Dispelling a common myth, a stye is not caused by secretly watching others. It results from inflammation of the sebaceous glands in your eyelids. Normally, these glands release oil through tiny openings near your eyelashes. However, if these openings get blocked by dust or debris, the oil cannot drain, forming a lump. Poor hygiene, such as rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands, not removing eye makeup properly, or using unclean contact lenses, can lead to infection, resulting in pain, swelling, and redness.
Initially, you might feel pain or itching around your eyelid, followed by swelling and redness. After 4-5 days, a pus-filled head may form, which typically ruptures and subsides. If the pus doesn't drain completely, a hard lump can remain and may recur.
Most styes heal on their own within a few days. However, you should seek medical attention if the stye persists for more than two days, becomes severely swollen and painful, spreads to other facial areas, drains pus, or impairs your vision. Ignoring these symptoms could be detrimental to your eye health.
Updated: 10/11/2022
