A stye, medically called a hordeolum, is a small, red, and often painful bump that forms on the edge of your eyelid. It develops when a hair follicle or an oil gland becomes blocked and infected with bacteria. While a stye may look similar to a pimple, it occurs in the delicate area of the eyelid and requires gentle care.
Styes are extremely common and can affect people of all ages. Although most resolve on their own within a week, some require medical treatment. This article explains what causes styes, risk factors, symptoms, treatments, prevention, and when to see a doctor.
What Causes a Stye?
A stye occurs when bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus, infects a blocked oil gland or hair follicle in your eyelid.
Types of Styes
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External hordeolum – forms at the base of an eyelash follicle, usually visible on the outside edge of the eyelid.
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Internal hordeolum – develops inside the eyelid when a meibomian (oil) gland becomes infected.
Both types cause redness, swelling, and discomfort, but external styes are more common.
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop a stye, but certain factors increase the risk:
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Poor hygiene – not removing makeup before bed or failing to wash your hands before touching your eyes.
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Contact lens use – especially when inserted or removed with unwashed hands.
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Blepharitis – chronic inflammation of the eyelids, making them more prone to infection.
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Skin conditions – such as seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea.
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Diabetes – which can impair the immune response.
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Demodex mites – microscopic mites on the skin that may worsen eyelid conditions.
People between ages 30–50 are slightly more likely to get styes than other age groups.
Symptoms of a Stye
The hallmark sign of a stye is a painful red bump along the edge of the eyelid. Additional symptoms may include:
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A small spot of pus in the center of the bump
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Swelling of the eyelid
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Excessive tearing
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Crusting on the eyelid margin
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Sensitivity to light
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Eye discharge
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Feeling like something is stuck in the eye
Styes typically develop over 2–3 days and may cause your entire eyelid to swell.
Diagnosis
There are no special tests for styes. An eye doctor or primary care provider can diagnose it by examining your eyelid and reviewing your symptoms.
Stye vs. Chalazion
A chalazion is another type of eyelid bump caused by a blocked oil gland, but it:
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Grows more slowly
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Is usually painless
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Feels firmer to the touch
Although they differ, the initial treatments are often similar.
How To Treat a Stye
Most styes improve with simple home care. Treatment usually lasts about a week.
At-Home Remedies
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Warm compresses – Apply a clean, warm (not hot) washcloth to the eyelid for 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times daily, to encourage natural drainage.
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Eyelid hygiene – Gently wash eyelids with diluted baby shampoo or a doctor-approved cleanser.
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Pain relief – Take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
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Avoid makeup and contacts – Prevents contamination and further irritation.
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Hands off – Never squeeze or pop a stye; this can spread infection.
Medical Treatments
If a stye doesn’t improve, your doctor may recommend:
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Antibiotic ointments – e.g., erythromycin ophthalmic ointment to target bacterial infection.
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Oral antibiotics – prescribed if the infection spreads or if cellulitis (a deeper skin infection) develops.
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Sterile drainage procedure – a small incision to release trapped pus, done by an ophthalmologist under local anesthesia.
Prevention of Styes
Styes often return if proper hygiene is not maintained. Follow these preventive steps:
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Wash your face and eyelids daily with mild cleansers.
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Remove eye makeup thoroughly every night.
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Replace mascara and eyeliner every 3 months.
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Wash hands before touching eyes or handling contact lenses.
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Disinfect or replace contact lenses regularly.
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Consider fish oil supplements to support healthy oil gland function.
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If Demodex mites are present, use tea tree oil wipes (doctor recommended) for eyelid care.
When To See a Healthcare Provider
Most styes heal naturally. But seek medical care if:
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The stye lasts longer than 2 weeks
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Pain or swelling worsens after a few days
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Your vision becomes blurred or impaired
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You develop a fever
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Multiple styes appear
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The eyelid becomes very red or swollen
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The stye bleeds or forms a blister
Persistent or recurring styes may require further evaluation to rule out underlying conditions like blepharitis or chronic skin disorders.
A Quick Review
A stye (hordeolum) is a common eyelid infection caused by bacteria entering a blocked gland or hair follicle. Symptoms include a red, swollen bump, tearing, crusting, and discomfort.
Most styes resolve within 7–10 days with warm compresses, proper eyelid hygiene, and pain relief. If the stye doesn’t go away, becomes very painful, or interferes with vision, medical treatments such as antibiotics or drainage may be necessary.
Preventing styes involves keeping your eyelids clean, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding contaminated makeup or contact lenses.
