Styes are swollen glands that form along the edge of the eyelid, close to the lashes. A stye can also occur inside or under the eyelid. Styes are common, and home remedies can usually help.

If the stye is persistent or severe, medical treatments may be necessary.

Styes are the result of a bacterial infection. Although styes are not usually serious, they can be irritating and painful.

There are two types of stye, depending on their location. External styes occur at the base of an eyelash follicle. Internal styes occur in the oil glands inside.

Read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes of styes. This article also looks at home remedies, medical treatments, and more.

A person with a stye will have painful swelling on the eyelidShare on Pinterest
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Styes are bacterial infections of an oil gland or hair follicle on the eyelid. Staphylococcus bacteria are the most common cause of styes.

Styes often occur if debris blocks the oil glands or hair follicles of the eyelid. These blockages can trap bacteria, resulting in an infection.

Risk factors for a stye

Anyone can develop a stye, but there are certain factors that can increase the likelihood. These include:

Styes usually occur in one eye at a time, though it is possible for both eyes to have a stye.

A stye is typically very painful. Other symptoms can include:

  • a discolored bump that resembles a pimple along the eyelid, close to the eyelashes
  • a small yellow spot in the middle of the bump
  • feeling as though something is in the eye
  • eye discharge or crustiness along the eyelid
  • excessive tear production
  • light sensitivity

A chalazion produces similar symptoms, but the bump is hard and painless.

View the slideshow below for photos of styes.

A doctor can usually diagnose a stye based on the physical appearance and a person’s symptoms.

The doctor may only order tests, such as blood tests, if they believe the stye may be due to an underlying condition.

Most styes clear up on their own in 1 to 2 weeks.

The following tips will minimize the duration of a stye and prevent recurrences:

  • Use a warm compress: A warm compress can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, and gently press it against the stye for 5 to 10 minutes, around 2 to 4 times per day.
  • Wash hands regularly: Regular handwashing helps prevent particles from reaching the eye and clogging up the glands. This can prevent styes from developing and reduces irritation of an existing stye.
  • Take pain relief medication: Over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Avoid wearing makeup: It is best to avoid wearing eye makeup until the stye heals. Covering the stye with makeup can slow healing and irritate the stye. More bacteria can also be spread into the region by makeup brushes and pencils.
  • Avoid popping the stye: Squeezing and popping a stye can release pus and spread the infection. It is important to avoid popping it.

Learn more about how to treat a stye.

Styes typically resolve on their own without medical intervention. However, if a person has persistent styes, or if the stye develops into a chalazion, doctors may recommend medical treatments. These can include:

  • antibiotics to treat the infection
  • steroid injection to reduce the swelling
  • surgery to drain the stye in rare cases

If the stye does not go away within 1 to 2 weeks, or if it keeps recurring despite home remedies, people are recommended to contact a doctor.

A person should also contact a doctor if the stye:

  • gets worse very quickly
  • is bleeding
  • starts to affect vision
  • spreads to the white of the eye
  • accompanies redness or discoloration in the cheeks or other part of the face

How long does a stye usually last?

A stye typically resolves within 1 to 2 weeks. A person can encourage healing by applying a warm compress to the area, taking pain relief medication, and avoiding wearing eye makeup.

Is an eye stye contagious?

An eye stye is not contagious.

What can be mistaken for a stye?

A chalazion is similar to a stye. It happens as a result of oil glands in the eye becoming clogged. Unlike a stye, a chalazion is not painful.

Is a stye a symptom of anything?

A stye is not typically a symptom of another condition. However, some conditions can make a stye more likely. These include diabetes, blepharitis, and skin conditions such as rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, can also increase the risk of a stye.

What happens if a stye is left untreated?

A stye will usually go away on its own without treatment within 1 to 2 weeks. However, in some cases, a stye can develop into a chalazion. If this happens, a person should contact a doctor for advice on medical treatments.

Styes are swollen bumps on the eyelid. They can occur in follicles at the base of an eyelash, or in glands on the inside of the eyelid.

Styes are the result of a bacterial infection, most commonly the Staphylococcus bacteria. Most styes resolve independently within 1 to 2 weeks. Maintaining good eye hygiene and applying warm compresses can help to reduce the severity of existing lumps.

If a stye does not go away, or if it keeps coming back, a person should contact a doctor. The doctor can confirm the diagnosis and advise on any medical treatments they feel are necessary.