What is the difference between Sty and Pink eye?

Question

I recently went to my cousin's house who had pink eye. The next day I woke up and had a lump on my eyelid and it hurt to blink. I had an eyelash that was really painful and I pulled it out. My parents assumed I had pink eye but after researching I think I may have sty. My parents have also put me on a Pink eye antibiotic.

What are the dangers of taking pink eye antibiotic if I do have Sty?

Answer 1

pink eye is contagious...styes are not....

An Eye Stye is a common infection of the hair follicle of an eyelash, resembling a sore similar to a boil or a pimple in the gland at the edge of the eyelid which leads to blockage of the hair follicles that may become swollen, nuisance and painful to the touch. An Eye stye occurs when staphylococcal bacteria infect one of the tiny glands at the base of the eyelid hairs and then becomes inflamed. An infection bacterium is frequently transferred from one hair shaft to another when rubbing it to relieve itching.



Unless the swelling blocks vision, a stye do not affect vision and their symptoms include pain in the eye or in the eyelid, discomfort when blinking, sensitivity to light, swelling of the eyelid, blurred vision and redness or tearing of the eyelid. In most cases, a tiny pimple is present. An Eyes Stye develops in 3 to 7 days; usually fills with pus then burst spontaneously healing on their own when the infection drains. Pain and swelling subsides when the pressure is relieved.

This disease appears due to debilitated condition of the system. A diagnosis by a physician is not required but advisable because a chalazion can be mistaken for a stye. Chalazion is a non-bacterial lump on the eyelid caused by a blocked mucous gland under the eye. Your physician may examine your eyelid to determine the cause of the infection. This condition may also appear as result from blocking of the gland by dirt or due to error of refraction.

An Eye stye can be treated at home by applying very warm compresses for about ten minutes at each time, 3 to 4 times daily, using a wet, clean wash cloth to the tender area. This treatment will aid in the suppuration of the stye; suppuration refers to the forming of a head on an infection and the heat from compresses speeds up the white blood cells to fight the infection. Your physician may prescribe the applications of antibiotic drops or antibiotic cream for the stye. If you have frequent styes, the prescription of an antibiotic ointment will prevent the recurrence

Home Remedies for the Treatment of Eye Stye
- Rub clove spice in water and apply it over the stye to relief pain.

- Use a grated potato as a poultice to reduce swelling in inflamed eyes.

- Slit an aloe leaf lengthwise and place the pulpy side on the sore eye.

- Boil 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds with a cupful of water like an herbal tea preparation to wash the eyes 3-4 times a day.

- 1 teaspoon of turmeric in 2 cups of water until it reduces in half. Cool and strain 4-5 times through a fine muslin. Apply as eye drops 3-4 times a day

- Take a cup of water. Dissolve 2-3 granules of alum in it. Use as an eyewash.

- Guava leaves, warmed and placed on a warm damp cloth, and then used as a compress; reduce the redness, pain and swelling.

- Boil a handful of acacia leaves in two cups of water to make a decoction and apply it as compress on the eyelids

In rare cases, surgical drainage of the stye may be necessary if the stye is not responding to treatment or the infection is recurrent.

There are also a wide range of non-prescription products and topical medications for an eye stye, mostly made up of petroleum jelly and other emollients to keep the eye moisturized. These medications are useful to relieve the pain and stop the tearing, redness, itching, burning and stinging, but cannot treat the infection associated with the eye stye.

Eye Stye Tips
As preventive measures, never put your fingers in your infected eye because your hands are full of germs, and allow the eyes styes rupture on its own. Never ever "pop" a stye like a pimple because it may cause the infection to spread or transfer from one eye to another. Many eye infections are contagious, and eye styes do require a high standard of hygiene. The best advise to no sharing of eyes-makeup, towels or face cloths is and during insertion and removal of contact lens be sure to use good hygiene practices.

Pink Eye" (conjunctivitis)
Conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva - the thin, protective membrane that covers the surface of the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, it gives the eye a reddish tinge, hence the common name of "pink eye." It is caused by bacteria, viruses and other germs that are transmitted to the eye through contaminated hands, towels, eye makeup, contact lenses, etc. It can also result from exposure to irritants such as chemicals, smoke or dust, pollen and other allergens. It is not uncommon for conjunctivitis to occur in conjunction with a cold or flu.

Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and tends to be prevalent in crowded work spaces, daycare centers and schools. It easily spreads by direct person-to-person contact, in airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed. It also spreads from sharing makeup, towels and washcloths. Although usually a minor eye infection that improves within two weeks, some types can develop into serious corneal inflammation and vision loss, if not treated quickly.

