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 is 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:

• Swelling, redness, pain, or tenderness of the eyelid
• Feeling like there is something in your eye
• Being bothered by bright light
• Tearing and crusting of the eye

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 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 is 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.