Understanding stye

A tender bump on your eyelid.

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.