Signs and Symptoms
The primary sign is redness and inflammation of the white part of the eye. In addition, you may experience the following symptoms:

Swelling, burning and/or itching in one or both eyes
Excessive tearing or watering
Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep
Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
A gritty feeling in your eye

Types of Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis symptoms are: red eye(s), sticky discharge, gritty or foreign-body sensation and the eyelids may be stuck shut in the morning. Vision
is usually not affected. The most common types of bacteria causing the infection are staphylococcus (staph) or streptococcus (strep). If the discharge is severe, gonococcal (gonorrhea) conjunctivitis must be considered. Bacterial conjunctivitis is not related to the common cold or flu.
Treatment - Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments that cover a broad range of bacteria. Warm compresses may be prescribed to help soothe the eye, and artificial tears prescribed to help clear discharges and dilute the bacterial toxins. Your eye doctor may also recommend eyelid scrubs.


Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, cold, or sore throat. It is usually caused by an adenovirus, the family responsible for upper-respiratory illnesses. Although viral conjunctivitis often clears spontaneously within a week, you should still see your eye doctor to ensure it doesn’t lead to a more serious infection involving the cornea.
Treatment - Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. A warm compress may relieve some of the discomfort. Artificial tears may also provide symptomatic relief. For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation. Just as a cold must run its course, so must this form of conjunctivitis, which usually lasts from 4 to 7 days but can persist for up to two weeks or more.



Allergic conjunctivitis results from a response to airborne pollen, dust, smoke, or environmental agents. Both eyes are usually affected and may itch, tear excessively and produce a stringy mucous discharge. You may also have other allergic reactions, such as a runny or itchy nose. Allergy tests can identify specific causes. Allergic conjunctivitis may also be caused by intolerance to substances such as cosmetics, perfume, or drugs.
Treatment - Topical eye drops are available to relieve symptoms. Cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. Your eye doctor may recommend oral medications such as over-the-counter or prescription decongestant-antihistamines. Eyecare products such as contact lens solutions or eye drops can cause allergic reactions as well. Discontinue use if you notice allergic conjunctivitis symptoms following the use of a particular product.



Chemical conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to irritating liquids, powders, or fumes and requires immediate action. Common irritants in include chlorine, detergents, fuels, ammonia, smoke and pesticides.

Treatment - First, flush the eye with cold water continuously for 15 minutes. Then, apply an over-the-counter artificial tear or ocular decongestant for minor irritants such as chlorine from a swimming pool; for chemicals such as ammonia or bleach, emergency medical treatment is needed.


A tip on children and eye drops - A child's eyes do not need to be open to put in drops! Have children lie on their backs and close their eyes. Put 2 or 3 drops in the corners nearest the nose. It will pool there until they blink. Then it slips in without that annoying 'plunk' of a falling drop hitting the eyeball.


If you have conjunctivitis:


Don't touch or rub the infected eye(s).
Wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
If you or someone in your household has conjunctivitis, be sure to wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Wash any discharge from your eyes twice a day using a fresh cotton ball. Discard used cotton ball and wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Wash your bed linens, pillowcases, and towels in hot water and detergent.
Avoid wearing eye makeup while you have conjunctivitis. To prevent reinfection, throw away your used make-up and replace.
Throw away disposable lenses; be sure to clean extended wear lenses and all eyewear cases. Replace contact lens solutions...they may be contaminated.
Wash your hands after applying eye drops or ointment to your eye or your child's eye.
If your child has bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, keep them home from school or day care until he or she is no longer contagious.
Prevention
Infective conjunctivitis is highly contagious and there is no foolproof way to avoid getting it. However, maintaining proper hygiene will minimize transmission.

To prevent allergic or chemical conjunctivitis, avoid exposure to irritants by keeping your environment well-ventilated, particularly when using products that produce smoke, chemicals or fumes. Always wear protective eyewear and clothing when handling chemicals.

Sources:
1. St Lukes Eye 2. University of Michigan Medicine
3. University of Chicago Medicine


For additional information, please contact our office:
Back to Top
Dr. Philip Smith & Associates


3636 5th Ave Ste. 300
San Diego, CA 92103

619-297-4331


*Meds can help in either way!

Good Luck! I hope you feel better soon!

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the difference between Sty and Pink eye?
I recently went to my cousin's house who had pink eye. The next day I woke up and had a lump on my eyelid and it hurt to blink. I had an eyelash that was really painful and I pulled it out. My parents assumed I had pink eye but after researching I think I may have sty. My parents have also put...

Answer 3

Pink eye is when the white part of your eyeball is totally pink, it may be itchy....A sty is a bump inside or around your eye. I see no harm in using the antibiotic for either, but ask a doctor, anyway......

Answer 4

I'm not sure if taking pinkeye antibiotic for Sty is bad, but a sty is like a lump that is in your eylid,usually caused by germs, I'm not sure what causes pinkeye but I know it's ver contagious.

Answer 5

Eye Stye Pictures

Answer 6

nothing. you are more then fine, taking those antibiotics will only kill whatever bacteria that's in the eye, wheather there is pink eye or not.

Answer 7

that's an interesting question and I hope you get some reasonable answers

Answer 8

Extremely curious about the answer to this