What is a stye?

A stye (hordeolum) is a tender red bump on the edge of your eyelid.

What causes a stye?

A stye happens when a gland on the edge of your eyelid gets infected. When it occurs inside or under the eyelid, it's called an internal hordeolum.

The infection is most often caused by a bacteria or germ called staph (Staphylococcus aureus).

Who is at risk for a stye?

You are more likely to get a stye if you:

• Have had one before

• Wear contact lenses

• Are not keeping your eye area clean

• Use eye makeup that is old or contaminated

• Have other eye conditions, such as an inflamed or infected eyelid (blepharitis)

• Have other conditions, such as rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, or diabetes

What are the symptoms of a stye?

Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:

• Eyelid swelling, redness, pain, or soreness

• Feeling like there is something in your eye

• Being bothered by bright light

• Eye tearing and crusting

The symptoms of a stye may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure.

How is a stye diagnosed?

In most cases, your healthcare provider will be able to tell that you have a stye by looking at it.

You will usually not need to take any tests.

How is a stye treated?

In most cases, a stye will go away on its own.

There are some things you can do to treat the stye at home. These include:

• Putting a warm, wet cloth (compress) on your eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes. This should be done 3 to 5 times a day.

• Washing your hands often

• Washing your face daily, including the eye area

• Not touching the area

• Not squeezing the stye

• Not wearing makeup until the infection heals

Your healthcare provider may also:

• Give you special bacteria-fighting (antibiotic) creams or ointments to put on the area. Only certain ones are safe to use near your eyes.

• Refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) if the stye does not go away.

What can I do to prevent a stye?

To prevent a stye, you should:

• Wash your hands often

• Wash your face and eye area

• Be careful when using and removing eye makeup

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if you:

• Notice redness or swelling of your eyelid

• Have pain in your eyelid

• Feel like something is in your eye

Key points about styes

• A stye (hordeolum) is a tender red bump on the edge of the eyelid.

• It's an infection of a gland of the eyelid.

• The infection is most often caused by bacteria called staph (Staphylococcus aureus).

• The most common symptoms are redness and swelling of the eyelid.

• In most cases, a stye will go away on its own.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions, especially after office hours or on weekends.