Styes
A stye is a sore and red lump near the edge of an eyelid. It is an infection of the eyelash follicle, usually caused by the staphylococcus bacterium. These bacteria normally live harmlessly on the skin, but they can cause an infection if the skin is damaged. Styes can get red, swollen and be very painful but they generally do not cause any damage to the eye or eyelids.
Pretty much everyone has this stye-causing bacteria in their body and the potential to develop a stye without outside contamination. To prevent styes, don't touch your eyes. That's how germs get in there. Washing your hands regularly is a good idea, too.
Most styes heal on their own within a few days. Applying a hot compresses for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day, over the course of several days will help to relieve the pain and bring the stye to a head, much like a pimple. In most cases, the stye will then rupture, drain and heal without further intervention. Sometimes, antibiotic ointments may be needed and occasionally the person will need oral antibiotics. In some cases, a stye will need to be opened up (lanced) by a doctor, if the stye does not get better by itself. If the lump is still painful and hot after a few days, get your doctor to check your eye.
Pretty much everyone has this stye-causing bacteria in their body and the potential to develop a stye without outside contamination. To prevent styes, don't touch your eyes. That's how germs get in there. Washing your hands regularly is a good idea, too.
Most styes heal on their own within a few days. Applying a hot compresses for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day, over the course of several days will help to relieve the pain and bring the stye to a head, much like a pimple. In most cases, the stye will then rupture, drain and heal without further intervention. Sometimes, antibiotic ointments may be needed and occasionally the person will need oral antibiotics. In some cases, a stye will need to be opened up (lanced) by a doctor, if the stye does not get better by itself. If the lump is still painful and hot after a few days, get your doctor to check your eye.