A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a common and temporary bacterial infection that develops along the edge of the eyelid. It occurs when the glands near the eyelid become clogged or swollen, leading to a tender, pimple-like bump. In some cases, the blockage of an eyelash follicle can also trigger a stye. This condition often raises questions, with one of the most common being, "How long does a stye last?" While styes typically resolve on their own, persistent cases may require medical attention to ensure proper care and healing. Let's uncover in detail the duration of a stye.
How Long Does A Stye Last?
Many styes can last from a few days to two weeks before healing. After that, patients can experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in treating the inflammation caused by the stye. If the stye remains for more than two weeks, it is called a chalazion. It develops slowly and lasts longer than two weeks. They are localized and do not spread to the other parts of the eye. Sometimes stye can interfere with the vision if it is developed more than usual.
Does A Stye Go Away On Its Own?
Styes can go away independently in a few days or within two weeks. Many home treatments, like a warm compress, can also help drain the eye in a day. However, it is better not to attempt popping or to squeeze the stye as this can spread infection in the other parts of the eye or face and further the infection. If there is no impact on the look after the warm compress or the stye does not go away, then you should make an appointment with our eye doctor.
Treatment Options For A Stye
Never squeeze a stye, as this can spread the infection to the rest of the eye.
1. Oral antibiotics can be used to prevent the attack of antibiotics on the eye.
2. A warm compress is a home remedy that can effectively reduce the swelling in the eye. One can make a warm compress by soaking a washcloth or cotton ball in the water. Make sure it is warm and you can tolerate it without burning your skin.
3. Use any eyelid cleanser.
Benefits of Using A Warm Compress To Treat A Stye
- It helps in liquefying the material or pus-filled infection in the stye. This will help in draining the inflammation.
- Try to draw the pus out of the external stye to the surface. Try to move it out of the style head before bursting.
- It is best to unclog the gland and drain the route of the pus and debris, mainly in the internal stye.
Summary -
A stye is a red, pus-filled pimple-like swelling caused by a bacterial infection on the eyelid or around the eye. If you're wondering, how long does a stye last, it can vary, typically lasting from one to two days or up to two weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. This infection can spread to other parts of the body or face if not managed properly. Simple treatment options, like applying a warm compress to the stye or taking antibiotics, can help alleviate the pain and discomfort at home.
Also Read: 5 Most Common Eye Problems Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a stye last without treatment?
Even after treatment, it can take a few days for the stye to clear up, but in many cases, it will take 2-4 days to clear the stye.
Is stye contagious?
Styes are not contagious. But there can be a spread of the bacteria in the stye. You must wash your hands regularly after touching the eye and wash the pillow cases often to prevent any bacterial infection from spreading.
Why is my stye not going away?
Stye can come back even after treatments. If your stye is not going away, it can be due to blepharitis. If your stye is not going away, talk to your doctor, as it can get worse without treatment.
How can I get rid of stye overnight?
Applying a warm compress is the quickest, safest, and most effective way to eliminate a stye. It is best to apply a warm cloth or a cotton ball after putting it in warm water. Make sure it should not burn the eye and put it gently on the stye.
Will a stye go away on its own?
Most styes resolve on their own, but applying warm compresses and maintaining good eye hygiene can help speed up the healing process.
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