You might have had a small bump on your eyelid that was red, tender or hot. This small bump on your eyelid is called and stye and it is caused by inflammation. Many individuals are not extremely familiar with styes and don’t know if they are contagious or not. Luckily, styes are not contagious in the typical sense. This means that a stye can’t be passed to one person from another. Here is some more vital information about styes and how they are caused and spread.
What Is A Stye?
A stye is caused by inflammation within the eyelid. The affected area of the eyelid is often a small gland that is found within the eyelid lining. The inflammation of the eyelid that causes the stye is due to an infection from bacteria. However, although bacteria is likely the culprit of your infection some styes exist with no present bacteria. Since a stye is caused by bacteria, it is not found to be contagious. It is simply a small bump that can be present on the outside or inside of your eyelid. A stye is incredibly common and most people have about two styes during their lifetime.
Can The Bacteria Be Spread?
Although a stye can’t be passed from one person to another, it is possible to pass the bacteria to someone else. However, most individuals would not obtain a stye due to the passing of the bacteria. The process of stye formation is pretty complicated and just because you are passed the bacteria does not mean that a stye will form. This means that styes are not contagious and can’t be passed from one person to another.
How Do You Avoid Getting A Stye?
Styes are incredibly common and most people will have more than one during their lifetime, but there are ways to lessen your ability of obtaining a stye. If you have a healthy immune system you will most likely not get styes, but there are other hygiene practices that you can use. Simply washing your hands regularly will help to keep that bacteria at bay. It is also recommended that you do not wear contacts or eye makeup when you have a stye. This will help it heal more quickly and cause less irritation to your eye.
It is important to remember that styes are not contagious and only the bacteria can be passed.
