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Two problems that affect the eyelids are styes and cysts. A stye is a bacterial infection that appears as a small gland along the edge of the eyelid. It is usually between the eyelashes and may have an eyelash protruding from it. Styes are usually painful, red, and swollen. They eventually fill with pus and form a yellow or white head.
A stye does not usually require a trip to your doctor and can be cared for at home by applying warm compresses for 10 to 15 minutes, 4 times a day. This treatment should be continued for 3 or 4 days to relieve pain, swelling, and promote drainage of the pus. A stye should never be squeezed or rubbed. Squeezing will make the swelling worse and rubbing may spread the infection. Styes are contagious. It is important to remember that cloths used as compresses will be soiled with infected material from the stye and should be washed separately from clothing (or thrown away) to prevent other family members from getting a stye. YOUR DOCTOR SHOULD BE CONSULTED IF: - home care for a stye does not work or
- the stye becomes more swollen or painful
CYSTS - A cyst is a round swelling in the eyelid that develops from a blocked oil gland. It is harmless unless it becomes infected and forms an abscess. You can care for a cyst at home by applying hot packs for 15-minute periods, 4 times a day. About half of all cysts can be cured without antibiotics. However, if a cyst becomes infected and forms an abscess, it may need to be removed by your doctor. SYMPTOMS OF AN INFECTED CYST ARE: - pain
- redness
- swelling and
- pus
PREVENTION OF STYES AND CYSTS - People with dandruff or who suffer from dry eyes, arthritis, diabetes or inflammatory diseases are more prone to developing styes and cysts. To reduce your risk of developing a stye or cyst: - keep dermatitis on the eyelids under control through regular washing of the eyelashes
- take any prescribed medications according to your doctor's advice and
- examine your eyes carefully and frequently for any signs of tenderness, discharge, or redness
Article #4522 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
