Astyeon your eyelid can be painful and annoying.
A stye (hordeolum) is a pus-filled swelling on the eyelid triggered by infection.
This article offers six ways to prevent styes by limiting the bacteria that cause them.
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Research shows that cleaning contact lenses with tap water significantly increases the risk of severe eye infections.
Pre-packaged and pre-medicated eyelid wipes are available that contain gentleantisepticsto keep the eyelid clean.
Tear-free baby shampoo is less expensive and can also help.
Warm compresses can also be used to treat styes.
Styes respond rapidly to heat, particularly when atopical erythromycin ointmentis applied afterward.
There are some commercially available compresses made specifically for the eye that can be heated in the microwave.
Extreme care should be taken when using these products to avoid burns and injury to the eyelid and eye.
This includes mascara and eyeshadow.
These items may be harboring bacteria that worsen the stye or cause it to come back.
Make a habit of replacing your makeup products regularly, whether you’ve had a stye or not.
In particular, it’s best to replace eye makeup every three months.
Summary
Good hygiene goes a long way toward preventing unwanted styes and other eye-related issues.
To help prevent styes, remove makeup and thoroughly wash your face every night.
Old makeup can harbor bacteria that may cause styes.
It’s important to replace your makeup products regularly, especially those you use around your eyes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About handwashing.
National Eye Institute.Contact lenses.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.The danger of using tap water with contact lenses.
2020 Apr;43(2):159-168. doi:10.1016/j.clae.2019.09.003
