If you’ve ever had a stye, you know how painful and uncomfortable they can be—but what are styes? And what causes them? In this article, we’ll discuss why they occur, how to treat them, and how to prevent styes from forming.

What Are Styes?
Styes are eye infections1 that appear as red, pimple-like bumps on the outer or inner edge of your eyelid. If you have symptoms like eyelid pain, eyelid swelling, or excessive tearing, a stye could be to blame.
There are two kinds of styes: external styes and internal styes. External styes are the most common, and they are usually caused by bacteria from a blocked eyelash follicle or oil gland.
Internal styes also begin in blocked oil glands, but within the actual tissue of your eyelid. As they grow larger, they can push on your eye—for this reason, internal styes are often more painful than external styes.
Some medical conditions can also make you more prone to developing styes, including:
- Blepharitis2, a chronic inflammation condition along the edge of the eyelid
- Rosacea3, a skin condition characterized by facial redness
How to Prevent Styes: Daily Habits for Healthy Eyes
What to Do as Soon as You Notice a Stye
If you suspect you may have a stye, there are a few things you can do right away to provide some relief. Remember—never try to pop or squeeze a stye, as it can spread the infection to the rest of your eyelid.
Wash Your Face
Clean your face with mild soap and water. If possible, try to use a soap without fragrance.
Warm Compress
Rest with a warm compress on your eye for 10 minutes, two to three times per day. You can also use a warm teabag to help soothe inflammation.
Medication Options
Take over-the-counter pain medication to help reduce pain and further inflammation.
Day-by-Day Stye Recovery Tips
Continue Warm Compresses
Using a compress once a day can help liquify the hardened material in the eye, drain the external stye, and unclog the drainage route for the pus and debris. Massaging the stye with a warm compress can also help break up the materials and debris in the stye and help with drainage. Be sure to use clean fingertips and massage in a circular motion.
Keep Your Eyes Clean
You can use a mild soap or gentle shampoo on a cotton swab to help remove drainage and crusting around the eye. A small amount of blood may be seen during drainage, which is normal. If there is a lot of blood, consult your doctor right away. Avoid wearing makeup and contact lenses when possible.
When to See a Doctor
Styes typically heal on their own without medical treatment. However, there are a few things to look out for that may require a doctor’s visit:
- Stye doesn’t improve within a few days
- Drainage of the stye contains a lot of blood
- Rapid growth of the stye
- Increased swelling of the eye or eyelid
How to Prevent Styes
The best way to prevent styes is to be more thoughtful about your eye cleanliness. Here are some tips for good eye hygiene:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your eyes.
- Clean your eyelids periodically with a Q tip dipped in warm water and diluted baby shampoo.
- Thoroughly disinfect your contact lenses before putting them in
- Remove all eye makeup before bed
- Avoid using old or expired cosmetics like mascara or eyeliner
- Replace daily mascara every three months, and occasionally-used mascara every six months
- Replace liquid eyeliner every three months
- Replace solid eye pencil every two to three years
If you struggle with styes, Vistar Eye Center is here to help. Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations across Southwest Virginia, and we can help you treat your styes and prevent them in the future.
Frequently-Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a stye?
Symptoms of an internal or external stye include a red bump on your eyelid (similar to a pimple or boil), eyelid pain, swelling, and excessive tearing. If you suspect you may have a stye and it doesn’t improve within a few days, Vistar Eye Center can help! Contact us today.
What is the difference between an external and internal stye?
External styes form along the outer edge of the eyelid, often due to a clogged hair follicle or oil gland. Since it’s on the outside, you’ll be able to see the small red bump that forms. Internal styes occur on the inner edge of the eyelid and are caused by clogged glands within the eyelid tissue. So, while you may see swelling or experience other symptoms, you won’t be able to see the internal stye.
Can I pop a stye to make it go away?
No! Never try to pop or squeeze a stye, as it can spread the infection to the rest of your eyelid. Instead, try applying a warm compress to help drain the stye and use over-the-counter pain medication for any discomfort.
Should I see a doctor for my stye?
Most of the time, styes will heal on their own and don’t require medical treatment. However, if the stye doesn’t improve within a few days, or if you notice increased swelling, growth of the stye, or a lot of blood in the drainage, it may be time to see a doctor. Contact Vistar Eye Center today for help managing styes and preventing any future styes. References
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