughly

Leaving eye makeup on overnight or using old, expired cosmetics

Having blepharitis (chronic inflammation along the edge of the eyelid)

Having rosacea (skin condition with facial redness)

Treatment of stye

Typically, a stye is self-limiting and will subside on its own, however warm compress can hasten the recovery. Warm compress can be done by placing a clean and warm wet towel over the eyelids for 5-10 minutes, around 3-4 times per day. Other treatments that can be considered if a stye persists:

Antibiotics: Administration of eye drops or application of topical eye cream to the eyelid. If the infection spreads beyond the eyelid, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.

Surgery: Making a small cut on the stye to drain the pus.

TCM methods to ameliorate pain and promote faster recovery:

Herbal medication: Clearing internal heat or expelling exogenous wind-heat, improving blood circulation and reducing pain.

Bloodletting: Usually at Er Jian (EX-HN6) or Da Zhui (GV14) to dispel internal heat and improve blood circulation to reduce pain.

Acupuncture: Usually around the eye or distant acupoints to disperse internal heat and improve blood circulation to reduce pain.

Adopt a healthier lifestyle, say “NO” to stye

Besides receiving treatments, a healthy lifestyle is also important for the recovery of stye and the prevention of its recurrence. In general, avoid the intake of spicy and oily food, ensure sufficient water intake daily and sleep early to prevent the accumulation of heat in the body and build up immunity against external wind-heat.

Things to take note when you have stye

Do not attempt popping the stye or squeezing the pus out from the stye to avoid spreading of the infection.

Do not wear eye makeup and contact lenses until fully recovered.

Gently wash the affected eyelid with mild soap and water.

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