STYE

What Causes a Stye?

Most styes are caused by a bacterial infection of the eyelid’s oil glands. Factors that increase the risk include:

• Poor eyelid hygiene
• Touching the eyes with unwashed hands
• Wearing old or contaminated eye makeup
• Sleeping with makeup on
• Improper contact lens hygiene
• Chronic eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)
• Skin conditions such as rosacea or seborrhoeic dermatitis

Is a Stye Contagious?

A stye itself is not contagious, but the bacteria that cause it can spread through direct contact. Avoid sharing towels, makeup or eye products. It is also important to wash your hands regularly to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

How to Treat a Stye at Home

Most uncomplicated styes improve with simple home care.

Apply Warm Compresses

Place a clean, warm compress over the closed eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times daily. This helps unblock the gland and encourages drainage.

Keep the Eyelid Clean

Gently clean the eyelid using warm water or a mild eyelid cleanser.

Avoid Squeezing the Stye

Do not pop or squeeze the stye, as this can spread the infection or worsen inflammation.

Avoid Contact Lenses and Eye Makeup

Until the stye has healed, avoid wearing contact lenses or eye makeup to reduce irritation and prevent reinfection.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Although most styes resolve without prescription treatment, you should seek medical advice if:

• The stye lasts longer than one to two weeks.
• Pain or swelling becomes severe.
• Redness spreads beyond the eyelid.
• Vision becomes affected.
• You develop fever or feel unwell.
• The stye keeps returning.
• The eyelid becomes increasingly swollen despite home treatment.

Can an Online Doctor Help?

Yes. An online consultation is often the first step in assessing a stye.

An online doctor can:

• Evaluate your symptoms and medical history.
• Confirm whether your symptoms are likely due to a stye or another eye condition.
• Recommend home treatment.
• Prescribe medication if appropriate.
• Advise whether you should be referred to an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or attend an urgent care clinic.

If your symptoms suggest a more serious eye infection or another condition requiring a physical examination, your online doctor will recommend prompt in-person assessment.

When Are Antibiotics Needed?

Most styes do not require antibiotics. However, antibiotic eye ointment or oral antibiotics may be prescribed if:

• The infection is spreading.
• There is significant eyelid inflammation.
• You have recurrent styes.
• You develop cellulitis around the eye.
• The stye is not resolving on its own.

Always use antibiotics exactly as prescribed and complete the full course, if one is recommended.

Preventing Future Styes

You can reduce your risk by:

• Washing your hands before touching your eyes.
• Removing eye makeup before sleeping.
• Replacing eye makeup every three to six months.
• Cleaning contact lenses properly.
• Managing underlying eyelid conditions.
• Practising good eyelid hygiene if you are prone to recurrent styes.

Get Expert Advice Online

If you have a painful, swollen eyelid or think you may have a stye, an online consultation can help you get the right advice quickly. Early assessment can identify whether simple home care is sufficient or whether prescription treatment or an in-person examination is needed.

Book an online consultation today for convenient, professional medical advice from the comfort of your home.