Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Eyelid Styes
This article explains the causes and symptoms of eyelid styes, emphasizing common bacterial infections, risk factors like poor hygiene, and signs such as swelling and pus formation. It advises consulting an eye specialist for accurate diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a small, painful bump that develops either inside or outside the eyelid. It is an abscess filled with pus caused mainly by the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus. Styes are common eye infections, much like conjunctivitis, affecting many individuals at least once in their lives.
Common Causes of Styes
- Most cases occur between ages 20 and 50, particularly in individuals with diabetes or elevated lipid levels.
Styes can develop on the upper or lower eyelids, or both. They originate from bacteria living on the skin surface that feed on dead cells and debris, leading to pustules. Poor eye hygiene and eyelid inflammation are frequent contributing factors. Chalazion, a type of stye, results from blocked eyelid glands that secrete oil essential for eye lubrication. These glands can become clogged, causing swelling over weeks or months.
Internal hordeolum, another form of stye, occurs due to infection of the Meibomian glands at eyelid margins.
Signs and Symptoms
- A stye appears as a small, localized, reddish bump resembling a pimple, which may cause eyelid swelling.
- Severe inflammation can lead to pain and swelling in the surrounding tissue; itching might indicate underlying eye issues.
- Purulent material may form, and in severe cases, enlarged lymph nodes near the ears may be observed.
If you experience these symptoms, consult an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.