Disease 17. Stye: The Annoying Eyelid Bump
A stye is a small, painful lump that forms on the edge of the eyelid, typically caused by a bacterial infection in an oil gland or hair follicle. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes discharge or crusting around the affected area.
Styes often resolve on their own within a few days to a week. Home treatments, such as applying warm compresses several times a day, can help relieve pain and encourage the stye to drain. It’s essential to avoid squeezing or attempting to pop a stye, as this can spread the infection or cause further complications.
Preventing styes involves maintaining proper eye hygiene, such as washing hands before touching the eyes, removing makeup before bed, and regularly cleaning contact lenses. Regular eye exams can also help identify any underlying issues that may contribute to the development of styes. (15)
