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Educational content only
This page is general patient education, not medical advice. It does not diagnose conditions, recommend specific treatments for you, or replace a conversation with your eye care provider. Always consult a qualified clinician before making decisions about your eye health.
A stye is a small, painful bump on your eyelid — usually from a clogged and infected oil gland. Most resolve on their own with warm compresses, but a few need extra care.
What's happening
A blocked gland, simply put.
Your eyelids contain tiny oil glands that keep tears from evaporating. When a gland gets blocked and infected by common skin bacteria, it forms a painful red bump — that's a stye.
If the gland clogs without infection, you get a chalazion — a firmer, less painful bump that can linger for weeks. Both respond to the same basic home care.
What helps
Here's the plan — and why it works.
First line
Warm compresses
Warm washcloth, 10 minutes, 4 times daily. Softens oil blockage and encourages drainage.
Hygiene
Clean lid margins
Gentle lid scrubs with diluted baby shampoo or commercial wipes remove bacteria and oil.
If persistent
In-office drainage
For stubborn styes or chalazia, a quick in-office procedure drains the gland.
Prevention
Daily lid hygiene
Warm compresses a few times a week prevent recurrences, especially if you're prone.
Come in if
The bump worsens rapidly, you develop fever, vision changes, or the swelling spreads across your whole eyelid. Cellulitis (deep skin infection) needs immediate antibiotics.
Common questions
Honest answers to common questions.
Should I pop it?+
Absolutely not. Squeezing spreads the infection and can cause scarring or worse infections. It will drain on its own once it's ready.
How long until it goes away?+
Styes typically resolve in 1–2 weeks with warm compresses. Chalazia can take 4–6 weeks. If nothing's changed in 2 weeks, call us.
Can I wear makeup?+
Skip eye makeup until it heals — it traps bacteria and can reinfect. Toss any mascara or eyeliner you used recently; they're likely contaminated.
Am I contagious?+
Styes aren't typically contagious person-to-person, but the bacteria can spread to your other eye. Wash hands, don't touch your eyes, and use a clean washcloth each time.
Why do I keep getting them?+
Recurrent styes often point to blepharitis (inflamed eyelid margins) or rosacea. Daily lid hygiene with warm compresses and lid scrubs prevents most recurrences.