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Sty
Overview:
A sty (hordeolum) is a red, painful lump on the edge or inside of your eyelid that may look like a boil or a pimple. Usually a sty is filled with pus. As it swells in size, the sty may make it difficult for you to see clearly because you can't fully open your eye.
Signs and Symptoms:
* Very painful, red pimple-like swelling near the edge of the eyelid
* Lasts 3-4 days
* Does not affect the eye or the sight
Causes and Organs Affected:
The Staphylococcus bacterium is the culprit. This bacterium is often present in the nostrils and is easily spread to your eye with the rub of your hand. It is the same bacterium that is associated with boils and, as with boils, you may experience recurrent styes when you are run-down.
Treatment:
If your doctor confirms that you have a sty, he or she may prescribe a topical antibiotic cream to apply to your eyelid. To treat a pus-filled sty that won't rupture or burst on its own, your doctor or ophthalmologist may choose to lance and drain the sty to relieve pain and pressure. Usually sty treatment doesn't require oral antibiotics unless you have a generalized infection of your eyelid.
Keep the eye area clean and always remove your make up before going to bed. Never share eye cosmetics with others.
Other Information:
Hot compresses applied three times a day help to bring the sty to a head, and to soothe the pain.