A stye, commonly known as a "stye," is the most frequent acute inflammation of the eyelid. It causes localized redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the eyelid skin, with adjacent bulbar conjunctival edema. Severe cases may involve enlarged and tender lymph nodes in front of the ear and under the jaw, along with chills and fever. So, what causes a stye on the eyelid? Let's explore below for shared understanding.
I. Structure of the Eyelid. The eyelid contains two types of glands: sebaceous glands at the base of the eyelashes, which open into hair follicles; and meibomian glands near the conjunctival surface, embedded within the tarsal plate and opening along the eyelid margin.
II. What is a Stye? A stye is an acute suppurative inflammation of either of these eyelid glands. The bacteria most commonly causing styes is Staphylococcus aureus.
III. Types of Styes. Styes are classified into two types: internal styes and external styes:
1. External Stye.This is an acute suppurative inflammation of the Zeis glands (Cai's glands). Initially, localized congestion and swelling appear along the eyelid margin. Within 2–3 days, a hard nodule forms, accompanied by significant swelling, pain, and tenderness. The nodule gradually softens, developing into a yellow pustule at the base of the eyelashes. It ruptures and drains pus rapidly. Severe cases may present with systemic symptoms such as chills and fever.
2. Internal stye.An internal hordeolum is an acute suppurative inflammation of the meibomian gland manifesting on the conjunctival surface. Its clinical symptoms are less intense than those of an external hordeolum because the inflamed meibomian gland is enclosed by the firm tarsal plate. A faint yellow pus mass is often visible beneath the congested palpebral conjunctiva and may spontaneously rupture, draining pus into the conjunctival sac.The meibomian gland opening may show mild swelling and hyperemia, with pus draining along the gland duct. In rare cases, pus may break through the skin. If the meibomian gland fails to rupture and the causative pathogen is highly virulent, the inflammation may spread, invading the entire meibomian gland tissue and forming an eyelid abscess.In the early stages, apply warm compresses or magnetic therapy, use antibiotic eye drops and ointments. Systemic antibiotics and sulfonamide drugs may be necessary to control the condition and prevent spread. Once inflammation is controlled and pus accumulates with a fluctuating sensation, incision and drainage can be performed, with appropriate removal of necrotic or granulation tissue. Placement of a drainage strip may be considered based on the situation.