How to Get Rid of a Stye: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A stye can make your eyelid red, swollen, and uncomfortable. These small bumps often appear near the eyelashes and may look like a pimple, but they develop from an infection in an eyelid gland or eyelash follicle.

Most styes improve with simple home care, although some need treatment from an eye doctor. Understanding what causes a stye, how to manage the discomfort, and when to seek care can help you protect your eye health.

What Causes a Stye on Your Eyelid?

A stye, also called a hordeolum, usually develops when bacteria infect an oil-producing gland in your eyelid or a gland associated with an eyelash follicle. The infection causes inflammation, resulting in a tender, swollen bump.

Styes can form along the eyelid edge or deeper within the eyelid. They're often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus, which commonly live on the skin.

Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing a stye, including blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation), poor eyelid hygiene, and touching your eyes with unwashed hands.

Common Symptoms of an Eye Stye

A stye usually affects one eyelid, though you can develop more than one at a time. Symptoms may include:

• A red, tender bump near the eyelid edge
• Swelling or redness around the eyelid
• Pain or sensitivity when touching the affected area
• Watery eyes or mild irritation
• Crusting around the eyelashes
• A small yellow or white spot if the stye develops a pus-filled center

A stye can sometimes resemble a chalazion, which develops when an eyelid oil gland becomes blocked. Unlike a stye, a chalazion is usually less painful and isn't typically caused by an active bacterial infection.

An eye exam can help determine which condition is causing your symptoms.

How Long Does a Stye Usually Last?

Many styes improve within a few days and resolve within 1 to 2 weeks. Some may take longer, particularly if the inflammation is more severe or the affected gland remains blocked.

A stye may also drain naturally as it heals. Avoid squeezing or popping it, as this can spread infection or worsen inflammation.

If the bump doesn't improve after several days of home care, keeps growing, or lasts more than one to two weeks, contact our eye doctors in Lakeville or Apple Valley for an evaluation.

When To Tell if a Stye Needs Treatment from an Eye Doctor

Most styes don't require antibiotics or surgery. However, your eye doctor may recommend treatment if the infection persists, worsens, or spreads beyond the affected gland.

Antibiotics may be appropriate in certain cases, particularly when surrounding eyelid tissue becomes infected. Occasionally, a persistent stye may require drainage.

Seek prompt medical attention if you experience significant swelling, worsening redness, fever, vision changes, or severe pain. Redness or swelling spreading around the eye also requires urgent evaluation.

How to Help Prevent Styes

Although you can't prevent every stye, good eyelid hygiene may help reduce your risk, especially if you've experienced them before.

Wash your hands before touching your eyes, remove eye makeup thoroughly before bed, and avoid sharing makeup or towels. Replace old eye makeup regularly and keep reusable makeup tools clean.

If you have blepharitis or frequently develop styes, your eye doctor may recommend an ongoing eyelid cleaning routine to help manage inflammation.