How to heal an internal stye

An internal stye is a lump that appears on the inside of the eyelid of the eye due to a meibomian gland infection, which are a type of sebaceous glands located in the corner of the eyelids. The main cause of the appearance of an internal stye is usually an infection by bacteria known as staphylococci, which normally live on the skin and in the nose but due to poor hygiene can move to the eyes causing these bumps. In addition, there are also some factors that increase the risk of having this infection again such as having diabetes, a weak immune system or acne.

In this other oneHOWTO post we explain more about why styes appear.

As we have already advanced, there are two types of stye: internal and external. But how do you distinguish one from the other? Next, we list the main ones symptoms of an internal stye:

• Appearance of a bump with a yellow spot in the center of it.
• Reddish lump in the lower eyelid area.
• Swelling and pain in the eyelid area.
• Unlike the external, the internal usually affects only one eye.
• Excessive tearing
• Appearance of legañas.

How long does a stye last?

Another aspect that often worries people who suffer from it is the period of time that this eye condition can last. However, there is no specific duration of a stye as it depends directly on the patient. Still, although an exact figure cannot be said, there are some estimates on how long a stye will last. According to the Baviera Clinic, stye can improve approximately between 7 and 10 days, being able to disappear after that period in normal conditions.

However, although it is not usual, complications can arise during this infection, so an internal stye can last for months.

Although as we have indicated, a stye usually improves with the passage of days in most cases, it can also happen that on some occasions it may arise some complications like the following:

• Appearance of a chalazion: It is a cyst that forms due to inflammation of the meibomian glands.
• Extent of infection: The condition can spread to both the entire eyelid and the skin around the eye.

Stye and chalazion: what’s the difference?

Although the chalazion is also a bump that appears from inflammation of the sebaceous glands, it is not the same as an internal stye. Here are the main differences so that you do not confuse a chalazion with a stye:

• The chalazion is a lump that generally does not cause pain while the internal stye does.
• A stye usually develops on the edge of the eyelid. The chalazion appears a little further back.
• A chalazion is larger than the internal stye and can cause blurred vision as a result.

Generally, a stye does not require any specific treatment since in the most common cases they tend to drain on their own until they disappear completely. However, if the infection lasts longer than normal or worsens, the specialist may assign the following medical treatments for an internal stye:

Drug treatment for stye

When the infection takes longer to clear up than normal, the specialist will generally assign prescription antibiotics (either in ointment or eye drops) to help fight the infection and prevent it from spreading through the skin of the eye. Among the antibiotics most used to eliminate a stye from the eye we find aureomycin, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin.

Surgical treatment for a stye

When the internal stye presents complications or evolves into a chalazion, the specialist may perform surgery to remove it. This operation will consist of making a small cut in the stye to drain its contents and thus accelerate its healing. However, despite the fact that it is one less surgery, it will always be performed by a specialist. That is, under no circumstances should we try to remove these bumps at home.

Here we talk more about How to get rid of a stye.

Although this problem of the eye area, under normal conditions, disappears on its own with the passage of days, we can use some of the following home remedies to cure an inner stye:

• Hot compresses: hot water can help both to reduce inflammation and pain caused by the stye. To do this, moisten a cloth or compress with hot water and apply it to the affected area for 10 minutes. Repeat this remedy 4 times a day.
• Chamomile bags: This plant has excellent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which helps reduce swelling and prevents the spread of infection. Use the bag of a chamomile infusion that you have already made and apply it on the closed eye for 10 minutes. Repeat this remedy 2 times a day. Here we explain in more detail How to wash your eyes with chamomile.
• Maintain proper hygiene: the stye is contagious so it is very important that you wash your hands well before applying any treatment. In addition, it will also be important that you avoid sharing towels, clothing or other personal items to avoid contagion from other people.

Discover more effective options in this other oneHOWTO article on How to cure a stye with home remedies. However, remember that it is important to consult with your doctor and / or pharmacist before starting any treatment.

This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.