Stye-ling Your Workout Routine: Can You Exercise with a Stye?

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Have you ever been ready to hit the gym and then suddenly noticed a red, swollen bump on your eyelid? If so, you may have a stye – a common eye condition caused by a blocked oil gland. While styes are generally harmless and easy to treat, they can be quite uncomfortable and unsightly. As someone who is dedicated to their fitness routine, you may be wondering – can I workout with a stye? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide tips on how to manage your stye while still staying active. So let’s dive in!

What is a Stye?

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a common and often uncomfortable eye condition that involves an inflammation of the eyelid. It typically appears as a red, swollen bump along the edge of the eyelid, often with a yellowish head in the center. Styes can develop on either the upper or lower eyelid and can affect one or both eyes.

A stye is usually caused by an infection of the oil glands located at the base of eyelashes. This infection is usually caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, which is commonly found on the skin and in the nose.

Although styes are generally harmless and rarely lead to serious complications, they can be quite painful and irritating. In most cases, styes will resolve on their own within a week or two without any medical intervention. However, some people may experience recurring styes or develop more severe forms of styes that require treatment from an eye doctor.

Symptoms of a Stye

The most common symptoms of a stye include:

– A red, swollen bump along the edge of the eyelid
– Tenderness and pain around the bump
– A feeling like something is in your eye
– Crusting along the eyelid margins
– Watery eyes
– Light sensitivity (photophobia)
– Blurred vision

In some cases, people may experience multiple styes at once or have multiple outbreaks over time. This could indicate an underlying condition such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction.

Causes of a Stye

As mentioned earlier, most styes are caused by an infection of the oil glands that line the base of our eyelashes. This infection is usually due to bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. However, there are other factors that may increase the likelihood of developing a stye, including:

– Poor hygiene: Not removing eye makeup or not regularly cleaning your eyelids can increase your risk of developing a stye.
– Chronic eyelid inflammation: Conditions such as blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction can cause ongoing irritation and inflammation of the eyelids, making it easier for styes to develop.
– Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can make you more prone to developing a stye.
– Compromised immune system: People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections, including those that cause styes.
– Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses can increase your risk of developing a stye as they can irritate the eyes and interfere with proper tear flow and drainage.

Working Out with a Stye

If you have a stye, you may be wondering if it is safe to continue your normal workout routine. The good news is that in most cases, you can continue to exercise while dealing with a stye. However, there are some precautions you should take to prevent further irritation or infection.

Firstly, it is important to avoid touching or rubbing your eye while working out. This could irritate the stye and spread any infection to other areas of your eye. Additionally, if you wear contact lenses while working out, it is best to switch to wearing glasses until the stye has fully healed.

Sweat and dirt from equipment may also aggravate a stye. Therefore, it is essential to keep all workout equipment clean and wipe down anything that comes into contact with your eyes. It would also be beneficial to wash your face before and after working out.

If you participate in activities that involve direct contact with others, such as team sports or martial arts, it is best to avoid these until the stye has healed. This will prevent any risk of spreading the infection to others.

When to Avoid Working Out with a Stye

While it is generally safe to continue working out with a stye, there are some cases where it is best to avoid exercising until the stye has resolved. These include:

– The stye is causing severe pain or discomfort: If your stye is making it difficult for you to open your eyes or if you experience intense pain, it may be best to rest and allow the stye to heal before resuming exercise.
– The stye is affecting your vision: If your vision becomes blurry or impaired due to a stye, it would be safer to avoid working out until your vision returns to normal.
– The stye is accompanied by other symptoms: Some people may experience more serious forms of styes, such as chalazions, which can cause scarring and permanent changes in eyelid appearance. If you are experiencing additional symptoms or notice any changes in your eye, it would be best to consult an eye doctor before continuing with your workout routine.

Treating and Preventing Styes

In most cases, a stye will resolve on its own

Understanding a Stye and Its Causes

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a common eye condition that can affect anyone at any age. It is an infection of the oil glands in the eyelids, usually caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are commonly found on our skin and can enter the eyes through small cuts or abrasions. Once they infect an oil gland, it becomes red, swollen, and tender – resulting in a stye.

There are two types of styes – external and internal. External styes appear as a tiny red bump on the edge of the eyelid, while internal styes occur inside the eyelid and may cause more severe discomfort. The good news is that styes are typically not harmful and can be treated easily with home remedies or medical interventions.

The Dos and Don’ts of Working Out with a Stye

A common concern for gym-goers with a stye is whether they should continue their workout routine or take a break until it heals. The answer depends on various factors such as the severity of your stye, your comfort level while exercising, and the type of workout you plan to do.

