A complete guide to understanding and avoiding recurrent styes

Styes are an infection that affects many people around the world. Although benign, this eye infection can be not only painful but embarrassing. If it becomes recurrent, you can imagine the discomfort it can create. So it's important to understand its causes so you can better prevent or avoid it. This article guides you through the possible causes of recurrent styes and suggests effective long-term strategies to avoid its recurrence.

What causes recurrent styes?  

A stye is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles at the base of the eyelashes. Often caused by staphylococcal bacteria, it results in red, painful swelling of the sebaceous glands of the eyelids. The infection may affect the outside or inside of the eye, depending on which glands are involved. Styes can recur for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the causes of recurrent styes:    

Poor hygiene

Inadequate hygiene is one of the main contributors to styes. Touching your eyes with unwashed hands or neglecting eyelid cleansing can introduce bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, which causes styes. What's more, not removing your make-up before going to bed, or using out-of-date cosmetics, increases the risk of infection in your own home.  

Weakened immune system

A weakened immune system makes the body less able to fight infection. Diseases that weaken the immune system can compromise the immune response, making it easier for bacteria to multiply. This can lead to frequent styes.

Skin disorders

Skin conditions such as ocular rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis increase the risk of styes. These conditions create an environment conducive to the accumulation of sebum and bacteria, which encourages infection. People suffering from these conditions need to pay particular attention to their ocular hygiene.

Prolonged stress

Chronic stress can damage the immune system, making you more vulnerable to infection. What's more, stress can encourage you to rub your eyes, further increasing the risk of bacteria entering the eyelids.

Constant exposure to a dirty or dusty environment

Living or working in a dirty or dusty environment exposes your eyes to irritants and pathogens. Indeed, dust and particles can irritate your eyes and promote inflammation. This increases the risk of infection by bacteria present in these environments.

Genetic factors

Some research suggests that genetic predisposition may make some people more susceptible to styes. Indeed, if members of your family have often suffered from styes, it's possible that you're also more likely to develop them because of these hereditary factors.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation that often affects the edges of the eyelids. It can lead to an accumulation of debris and sebum, creating a favorable environment for bacteria. People with blepharitis are much more prone to recurrent styes.

Diabetes

Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to a variety of eye problems, including increased susceptibility to infections such as styes. Indeed, high blood glucose levels can have a negative impact on blood vessels and eye tissues. This will lead to impaired immune function and promote bacterial proliferation.  

How can I avoid recurring styes in the long term?  

Several interconnected factors contribute to the recurrence of styes. Careful attention to personal hygiene and proper management of underlying medical conditions are essential to prevent this unpleasant eye infection. Here is a list of long-term solutions to prevent recurrent styes:

Don't share your make-up products

To minimize the risk of bacterial transmission, avoid sharing make-up, towels or eye care products with others.

Maintain rigorous eye hygiene

Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes without first cleaning them, and refrain from rubbing your eyes vigorously, as this can introduce bacteria and cause irritation.

Care for your contact lenses

Follow your optometrist's advice on cleaning and caring for your lenses, and replace them regularly if you're used to wearing them.

Wear safety glasses if possible

Use safety goggles in dusty or windy environments to reduce exposure to irritants.

Adopt a balanced diet

Eat nutrient-rich foods (vitamins A, C, E, zinc) to boost your immune system and prevent infection.

Practice daily eyelid hygiene

Regularly clean eyelid margins and eliminate bacteria and secretions. At CARE, we offer you advanced solutions for eyelid care and hygiene.  

Treat underlying conditions

Be sure to treat any underlying conditions, such as blepharitis, that may contribute to the recurrence of styes. Follow appropriate treatment as recommended by a healthcare professional.

Manage your stress

Practice stress management techniques (meditation, yoga, exercise) to maintain a strong immune system.

Consult an optometrist

Make regular visits to an optometrist if you have a history of styes, show signs of redness or irritation, or suffer from chronic eye conditions. The CARE clinic opens its doors to you for holistic care.  

In short, recurrent styes can be a sign of other diseases, which need to be managed. With these long-term strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent styes and improve your overall eye health.

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