Frequent styes often occur due to repeated bacterial infections of the oil glands or hair follicles on the eyelids. Common causes include poor eye hygiene, touching the eyes with dirty hands, using old or contaminated eye makeup, hormonal changes, stress weakening the immune system, and underlying skin or eye conditions like blepharitis or rosacea. Other contributing factors can be improper contact lens use, poor eyelid cleaning after sweat or swimming, and medical conditions such as diabetes. Recurring styes happen if bacteria continuously enter and infect these glands or follicles, especially if hygiene and care practices do not address the initial cause. For example, using expired makeup or not properly cleaning eyelids and hands provides an ongoing source of bacterial buildup. Styes are red, painful bumps caused by a bacterial infection, often Staphylococcus aureus, affecting the eyelid's oil glands. Avoid popping styes, as this spreads bacteria and worsens infection. To reduce frequent styes:
- Maintain good eye hygiene by cleaning eyelids gently and regularly.
- Avoid touching eyes with unwashed hands.
- Dispose of old or expired eye makeup and avoid sharing makeup.
- Practice proper contact lens care and hygiene.
- Manage stress and underlying health conditions, such as blepharitis or skin diseases.
- Wash eyelids after sweating or swimming to clear sweat, oil, and bacteria.
If styes keep recurring despite good hygiene, it is advisable to consult an eye doctor or optometrist for diagnosis and treatment, as underlying conditions might need to be addressed.