If your stye is mild with minimal symptoms, then you can still continue to workout with some precautions. However, if it is causing significant discomfort or affecting your vision, it is best to avoid any strenuous exercise until it heals completely.

Do: Listen to Your Body

The most crucial aspect of working out with a stye is listening to your body. If you experience excessive pain or discomfort while exercising, it’s best to stop immediately and consult with your doctor before continuing your workout routine.

Don’t: Touch Your Eyes During Exercise

Styes are highly contagious, so avoid touching or rubbing your eyes while working out. Sweat can easily spread bacteria, leading to further infection or even a new stye. Make sure to wash your hands before and after your workout to minimize the risk of spreading the infection.

Do: Avoid Eye Makeup

Wearing eye makeup can irritate a stye and make it worse. It’s best to avoid using any eye makeup until the stye heals completely. Also, make sure to throw away any eye makeup you used while having a stye to prevent re-infection.

Don’t: Share Towels or Equipment with Others

Styes are contagious, so it’s crucial not to share towels, workout equipment, or any other personal items with others at the gym. If you need to use shared equipment, make sure to clean it thoroughly with disinfectant wipes before and after use.

Do: Use Warm Compresses

Applying warm compresses on your closed eyes for 5-10 minutes several times a day can help relieve pain and promote healing. The heat from the compress increases blood flow, which helps bring more white blood cells (responsible for fighting infections) to the area.

The Best Exercises to Do with a Stye

If your stye is mild and not causing any discomfort, there are many exercises you can still do without aggravating it. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Cardio Exercises

Cardio exercises such as walking, jogging, or using an elliptical machine can be done without causing strain on your eyes. It may help reduce stress and aid in faster healing of the stye.

Yoga

Low-intensity yoga poses that do not require bending over or inverted positions can be safe to practice with a stye. However, avoid poses that put pressure on your eyes or cause discomfort.

Strength Training

If you have a stye but still wish to continue strength training, then opt for exercises that target other parts of your body, such as the core or legs. This way, you can still get a full-body workout without putting strain on your eyes.

When to Pause Your Workouts and Seek Medical Advice

While it is generally safe to workout with a stye, there are cases where it is best to pause your exercise routine and seek medical advice. These include:

  • If your stye is causing intense pain or discomfort that affects your normal daily activities.
  • If there is pus or discharge coming from the stye.
  • If the swelling spreads beyond the eyelid or affects your vision.
  • If you experience recurrent styes.

In these instances, it’s best to consult with your doctor for proper treatment and advice on when it’s safe to resume working out.

Preventing Styes in the Future

Prevention is always better than cure, and this holds true for styes as well. Here are some tips to prevent st

1. Can working out with a stye make it worse?

Working out with a stye can cause it to become more inflamed and irritated, making it worse. The increased blood flow and sweat may also spread the bacterial infection.

2. Should I avoid exercising altogether if I have a stye?

It is best to avoid exercising until the stye heals completely. This can take up to a week or two, depending on the severity of the stye. Resting allows the eye to heal faster without any added irritation.

3. Can I continue my regular workout routine if I have a stye?

It is not recommended to continue with your regular workout routine while you have a stye. Activities like swimming, contact sports, and using shared gym equipment can all increase your risk of spreading the infection and prolonging the healing process.

4. What are some low-impact exercises I can do while dealing with a stye?

Yoga, light stretching, and low-intensity cardio exercises like walking or biking are all good options while dealing with a stye. These activities will not put excessive strain on your eyes and still allow you to stay active.

5. Can wearing makeup while working out with a stye make it worse?

Wearing makeup while working out can increase your risk of spreading bacteria and prolonging the healing process of your stye. It is best to avoid wearing makeup until the stye has healed completely.

6. What should I do if my eye feels uncomfortable while working out with a stye?

If you experience discomfort or pain in your eye while working out with a stye, stop immediately and consult an eye doctor. Continuing to exercise may worsen the condition of your eye and delay its healing process.

In conclusion, it is generally safe to continue working out with a stye as long as precautions are taken. These precautions include avoiding contact with the affected eye, properly cleansing equipment, and being aware of any discomfort or pain. It is important to listen to your body and take breaks if needed. If the stye does not improve or becomes more painful, it is best to consult a doctor before resuming workouts. Additionally, incorporating healthy habits such as proper hygiene and a balanced diet can help prevent styes from occurring in the first place. Ultimately, prioritizing self-care and adjusting your workout routine when necessary can help maintain overall physical health while dealing with a stye. Remember to always consult a medical professional for personalized advice and treatment options. With these measures in mind, you can confidently continue your fitness journey while managing a stye.

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.