Key Points About Styes
- A stye is a red, sore bump on the edge of your eyelid that looks like a pimple
- It's usually caused by bacteria getting into tiny oil glands in your eyelid
- Most styes go away on their own in a few days
Stye causes
A stye happens when bacteria get into your eyelid and block an oil gland. Or:
- Touching your eyes with dirty hands
- There’s a buildup of oil, dirt or dead skin on your eyelid
- Using old or dirty makeup
- Not cleaning contact lenses properly
Stye risk factors
Certain habits and conditions can make you more likely to get a stye:
- Rubbing your eyes often
- Sleeping with makeup on
- Wearing old or expired eye makeup
- Not cleaning contact lenses well
- Having blepharitis (swollen eyelids) or other eye conditions
Stye symptoms
A stye usually causes some noticeable signs around your eye:
- A small red bump on the edge of the eyelid
- Swelling and soreness
- Watery eyes or a scratchy feeling
- A yellow spot in the middle of the bump (like a pimple)
- Light sensitivity (in some cases)
Stye diagnosis
A doctor can usually tell if it’s a stye just by looking at your eye. No special tests are usually needed. The doctor may check for other eye problems if the bump doesn’t go away.
Stye treatment
Most styes heal on their own, but there are ways to help it go away faster:
- Place a warm, clean washcloth on your eye for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day
- Don’t try to pop or squeeze the stye
- Keep your hands and face clean
- Stop using eye makeup or contact lenses until it heals
- A doctor might give you medicine or drain it if it doesn’t go away
When to Seek Care
You should see a doctor if:
- The stye lasts more than a week
- It keeps coming back
- It gets really painful or swollen
- It affects your vision
- There’s pus or your whole eyelid looks infected