Styes

What is a stye?

A stye (sometimes called a hordeolum) is an infected root of an eyelash. The infection collects as a small abscess or pus-filled sac, which feels like a hard painful spot or lump on the eyelid. As the pus gathers, it can be seen as a yellow colour under the thin surface skin.

The cause is usually a type of bacteria called staphylococci, commonly found on the skin and a cause of a variety of infections, especially if you're feeling run-down.

Treatment and recovery

• Simple pain relief with aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Warm compress (use a face flannel soaked in very warm water) to draw out the pus and help the abscess to discharge
• Antibiotic eye ointments may need to be applied in more difficult cases (very occasionally, a course of antibiotic tablets are needed)

Some people suggest pulling out the eyelash at the centre of the stye because this lets the pus out. This can put a rapid end to the stye, but you should be careful about doing it too often because it can encourage any new eyelashes that form to grow inwards, turning the eyelids in and damaging the surface of the eye.

Repeated styes

Styes are common but usually disappear quite quickly and don't return. But if you do have repeated problems with styes, there are several reasons for this:

• Infection may be spreading from one lash follicle to the next. You should be scrupulous about hygiene and cleaning the eye. Antibiotic ointment is often needed to prevent this spread.
• Your immune system may be under par, leaving you more vulnerable to infection, because of poor nutrition, inadequate sleep or stress. If this is the case, make changes to your lifestyle.
• Recurrent infections may occasionally be a sign of diabetes, although this is unlikely if you're otherwise well. If infections persist, your doctor may want to test your urine for sugar.

If you're at all worried, have any problems with your vision, or if the yellow spots persist, you should get more advice from your doctor.