These health conditions could put you at more risk
These three health conditons can increase your chances of developing a stye(Image: Getty)
People who have rosacea, eczema or diabetes have been warned that they could be more at risk of developing an issue with their eye. And while it is common, it can be painful.
These health conditions are listed online as risk factors for developing a stye, also spelled ‘sty’. Experts from Specsavers UK have said there’s an easy way to treat it – and there is no need to worry.
Also known as a hordeolum, a stye is a small and painful lump on the inner or outer surface of the eyelid. It is caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus, and at some point in our lives, we will likely develop one.
These aren’t the only groups of people who are more at risk. Other factors that can increase your chances of developing a stye include:
- Wearing contaminated make-up
- Wearing expired make-up
- Poor hygiene
- Blepharitis – a chronic eye condition caused by inflammation of the eyelids
- Immunodeficiency
Two main types of styes
- External: These are common bumps that appear along the eyelid’s edge or corner. Because they typically resolve on their own within a few days, they rarely require medical intervention.
- Internal: These are spots inside or under the eyelid. It is often more painful than an external stye.
Stye signs and symptoms
- A red, swollen eyelid
- A feeling of pain or tenderness, particularly when you blink or touch the area (often the beginning stages of eye styes)
- Itchy eyes
- A scratchy or gritty feeling inside your eye (like there’s something in your eye)
- Sensitivity to light
- Crust on your eyelid
- A yellow or white discharge
- Watery eyes
Whilst typically affecting just one eye, it’s possible to develop styes in both eyes or even experience several styes on one eyelid at the same time. Despite their alarming appearance, they’re quite common and generally harmless, the experts stress.
What should I do if I have a stye?
To reduce swelling and promote healing, the NHS recommends following these three steps.
- Soak a clean flannel in warm water.
- Hold it against your eye for five to 10 minutes.
- Repeat this two to four times a day.
Should you experience discomfort, pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may be taken, provided it’s medically appropriate for you to do so. The NHS further stresses that aspirin should not be administered to children under 16.
Additionally, contact lenses and eye cosmetics should be avoided until the stye has ruptured and fully healed. Most importantly, the NHS cautions that you should never “burst a stye or remove an eyelash yourself. This can spread the infection”.