A sty, also referred to as hordeolum or a stye, is a medical condition involving an infection of the eyelid. Symptoms of an eye sty include a swollen red bump on the eyelid and pain. Discharge from the eye and crusting around the eyelid may occur. A small white area may occur in the middle of the sty, similar to a pimple. Treatment for a sty includes placing a moist, hot compress to the area to allow the infection to come to a head and drain. A deep sty may require a physician to drain it.
Bacteria
A bacterial infection is the most common reason for a sty to develop, according to MayoClinic.com. The bacterium staphylococcus is normally the culprit, but other types of bacteria can cause the sty formation. The bacteria enter the hair follicle of the eyelash and block the oil glands in the eyelid. The blockage causes the sty.
Poor Hygiene
Touching objects or people and not using proper hand washing can transfer a virus or bacteria to the eye. Irritation may occur due to dirt or foreign objects into the eye from contaminated hands. Transferring bacteria, viruses or other contaminants to the eye may cause a sty to occur on the eyelid. Proper hand washing before touching the eyes can help prevent the formation of a sty.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a medical condition that involves an inflammation around the edges of the eyelids. The condition may cause symptoms such as crusting, ulcerations, redness or thickened scales, according to the Merck Manuals. Causes of blepharitis include a bacterial infection, allergies and viral infections. Treatment for the condition involves treating the cause of the problem, such as antibiotics for a bacterial cause, and allergy medication for pollen. Warm compresses may help relieve the symptoms. The underlying infection or irritation to the eyelid can cause a sty to form.
