Can styes cause headaches?

If you’ve ever had a stye, you know they can be pretty irritating. But did you know that they can also cause headaches? In this blog post, we’ll explore the link between styes and headaches and what you can do to relieve the pain.

What is a stye or hordeolum?

A stye, commonly known as a ‘hordeolum‘, is an eyelid infection caused by bacteria. It’s typically a small, red lump that usually heals after a few weeks. Although it may look intimidating, you don’t need to worry – it’s usually not serious and is easily treated with warm compresses applied to the affected area.

Use these over-the-counter treatments several times a day until the stye subsidies to relieve swelling and discomfort.

So don’t panic if you find yourself with a stye – follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to clearer eyes in no time! Keep reading to learn more about the link between styes and headaches.

Can styes cause headaches?

Before we answer this question, let’s consider the headaches’ causes. Typically, headaches can be caused by muscle tension around the neck and head, dehydration, or allergies.

In the case of stye, it is possible that they can cause headaches due to their location near the eyes. This is because when a person has a stye, the area around their eye can become inflamed and sensitive.

This inflammation may then cause pain in the head and neck as a result. The good news is that the headache should also subside once the stye has healed.

Sometimes, a healthcare provider may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription medications to treat the inflammation and pain associated with a stye.

How to Identify a Stye-Related Headache

If you are experiencing a headache and a stye, the stye is likely the cause.

Look for swelling and redness around the affected area and discomfort or pain when moving or touching the eye.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options for styes, including:

Warm compresses: Applying warm compresses to the affected area can help to reduce swelling and discomfort. This can be done several times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time.

Antibiotic ointment: In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic ointment to be applied to the stye to help reduce swelling and prevent infection.

Eye drops: A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to help reduce swelling and prevent infection, similar to antibiotic ointment. It is important to use the drops as directed and avoid contaminating the dropper tip or wearing contact lenses while using the drops.

Traditional sty treatment options include herbal and home remedies such as tea bags, honey, and castor oil. These remedies may provide some relief, but it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper treatment.

Consult a healthcare provider before treating a stye to determine the best action. Also, avoid touching or rubbing the stye, which can cause further irritation and potentially lead to infection.

Tips to Avoid Getting Styes

To avoid getting styes, it is important to practice good eye hygiene. This includes regularly washing your hands, avoiding touching or rubbing your eyes, and avoiding sharing towels, makeup, or other personal items with others.

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Headaches

To reduce the risk of headaches caused by styes, it is important to treat styes as soon as they appear. This can help prevent swelling and inflammation and reduce the risk of discomfort and pain. In addition, avoiding triggers such as stress and fatigue can also help to prevent headaches.

Conclusion

Styes are a common and painful condition that can cause headaches. Understanding the connection between styes and headaches and using appropriate treatment and prevention methods can reduce the risk of both styes and headaches.

Also Read: Can You Wear Mascara With A Stye?