A stye popping up can be frustrating, especially when you are already juggling a busy schedule—work deadlines, family responsibilities, and trying to squeeze in a little self-care. It gets you wondering if stress might be playing a role.
While stress itself does not directly cause styes, it can contribute to the factors that make them more likely to occur.
If you have a red bump on your eyelid, there is no need to stress. Instead, schedule a visit with your eye doctor. They will check it out with a quick eye exam and recommend the treatment to have you feeling (and looking) good in no time!
What Is a Stye?
A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a red, swollen bump that develops near the edge of the eyelid. Styes often resemble a pimple and can be painful or sensitive to the touch.
There are two types of styes:
- External Stye: Appears on the outer edge of the eyelid, usually caused by an infection at the base of an eyelash follicle.
- Internal Stye: Forms on the inside of the eyelid and results from an infection of an oil gland.
Both types of styes generally originate from bacteria, typically Staphylococcus bacteria, which normally lives harmlessly on our skin. Styes can also occur when oil glands around the eyelid become clogged or infected. Several factors increase your risk of developing a stye:
- Poor eyelid hygiene
- Rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands
- Leaving makeup on overnight
- Skin conditions like rosacea or blepharitis
- Stress-related behaviors, such as touching your face
Can Stress Cause Styes?
While stress does not directly cause styes, it can indirectly increase the likelihood of developing them. Stress affects your overall health and immune system, which plays a significant role in keeping infections at bay.
Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare your body to handle “fight or flight” situations. While this response is helpful in small doses, chronic stress weakens your immune system over time. A compromised immune system makes your body less effective at fighting off infections, including those caused by bacteria that lead to styes.
Stress can also lead to behaviors that increase your risk of styes, such as:
- Skipping your usual skincare and hygiene routine, such as not fully removing makeup before bed.
- Rubbing your eyes more frequently, often without washing your hands first.
- Experiencing poor sleep, which can further weaken your immune defenses.
Together, these factors create an environment in which styes are more likely to form.
Debunking Myths About Styes
There is a lot of misinformation regarding what causes styes. Common myths include:
- Myth: Styes are contagious.
Fact: Styes are not contagious, though the bacteria causing the infection can spread if proper hygiene is not followed.
- Myth: You can “pop” a stye like a pimple.
Fact: Never pop a stye! Doing so can spread the infection and worsen the swelling.
- Myth: Makeup causes styes.
Fact: While makeup itself does not cause styes, sleeping in makeup or using expired or contaminated products can clog your glands and increase the risk.
How to Prevent Styes
The good news is a few changes to your daily routine can go a long way in keeping styes at bay:
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes.
- Clean your eyelids gently with a mild cleanser, especially if you are prone to styes.
- Remove makeup thoroughly before going to bed to prevent clogged glands.
- Replace old makeup regularly, especially eye makeup like mascara and eyeliner.
- Take care of your skin by treating conditions like dandruff, rosacea, or blepharitis.
Of course, if stress is a problem, try incorporating some relaxing activities into your day, like yoga, meditation, or simply taking a walk. Even 15 minutes of self-care can go a long way!
How to Treat a Stye
Most styes heal on their own within a week or two, but you can ease the discomfort and speed up the healing process with some of these techniques:
- Warm Compress: Apply a warm compress to your eyelid several times a day for 10–15 minutes. This can help the stye drain naturally and reduce swelling.
- Cleanse Gently: Use a clean cloth and warm water to gently clean your eyelid. Avoid using harsh soaps or rubbing too hard.
- Avoid Squeezing It: Do not attempt to pop or squeeze the stye; this can spread the infection.
- Over-the-Counter Options: Use a saline solution or over-the-counter pain medication for temporary relief.
Remember, patience is key. If the stye persists or worsens significantly, professional treatment may be necessary.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor?
Here are the signs that it might be time to visit your optometrist:
- The stye persists for more than a few days with home treatment.
- The swelling or pain increases.
- Your vision becomes blurry or distorted.
- There is significant discoloration or swelling in surrounding areas.
We can provide targeted care, such as prescribing antibiotics or draining a severe stye if necessary. Taking action sooner rather than later can prevent complications.
Clear Eyes, Happier Days!
Styes are no fun, but the good news is they are manageable and often preventable with simple steps like improved hygiene. Though stress does not directly cause styes, keeping your immune system strong and your stress levels in check can make all the difference.If you are experiencing recurring styes or other eyelid concerns, we are here to help. Eye Love Optometry offers expert advice and treatments to help keep your eyes healthy and looking their best. Book an appointment with us today—you will see the difference firsthand!
