HORDEOLUM (STYE)
DEFINITION OF HORDEOLUM (STYE)
A hordeolum, commonly known as a stye, is a painful, red bump that forms on the eyelid due to bacterial infection. It occurs when an oil gland or hair follicle near the eyelash becomes clogged and inflamed, leading to swelling, pain, and pus formation.
RISK FACTORS OF HORDEOLUM (STYE)
- Bacterial infection
- Blocked oil glands
- Poor eyelid hygiene
- Excess Pitta (Heat & inflammation)
- Chronic stress & weakened immunity
SYMPTOMS
Infection of sebaceous glands (Zeis or Moll) or meibomian glands.
Onset: Pain is often one of the first signs.
Type: Throbbing or aching discomfort that worsens with blinking or eye movement.
Tender to touch: Even gentle pressure causes discomfort.
Mild to severe: Depending on how inflamed the gland becomes.
Spreads easily: Sometimes swelling extends to the entire eyelid or under-eye area, especially in internal hordeolum.
Firm lump: A palpable nodule may develop under the skin.
Pustule: A yellow or white spot may appear at the tip of the bump.
Rupture: It may spontaneously drain pus after a few days.
Relief: Pain often lessens significantly after drainage.
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Constant tearing or watering due to irritation.
Reflex tearing as the eye tries to flush out irritants.
TREATMENT TYPES
Most effective first-line treatment.
Apply a clean, warm compress to the eyelid for 10–15 minutes, 3–5 times a day.
Helps liquefy the clogged oil, promotes drainage, and reduces pain.
Use diluted baby shampoo or a prescribed eyelid cleanser.
Gently clean eyelid margins to prevent further infection or recurrence.
If infection spreads or if there's pus, doctors may prescribe:
Erythromycin or Bacitracin ointment.
Applied directly to the eyelid margin.
For more severe, recurrent, or internal hordeolum.
Especially when the surrounding tissue is involved (preseptal cellulitis).
Examples: Doxycycline, Amoxicillin-clavulanate, Cephalexin.
Never try to pop a stye—it may worsen the infection or cause scarring.
FAQS
A stye is a painful, red, pus-filled lump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection, usually involving the sebaceous (oil) glands at the base of eyelashes or within the eyelid.
The most common cause is a bacterial infection (usually Staphylococcus aureus). It occurs when:
Oil glands become blocked
Bacteria overgrow
Poor eyelid hygiene
Touching eyes with dirty hands
No, a stye itself is not contagious, but the bacteria that cause it can spread. Avoid sharing towels, makeup, or touching the affected eye and then the other.
Most styes resolve within 7 to 10 days with home care like warm compresses. Some may take longer or require medical intervention.
No. Popping a stye can spread the infection, cause scarring, or worsen inflammation. Let it drain naturally or seek medical help if needed.
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