Stye on Your Eye? Let’s Take a Look.
You wake up, look in the mirror, and notice a red, painful bump on your eyelid. It may look like a pimple, but it feels much worse. This common problem is called a stye, and while it can be uncomfortable, it is usually easy to treat.
A stye is a small, swollen bump that forms along the edge or inside of your eyelid. It happens when an oil gland gets blocked and infected by bacteria, often Staphylococcus aureus. “Styes may look concerning, but they are typically a minor infection that responds well to simple at-home care,” says PIH Health Physician Chester Cheng OD. “Styes can feel sore and tender, and it might feel like something is stuck in it.”
Why Do Styes Happen? Styes often develop when bacteria build up around the eyes. An internal stye forms inside the eyelid and can be more painful, while an external stye forms along the lash line and looks like a small pimple.
Styes form from everyday habits like:
- Touching your eyes without washing your hands
- Sleeping in makeup
- Using old or expired makeup or dirty cosmetic brushes
- Not cleaning contact lenses properly
- Having irritated eyelids or conditions like blepharitis
Some people are more likely to get styes, especially if they have had one before or have skin conditions like rosacea or diabetes. <
Common Symptoms. You may have a stye if you notice:
- A red bump on your eyelid
- Pain or tenderness
- Swelling
- Crusting near your eyelashes
- Watery eyes or sensitivity to light
How to Treat a Stye. Most styes go away on their own within a few days. You can help it heal faster with simple care at home:
- Use a warm compress: Place a warm, clean washcloth over your closed eye for 10 to 15 minutes, three to five times a day
- Keep your eyelid clean: Gently wash the area with mild soap
- Avoid more irritation: Take a break from makeup and contact lenses
- Do not squeeze it: Popping a stye can make the infection worse
In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic ointment or refer you to a specialist if the stye does not improve.
When to See a Doctor. Reach out to a provider if:
- The stye does not improve after about a week
- Swelling or pain gets worse
- Your vision is affected
- You keep getting styes
If you have a stye that will not go away or have ongoing eye concerns, PIH Health is here to support your eye health every step of the way. Visit PIHHealth.com/EyeCare
