User:Hdk23ph/Stye

Cause
A stye is caused by a bacterial infection. The most causative bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus which is responsible in about 95% of cases. Staphylococcus epidermis is the second most common causative bacteria. Infection of the Zeis or Moll glands leads to external hordeolum (stye), while infection of the Meibomian glands leads to internal hordeolum. The infections lead to the blocking of these glands at the base of the eyelash or inside of eyelids. Styes are experienced by people of all ages, however the highest rate of incidence is in ages 30 to 50 years old. This is possibly due to higher androgens levels and incidences of rosacea in adults. Styes can also be triggered by poor hygiene, cosmetic products and medical conditions. Touching eyes and face with dirty hands can transmit bacteria to the eyes. Makeup and lash extensions can also introduce bacteria to the eyes. Patients with seborrheic dermatitis, chronic blepharitis, diabetes and rosacea are at increased risk of experiencing styes. Selective immunoglobulin M deficiency and high serum lipid levels can also the risk factors for styes.

Complications[edit]
Stye complications occur in very rare cases. However, the most frequent complication of styes, particularly internal styes is its progression to a chalazion. Chalazion can cause significant cosmetic deformity and corneal irritation. Initial management of chalazion is similar to styes. However, large chronic chalazion may require intralesional steroid injections and surgical intervention. Complications may also arise from these invasive treaments. Intralesional injections can commonly cause depigmentation at the injection site, as well as retinal and choroidal vascular occlusion in very rare cases. Similarly, improper surgical incision can cause disruption of lash growth and lid deformity. Large styes may also interfere with one's vision. Preseptal cellulitis is another potential complication of styes. It is a soft tissue infection of the eyelids and requires use of systemic antibiotics. Progression of a stye to a systemic infection (spreading throughout the body) is extremely rare, and only a few instances of such spread have been recorded.

Prevention
Stye prevention is closely related to eye hygiene. Proper hand washing can reduce the risks of developing not only styes, but also many other types of infections. Washing hands prior to touching eyes and wearing contacts can reduce the risk of introducing bacteria to the eye. Application of a warm washcloth to the eyelids for one to two minutes can be beneficial in decreasing the occurrence of styes. It will help liquefying the contents of the oil glands of the eyelid and thereby preventing blockage. Gentle massage of the eyelids can also stimulate drainage in during stye events. Removing makeup especially eye makeup before bedtime can reduce the risk of styes. Cosmetics and cosmetic eye tools should not be shared among people to prevent spread of styes. Similarly, tip of the eye drops bottles should not touch the infected eyes and eyelashes. Contaminated eye makeup and eye drops should be discarded to prevent cross contamination. Avoid wearing contacts during stye episodes as it can further irritate the eyes. If blepharitis present, appropriate management of it can prevent reoccurrence of styes.

Treatment
Most cases of styes resolve on their own without professional care. External styes make drain within 48 hours, while internal styes can take 1 to 2 weeks to drain spontaneously. The primary treatment is application of warm compresses for 10 to 15 minutes three to four times a day. It can help in fastening the process of stye resolution. People may also cleanse the affected eyelid with tap water or with a mild, nonirritating soap or shampoo (such as baby shampoo) to help clean crusted discharge. Cleansing must be done gently and while the eyes are closed to prevent eye injuries. People with styes should avoid eye makeup (e.g., eyeliner), lotions, and wearing contact lenses, since these can further aggravate and spread the infection. If the stye does not resolve within 1 to 2 weeks, then pharmacological interventions can be used. Topical antibiotics and surgical drainage can be used to irradiate the infection and, provide patient comfort.