Is stye contagious? Understand how to catch it (and how to avoid it)

The stye is not contagious, because it is caused by bacteria that are naturally present on the skin, normally appearing after the obstruction of eyelid glands, which favors the multiplication of these microorganisms.

When a stye develops, symptoms such as swelling, redness and pain in the eyelid are common. However, in more severe cases, swelling and redness can spread around the eye, indicating ocular cellulitis. Find out more symptoms of ocular cellulitis.

If you suspect a stye, especially if symptoms persist for more than 5 days, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist or general practitioner. Treatment may involve applying warm compresses to the eye, improving eye hygiene and antibiotic ointments.

Is a stye contagious?

Styes are not contagious, because the infection is normally caused by bacteria that are found naturally on the skin and are in balance with other microorganisms. Therefore, if a person comes into contact with another person’s stye, it is likely that their immune system will already be prepared.

However, even though it is not contagious, it is important to maintain hygiene habits, such as always washing your hands with soap and water to prevent the stye from becoming even more inflamed.

Why does a stye happen?

Styes occur due to the accumulation of secretions in eyelid glands, which favors the proliferation of bacteria, leading to inflammation of the gland. A stye is more common in cases of:

• Diabetes;
• Dryness of the skin;
• Hormonal changes, due to pregnancy, menstrual cycle and puberty, for example;
• Skin diseases such as acne and seborrheic dermatitis;
• High cholesterol;
• Blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelid.

Furthermore, people who do not practice adequate eye hygiene also have a greater chance of developing a stye. Better understand the causes of stye.

How to avoid stye

To avoid stye, it is recommended:

• Keep your eyes always clean and free from secretions or gunk;
• Wash your face daily to eliminate eye secretions and balance skin oil;
• Avoid sharing objects that may come into contact with your eyes, such as makeup, pillowcases or towels;
• Avoid scratching or touching your eyes frequently;
• Always wash your hands before touching your eye.

You should also avoid bursting the stye, as the pus released can end up infecting the eye and even spreading to other areas of the face.

Furthermore, people who wear contact lenses should ideally stop using them while they have a stye, as they may end up contaminating the lens. See what the treatment for stye is like.