stye inside eyelid treatment

3 min read 20-03-2025

A stye, or hordeolum, is a painful, pus-filled bump that forms on the eyelid. It's caused by an infection of the oil glands or hair follicles near the eyelid. While most styes develop on the outside of the eyelid, they can also occur inside the eyelid (internal hordeolum). This article explores effective treatments for a stye inside the eyelid.

Understanding Internal Hordeola (Styes Inside Eyelid)

An internal stye is a less common type of stye. It develops within the eyelid, closer to the conjunctiva (the membrane lining the inside of your eyelid). This makes it harder to see initially and potentially more challenging to treat. Symptoms often include:

Swelling and redness: The eyelid will appear swollen and red, similar to an external stye, but the swelling might be more diffuse.
Pain and tenderness: The area around the stye will be quite painful to the touch.
Blurred vision: Depending on the size and location, the stye may temporarily affect your vision.
Feeling of something in the eye: You might experience a persistent feeling of a foreign body in your eye.
Possible discharge: While less visible than with an external stye, there may be some yellowish discharge.

Important Note: Never attempt to squeeze or pop an internal stye. This can worsen the infection, spread it to other areas, and potentially lead to serious complications.

Home Remedies for Stye Inside Eyelid

While home remedies may not completely cure an internal stye, they can help alleviate symptoms and speed up the healing process:

1. Warm Compress: The cornerstone of stye treatment

Applying a warm compress to your eyelid several times a day is the most effective home treatment. The warmth helps to increase blood flow to the area, promoting drainage and healing.

How-to: Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water. Wring it out and gently apply it to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. Use a fresh washcloth each time.

2. Gentle Eyelid Hygiene

Keeping the area clean can prevent further irritation and infection:

Clean Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes.
Avoid Makeup: Do not wear eye makeup while the stye is present to prevent re-infection.
Clean Eyelids: Gently clean your eyelids with a mild cleanser, such as baby shampoo, and warm water.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

For pain relief, consider over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Follow the dosage instructions carefully.

When to See a Doctor for a Stye Inside Eyelid

While many styes resolve on their own within a week or two with home treatment, you should see a doctor if:

The stye is severe or doesn't improve after a week of home treatment.
You experience vision changes.
The stye is accompanied by a high fever or other signs of systemic infection.
You have multiple styes.
You have recurring styes.

Medical Treatment for a Persistent Stye Inside Eyelid

If home remedies don't work, your doctor may recommend:

Antibiotics: If the infection is severe or doesn't respond to home treatment, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to fight the infection.
Surgical Drainage: In rare cases, a doctor may need to surgically drain the stye to alleviate pressure and promote healing. This is usually a minor procedure performed in the office.

Preventing Future Styes

Preventing future styes involves practicing good hygiene and maintaining healthy habits:

Wash your hands frequently: This is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Avoid touching your eyes: This helps prevent the transfer of bacteria from your hands to your eyes.
Clean your contact lenses properly: Improperly cleaned contact lenses are a common cause of styes.
Replace your makeup regularly: Old makeup can harbor bacteria.

This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the best course of action for your specific situation.