French pharmacy
0
French pharmacy
What is a stye and how does it develop?
A stye is a common infection of the eyelid margin, usually appearing as a small, red, painful bump, often filled with pus. The condition is mainly caused by an infection of the sebaceous glands or hair follicles at the base of the eyelashes. The main culprit is the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, which penetrates and infects the gland or follicle, causing inflammation, redness and pain.
What are the symptoms of a stye?
Symptoms of a stye include marked redness, pain, swelling of the eyelid, a burning sensation in the eye, and sometimes a slight discharge. Styes can also cause increased sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. It is common to feel a kind of foreign body in the eye.
What treatments are available for styes?
The main aim of stye treatment is to reduce inflammation and fight infection. In most cases, the stye will resolve itself within a few days. Recommendations include applying warm compresses to the eyelid several times a day, which helps to speed up the maturation and natural break-up of the stye. It's important not to puncture or squeeze the stye to avoid spreading the infection. Antibiotic ointments or eye drops may be prescribed by a healthcare professional to help fight the bacterial infection. In the event of frequent recurrence or complications, medical consultation is necessary.
Can styes be prevented?
Styes can be effectively prevented by maintaining good eye hygiene. This includes regular hand-washing before touching the eyes, the use of single-use cosmetics and the removal of make-up before bedtime. It's also advisable not to share items likely to transmit bacteria, such as towels or eye cosmetics. A balanced diet and hydration also help maintain overall health and can reduce the risk of infection.
Is stye contagious?
Although styes themselves are not considered contagious, the bacteria that cause them can be transmitted by direct contact. So it's important to wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing personal items such as towels or make-up to minimize the risk of spread.
What's the difference between a stye and a chalazion?
A stye, often painful, is an acute infection of the glands of the eyelid, usually visible as a red bump near the edge of the eyelashes. In contrast, a chalazion is a chronic inflammation of a sebaceous gland deeper in the eyelid, often resulting in a harder, less painful bump located further away from the eyelid margin. The treatment of chalazion is similar to that of stye, although chalazions can take longer to heal and may need to be treated surgically if they persist.
How long does it take for a stye to heal?
Most styes start to improve within a few days and resolve completely within one to two weeks. Applying warm compresses several times a day can speed up this process. If a stye does not show signs of improvement after a few days, or if it worsens, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. More specific treatments, such as antibiotics or minor procedures, may be required.
Can a stye affect vision?
Generally speaking, a stye does not affect vision. However, if the infection spreads or the stye becomes particularly large, it can cause discomfort and slight pressure on the eye, which can temporarily disrupt vision. If you notice any change in your vision, or if the stye seems particularly severe, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.
Is it possible to get styes repeatedly, and how can they be managed?
Some people may be prone to recurrent styes, often due to underlying conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, ocular rosacea, or a predisposition to bacterial infections. To manage recurrent styes, we recommend maintaining excellent eyelid hygiene, using warm compresses regularly, and consulting an ophthalmologist.and to consult an ophthalmologist, who can prescribe preventive treatments such as topical antibiotics or more specific hygiene measures.
