The frequent development of eyelid infection, known as 'stye' among the people, actually gives information about general body health. While low body resistance, excessive sleeplessness and fatigue increase the risk of styes in adults, the emergence of this health problem in childhood can also be a sign of vision problems. Acıbadem Dr. Sinasi Can (Kadıköy) Hospital Ophthalmology Specialist Prof. Dr. Müslime Akbaba emphasizes that this health problem should not be neglected by saying, “If there are visual disorders such as uncorrected high hyperopia and astigmatism in adults and especially in children, the risk of stye formation increases”. Explaining that stye treatment starts with hot compress massage, and if it does not improve, antibiotic ointments accelerate the healing process, Ophthalmology Specialist Prof. Dr. Müslime Akbaba states that methods such as applying garlic to the shallot for treatment should be avoided.
not contagious
A stye, which is defined as an acute bacterial infection caused by the occlusion of the sebaceous glands in the eyelid, is divided into two as internal and external, depending on where it is seen. Explaining that the occlusion of the sebaceous glands at the bottom of the eyelashes is an external sty, Prof. Dr. Müslime Akbaba said, “The infection caused by the occlusion of the oil gland on the edge of the lid is also called 'internal sty'. Styes are not contagious. The mechanism of formation is extremely simple. With the slowing or stopping of the secretion of the sebaceous glands in the eyelid, the bacteria in the bottom of the eyelashes multiply and cause a small local abscess formation. The bacterium called Staphylococcus auerus most often causes this infection.
Diabetics beware
Although bacteria are responsible for its formation, some diseases increase the risk of styes. Noting that the incidence of styes is high in those with seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, diabetes and high lipids, Prof. Dr. Müslime Akbaba states that low body resistance, extreme fatigue and insomnia, as well as disruption of biorhythm, are the triggering factors. "If there are visual disorders such as high hyperopia and astigmatism that are not corrected in children, the risk of styes increases," said Prof. Dr. Müslime Akbaba continues: “A sty is an acute condition. Suddenly, there is edema and redness in the eyelid that starts with pain. While the pain goes away in a day or two, swelling and redness continue. In the external sty, the swelling at the edge of the lid is very evident. Depending on the severity of the infection, it may become an abscess and spontaneously flow out. In the internal sty, the redness and swelling inside the lid are more prominent.
Hot compress massage is good
The definitive diagnosis of a stye is made by ophthalmologists. Noting that although the very small and simple types go away on their own, the disease can be controlled more with early medical treatment, Prof. Dr. Müslime Akbaba said, “Hot compress massage is a very effective treatment method. The warm compress allows the hardened tissue to soften and flow. In addition, baby shampoo or solutions produced for the treatment of blepharitis can help the treatment both with their antibacterial effects and by cleaning the residues in the clogged diaper. However, massage with hot compress and solution is not enough to treat the disease. Using topical antibiotic drops or pomades can shorten the treatment time and prevent abscesses. Noting that the infection can pass more quickly with the short-term use of topical cortisone eye drops, Prof. Dr. Müslime Akbaba states that there is no need to use systemic antibiotics unless the stye is very large.
If the sty becomes an abscess, that is, an inflamed fluid accumulation, it must be drained. Pointing out that abscess drainage should be done in hospital conditions, Prof. Dr. Müslime Akbaba said, “General anesthesia and general operating room conditions are not necessary unless the patient is a child. It is a simple outpatient procedure by anesthetizing the eyelid,” he says.
Garlic has no place in the treatment
There is a belief among the people that it will be good to apply garlic to the shallots. However, in modern medical practices, the use of garlic in the treatment of stye is not included, Prof. Dr. Müslime Akbaba said, “Using baby shampoos by diluting them due to the appropriate pH values that do not disturb the eyes can be beneficial with their antibacterial effects. Solutions or wet wipes containing 7.5 percent or higher tea tree extract can also be used for this purpose. However, it is not sufficient for treatment alone. There is no difference between making a hot compress with tea or normal water,” he says.
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