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Styes

Published on March 5, 2025 at 8:00 / Updated on March 19, 2025 at 8:00

A stye is an infection of the small glands located along the edge of the eyelid. Swelling occurs in the eyelid and forms a small red pimple.

Causes and triggers

Styes are caused by a bacterial infection. An external stye is usually caused by the infection of a gland at the base of the eyelashes. An internal stye is the infection of an oil gland that keeps the eyelid moist.

Some conditions can increase the risk of having a stye, like rosacea or chronic blepharitis (eyelid inflammation).

Here are several recommendations to avoid spreading it:

  • Wash your hands before touching your eyes or inserting your contact lenses. Be sure to clean and disinfect your contact lenses properly.
  • Remove your eye make-up every day. Do not share make-up with others unless you are using disposable applicators. Renew your make-up regularly, as bacteria can spread in it.
  • Change the cotton pad every time you apply one around the infected eye to avoid contaminating the other eye.

Symptoms

Symptoms normally improve within a few days and clear up after one or two weeks. The most common symptoms are:

  • Swelling and redness
  • Pain
  • Tears
  • Light sensitivity
  • Impression of having something in the eye

Treatment

The recommended treatment involves applying warm moist compresses on the eye. Compresses should be applied on the eye for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. Try not to wear eye make-up or contact lenses until it heals.

The stye should disappear on its own within two weeks. It may sometimes be necessary for a health care professional to drain the stye or prescribe an antibiotic to promote healing.

When should I see a health care professional?

Consult your health care provider in the following cases:

  • The stye does not improve after 2 to 3 days
  • The stye continues to grow and affects your vision
  • The redness spreads to another part of the face (e.g., cheek)
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