A small, painful, swollen red bump on the edge of your eyelid? Chances are it's a stye. This common eye discomfort may seem harmless, but it can be downright unpleasant on a daily basis. To better prevent and treat it, it's important to understand its causes.
What is a stye?
A stye is an acute infection of a gland located at the base of an eyelash or inside the eyelid. It usually appears as a small, red, sensitive bump that looks like a pimple or boil. In most cases, it is external (located near the eyelashes), but it can also be internal, which makes it a little more painful.
What causes a stye?
Bacterial infection (often caused by Staphylococcus aureus): The most common cause of a stye is a bacterial infection, particularly by Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium is naturally present on the skin and around the eyes, but it can enter a blocked gland and cause inflammation.
Blockage of a sebaceous gland: Our eyelids have several glands that produce sebum, a natural oil that lubricates the eyelashes and prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. If one of these glands becomes blocked, secretions can accumulate and promote bacterial growth, leading to the formation of a stye.
Inadequate hand and eye hygiene: Rubbing your eyes with dirty hands, wearing contact lenses without washing your hands, or using contaminated makeup are behaviors that increase the risk of developing a stye. These actions can introduce bacteria into the eye area and inflame a gland.
Expired or poorly cleaned makeup: Using old, shared, or poorly removed makeup at night is another common cause. Residues can block eyelash follicles or sebaceous glands, creating an environment conducive to infection.
Skin diseases and chronic eye problems: Conditions such as blepharitis (chronic inflammation of the eyelids), ocular rosacea, or very oily skin can increase the risk of recurrent styes. These conditions promote inflammation and stagnation of secretions in the eyelid glands.
Stress and fatigue: Although not direct causes, stress and lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections, including those that cause styes.
A stye is often the result of a combination of factors: a blocked gland, bacterial contamination, and sometimes a weakened immune system. Fortunately, it is usually benign and disappears within a few days with proper care.
