What are styes?
A stye is a common eye infection that develops at the base of your eyelashes. A stye is often filled with pus and can be painful.
What causes styes?
Styes are generally caused by bacteria that live on your skin. When these bacteria enter your eyelash follicle, they can cause an infection.
However, styes can also be caused by other factors, including stress, poor hygiene, hormonal imbalances, and immune system disorders.
Can mascara give you styes?
While mascara itself does not directly cause styes, it can be a contributing factor. Wearing mascara can cause your eyelash follicles to become clogged with product.
Additionally, using old or contaminated mascara can introduce harmful bacteria into your eye area, which can lead to a stye infection.
How can you prevent styes?
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing styes:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes.
- Avoid sharing mascara or eye makeup with others.
- Replace your mascara every three months.
- Remove your mascara thoroughly before bed.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
How can you treat styes?
If you develop a stye, there are several things you can do to relieve your symptoms:
- Apply a warm compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day.
- Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye has healed.
- Do not pop or squeeze the stye, as this can spread the infection.
- Visit your doctor if your stye does not improve after a few days or if you have vision problems or severe symptoms.
