What should patients avoid doing with an external stye?

Patients with an external stye should avoid applying pressure to the area, as this can exacerbate the condition and lead to increased inflammation or potential rupture of the stye. Applying pressure may also introduce bacteria from the external environment into the lesion, further complicating the healing process. It's important for patients to allow the stye to heal naturally and not interfere with it, as excessive handling can delay recovery and cause discomfort.

While other actions, like wearing contact lenses or applying eye makeup, may also be discouraged during the healing period, the primary concern is the potential for irritation and infection, which reinforces the importance of not applying pressure directly to the stye. Thus, avoiding pressure is crucial for facilitating healing and reducing the risk of further complications.