How long does a stye last?

L’the organ is a small button which appears at eyelid levelmost often at base of an eyelash. It is generally not serious and only lasts a few days provided you do not make any missteps. Update with Dr. Benjamin Memmi, ophthalmologist.

In the vast majority of cases, the stye is a benign condition which is evolving rapidly. Its duration is generally two to four dayswith complete disappearance in less than a week.

“This little spot located on the eyelid is linked to a infection of a hair follicleat the base of an eyelash, most often caused by staphylococcus bacteria », underlines Doctor Benjamin Memmi. This infection generally occurs after contamination: “for example when thewe rub our eyes with unwashed hands or via objects in contact with the eye, such as makeup,” continues the expert. According to him, the stye generally progresses quite quickly.

The progression of a stye is generally rapid and fairly typical.

This development may vary slightly from person to person, but it generally remains brief. “In the majority of cases, recovery is complete within a few days without special treatment,” reassures Doctor Benjamin Memmi.

Confusion is common: “Many patients think they have a stye when it is actually a chalazion », According to the ophthalmologist.

He explains that the chalazion corresponds to an inflammation of a glans of Meibomiusand not an infection. He tends to evolve more slowly and can persist for several weeks, or even become chronic.

Furthermore, “the chalazion tends to repeatunlike the stye which generally remains punctual,” specifies the specialist. “We rarely have repeated styes.”

Some simple gestures help support healing.

The application of heat, in the form of hot compresses several times a daypromotes drainage of the lesion and can contribute to its favorable evolution.

Be careful, a good hand hygiene is essential before any contact with the eyes in order to avoid maintaining or aggravating contamination.

It is also recommended to temporarily interrupt the makeup and the wearing lensesso as not to further irritate the eyelid.

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a local antibiotic treatment (fusidic acid), in the form of eye dropsof gel or from ointment.

Non, it is strictly not recommended to pierce a stye yourselfat the risk of aggravating the infection and injuring the eye.

When a “sty” does not disappear after a few days, it is most often a chalazion. Chronic inflammation of the eyelids, called blepharitiscan also promote this type of lesion.

Certain terrains, such as diabetessome skin diseases of the face (rosaceaseborrheic dermatitis, etc.) or even a eyelid gland dysfunction (often associated with dry eye) can promote recurrence or slower progression.

Even if the stye is most often benign, certain situations should lead to consultation. This is particularly the case in the absence of improvement after a few days : if the lesion persists, increases in size or becomes particularly painful.

“Complications are rare, but the infection can, in certain cases, spread. We then speak of preseptal cellulitis”, specifies Dr Benjamin Memmi.

A first opinion can be taken from a general practitioner : “the latter often prescribes eye drops with fusidic acid”, specifies Dr Benjamin Memmi. In the event of an unusual development, a consultation with a ophthalmologist may be necessary.

In case of a stye, surgery is not necessary. The evolution is spontaneously favorable in the vast majority of cases. On the other hand, when it is a question of a persistent chalazion, a procedure can be considered. It consists of performing drainage under local anesthesia, carried out by an ophthalmologist.