Recurring Styes with Discharge: Causes and Solutions for Eye Health

Q: Recurring Styes with Discharge: Causes and Solutions for Eye Health

Hello： The recurrent stye situation you are experiencing sounds indeed troublesome and affects your quality of life. <br>Based on your description, this may not just be a simple stye but could involve other eyelid issues. <br>Here are some possible considerations and recommendati

Recurrent styes with a lot of discharge?

Hello, I have been experiencing recurrent styes for several months, alternating between my left and right eye, and sometimes developing them in both eyes simultaneously.
Initially, they appeared as small blisters, occasionally swollen and painful, but rarely with pus.
Recently, whenever there is a recurrence, I wake up with my eyelids stuck together due to discharge! I initially visited an ophthalmologist, who prescribed an ointment for me, but it not only did not improve the condition but also seemed to slow down the healing process.
The conjunctiva of my eyelids is very red.
Since my condition fluctuates, when I have an appointment, my eyes are not flaring up, and the doctor is unable to make a diagnosis.
When I do have a flare-up, it is difficult to get an appointment...
Could there be other issues besides styes? I run every day, drink plenty of water, have a normal diet, and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
I do not wear makeup at all and work from home, so aside from washing my face, I do not need to remove makeup.
Currently, the inner membrane of my eyelids is very red, and there is a hard layer that resembles a scab – but I am afraid to touch it.
Thank you, doctor.

Wang Wang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/06/02

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: The recurrent stye situation you are experiencing sounds indeed troublesome and affects your quality of life.
Based on your description, this may not just be a simple stye but could involve other eyelid issues.
Here are some possible considerations and recommendations:
1.
Chronic Blepharitis or Chalazion: A stye is caused by an infection of the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.
If it recurs frequently, it may be chronic blepharitis or a chalazion.
These conditions require long-term care and treatment.
2.
Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids can also lead to redness and increased discharge, which may require ongoing use of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications for control.
3.
Treatment Recommendations:
- Warm Compress: Apply a warm, damp washcloth to the eyelids for about 10-15 minutes daily to help open the oil glands and reduce inflammation.
- Eyelid Hygiene: Use a non-irritating eyelid cleanser to clean the eyelids, which can remove excess discharge and bacteria.
- Antibiotic Ointment: If topical ointments alone do not improve the condition, oral antibiotics may be necessary, which requires a prescription and supervision from an ophthalmologist.
- Avoid Rubbing: Rubbing the eyes may exacerbate inflammation or lead to new infections.
4.
Medical Consultation: Although you face difficulties in scheduling appointments during flare-ups, it is advisable to seek a detailed examination from an ophthalmologist, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
5.
Environmental Factors: Maintaining a clean environment at home is also important, particularly regularly changing and washing items that come into contact with the eyes, such as bed linens and pillowcases, to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
6.
Ongoing Observation: If there is long-term redness and hardening of the eyelid's inner membrane, it is recommended to return to an ophthalmologist for further examination to rule out other potential issues, such as eyelid tumors.
I hope these suggestions are helpful.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to seek an ophthalmological examination for further diagnosis and treatment.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Reply Date: 2024/06/02

More Info

Recurring styes, also known as hordeola, can be quite bothersome and may indicate underlying issues with eye health or hygiene. Styes are typically caused by bacterial infections, often due to the blockage of oil glands in the eyelids. When you experience recurrent styes, it is essential to consider various factors that could contribute to their persistence and to explore potential solutions.

Causes of Recurring Styes
1. Bacterial Infection: The most common cause of styes is the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which can infect the oil glands in the eyelids. If these bacteria are present on the skin or in the nasal passages, they can easily transfer to the eyes.

2. Poor Eyelid Hygiene: Insufficient cleaning of the eyelids can lead to the accumulation of debris, oil, and bacteria, increasing the likelihood of stye formation. Even if you do not wear makeup, it is crucial to maintain eyelid hygiene.

3. Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins) can predispose individuals to develop styes. This condition often presents with red, swollen eyelids and crusting along the lash line.

4. Stress and Hormonal Changes: Stress and hormonal fluctuations can affect your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, including those that cause styes.

5. Underlying Health Issues: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or skin conditions like rosacea, can increase the risk of developing styes.

Solutions and Recommendations
1. Maintain Eyelid Hygiene: Regularly clean your eyelids with a gentle eyelid scrub or diluted baby shampoo. This can help remove debris and bacteria that may contribute to stye formation.
2. Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected eye for 10-15 minutes several times a day can help soothe irritation and promote drainage of the stye. This can also help reduce inflammation.

3. Avoid Squeezing: It may be tempting to squeeze or pop a stye, but this can worsen the infection and lead to complications. Allow the stye to drain naturally.

4. Consult an Eye Care Professional: Since you have experienced recurrent styes and are noticing redness and crusting, it is advisable to see an eye care professional. They may prescribe antibiotic ointments or drops to help clear the infection. If you have blepharitis, they may recommend specific treatments to manage that condition.

5. Monitor for Other Symptoms: Keep an eye on any additional symptoms, such as changes in vision, persistent redness, or swelling. If these occur, seek medical attention promptly.

6. Consider Lifestyle Factors: Ensure you are managing stress effectively and maintaining a balanced diet. Staying hydrated and getting adequate sleep can also support your immune system.

7. Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes, especially if your hands are not clean.

Conclusion
Recurring styes can be frustrating, but with proper care and attention to hygiene, you can reduce their frequency. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to consult with an eye care professional for a thorough examination and tailored treatment plan. They can help determine if there are any underlying issues contributing to your stye formation and provide appropriate interventions. Remember, maintaining good eyelid hygiene and seeking timely medical advice are key steps in managing your eye health effectively.

Similar Q&A

Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options

Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing styes frequently. Although they usually resolve in 3 to 4 days, I get them almost every 2 to 3 weeks. Could this be a problem related to my constitution?

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Xiao Xu: It could be related to your constitution, but it's also important to pay attention to eyelid hygiene and dietary choices. Please refer to: https://bit.ly/3DNUis1

Understanding Styes and Chalazia: Causes, Treatments, and Recurrence

Hello, Doctor. I developed a stye at the end of September last year, located near the inner corner of my right eye. I visited an ophthalmology clinic where I was initially prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and eye drops. The doctor informed me that if there was no improveme...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Weiwei: Typically, after a scraping procedure, the eyelid should not have a white wound. This usually relates to individual constitution, diet, and lifestyle habits. Dr. Liao provided a great introduction; please take a look at http://www.shutien.org.tw/dr_doc_detail.aspx?b...

Excessive Eye Discharge: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello doctor, about two years ago, I started experiencing a lot of discharge from both eyes. Sometimes it is white and sometimes it is light yellow, mostly concentrated on the lower eyelids. I have to pull down my lower eyelids to wipe it away, and I need to do this three to ten ...

Dr. Chen Anping reply Ophthalmology
1. It may be chronic conjunctivitis. 2. Are you wearing contact lenses?

Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Potential Health Issues

Hello Doctor: I developed a stye in early September this year. After the first stye subsided, I developed another one in each eye. By early October, I had another stye in my left eye, and within less than a month, yesterday and today, I developed another stye in each eye again. I...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Helen: It should not be a potential disease; appropriate prevention can lead to improvement. Please refer to: https://bit.ly/3TE1LSK. In terms of cleanliness, when washing your face, you can use a cotton swab dipped in a non-irritating shampoo to clean the base of your eyel...