How Long Does A Stye Last
A stye is a bump in the eyelid which an be internal or external. The causes of a stye can be the inflammation of a sebaceous gland. This typically occurs by the proliferation of bacteria that results in an infection. Although not usually a serious condition, styes are quite annoying and are contagious. Therefore, it is important to know how to tackle a stye to reduce swelling as soon as possible. Also, sufferers often wonder how long a stye lasts, so in oneHOWTO we explain more about it.
Steps to follow:
First of all, it's important to know how to identify a stye correctly and, to do so, you should know that it's a type of red lump similar to a carbuncle or pimple that can appear both inside or on the outside of your top or bottom eyelid. This lump is quite painful for the patient and, between the most common symptoms we can find, swelling, pain and redness on your eyelids, constant tears and formation of eye crust.
First, note that the duration of a stye can vary greatly depending on the person. It is not possible to specifically determine how long a stye will last. The truth is that normally styes usually improve within a week or 10 days, when the protrusion disappears from the eye.
Still, it is true that in some cases this lengthens and a stye may persist for months. This amount of time is not common and if this is the case, sufferers should visit a doctor without fail if your stye is lasting more than usual or if, for example, they come back frequently. Moreover, the best thing to do is to prevent and, if you notice that after 48 hours your stye isn't getting any better, gives you terrible pain or swelling and the redness spreads to other areas of your face, you should go to your doctor as soon as possible so he/she can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Usually the bump drains and disappear after 4-5 days, especially if we take the appropriate measures to eliminate a stye. Some of the most effective are the following:
- Apply of heat on the area so your stye matures quicker and gets rid of the pus and grease it has inside.
- In severe cases apply a prescribed antibiotic ointment and follow the product's instructions.
- Apply humid compresses in a chamomile tea for 10 minutes several times a day, this will relieve the nuisance if you have an itchy stye.
- Avoid using makeup and cosmetic products that could make the infection worse and create more severe issues.
Furthermore, it is also possible to aid the healing process using some home remedies that you can try at home.
Remember styes are highly contagious and it will be fundamental to take precautions while you have the infection. Don't share towels, sheets, clothes or any object that increases the risk of contagion.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to How Long Does A Stye Last, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.
Tips
- If the stye takes many days to disappear, see your doctor.