Bump on Eye-lid or Stye

Eyelid bump

Bump on the eyelid; Stye; Hordeolum; (IN HINDI : gulel)

 A stye is an inflamed oil gland on the edge of your eyelid, where the lash meets the lid. It appears as a red, swollen bump that looks like a pimple.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A stye is caused by bacteria from the skin that get into the oil glands in the eyelids that provide lubrication to the tear film.You may have more than one stye at the same time.

Styes usually develop over a few days and may drain and heal on their own. A stye can become a chalazion -- this is when an inflamed oil gland becomes fully blocked. If a chalazion gets large enough, it can cause trouble with your vision.

Symptoms

In addition to the red, swollen bump, other possible symptoms include:

•    A gritty, scratchy sensation as if there is a foreign body

•    Sensitivity to light

•    Tearing of your eye

•    Tenderness of the eyelid

Signs and tests

A doctor can diagnose a stye just by looking at it. Special tests are usually not necessary.

Treatment

To treat eyelid bumps:

•    Styes can be treated by applying warm compresses. Apply for 10 minutes. Do this four times a day.

•    Do NOT attempt to squeeze a stye or any other type of eyelid bump. Let it drain on its own.

•    Antibiotic creams may help recurrent or persistent styes. Some large styes need to be lanced to drain the infection.

Complications

•    Recurrence of a stye

•    Spread of infection to other eyelash follicles

•    Spread of infection to the tissue of the eyelid (eyelid cellulitis)

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if:

•    You have problems with your vision.

•    The eyelid bump worsens or does not improve within a week or two of self-care.

•    The eyelid bump or bumps become very large or painful.

•    You have a blister on your eyelid.

•    You have crusting or scaling of your eyelids.

•    Your whole eyelid is red, or the eye itself is red.

•    You are very sensitive to light or have excessive tears.

•    A stye comes back soon after successful treatment of another one.

•    Your eyelid bump bleeds.

Prevention

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the skin around your eye. If you are susceptible to styes, it may help to carefully clean off excess oils from the edges of your lids.