Causes of Sty on Eyelid or Hordeolum and Its Treatment

Sty on Eyelid

Symptoms associated with sty on the eye besides the red bump, pain, and tenderness, include swelling of the eyelids, itchiness, difficulty in blinking, watering of the eye, and light sensitivity.
The red bump or sty usually has a yellowish dot at the center which is made up of pus.
The sty can point outwardly or inwardly. An external sty or the one that grows outwardly usually starts as a pimple and then grows and turns to its usual appearance. Pain that can be experienced along with the other symptoms can last for a few days before bursting and then healing. The internal sty on the other hand takes a much longer time to heal and often needs draining.
Sty on the eyelid is often confused with another condition that has the same symptoms. This condition is known as chalazion.
Stys are considered harmless and rarely cause any major complications that can harm the eyes.

Bacterial Infection. The most common bacteria that cause stys to develop are staphylococcal. These bacteria enter the oil glands of the eyelids and cause a blockage which in turn forms the sty.
Blepharitis or an eye condition that is characterized by reddening of the eye.
Meibomitis. This is the inflammation of the oil glands in the eyelid area.
Rosacea. A chronic and long-term condition that causes pimples and redness.
Makeup that has not been removed properly.
Cosmetics for the eyes that have already expired when used can cause stys.
Stress and sleep deprivation.
Hormonal changes or imbalances.
Poor Nutrition
Constant rubbing of the eyes.
Sty on eyelid is contagious. Patients who share facial wash cloths or face towel can aid the spread of the condition.

Stys usually leave the eyelids without any treatment. This can happen in 5 days to one week.
Application of warm compress to the affected eyelid for 15 minutes six times per day can help in draining the pus inside the sty and speed up the healing process.
The eyelid should be kept clean by gently rubbing it with water and mild soap. Doing so can also help in draining the sty out.
Avoid puncturing the sty by squeezing it. This may lead to further infection and may cause longer time to heal.
Eye lotions and make-up should not be used.
Contact lens should not be used to prevent the bacteria or the infection from spreading to the cornea.
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help with the redness, swell and the pain.
Antibiotics can be administered when the sty persists for more than a week.
Surgery is considered as a last resort when all treatment options have not worked.