Sty (Stye): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: September 2026
TL;DR: A stye (sty) is a painful lump near the edge of the eyelid that looks like a boil or a pimple and may be filled with pus. It is usually caused by a staphylococcus bacterial infection of a small oil gland near the eyelashes. Most styes go away on their own within a couple of days, and warm compresses ease the discomfort while they heal. The most important self-care rules are to never pop or squeeze the stye, avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until it heals, and apply a warm washcloth for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day. See a healthcare professional if the stye doesn't improve after 48 hours or if redness and swelling spread to the whole eyelid, cheek, or face.
Quick Answer: What Is a Stye (Sty)?
Quick Answer: A stye (sty) is a painful lump near the eyelid edge caused by infection of an eyelid oil gland. Key facts:
What it is: a painful lump near the edge of the eyelid, like a boil or pimple, often filled with pus
Cause: bacterial infection (usually staphylococcus) of an oil gland near the eyelashes
Location: usually on the outside of the eyelid, sometimes on the inner part
Outlook: begins to disappear on its own in a couple of days in most cases
Self-care: warm washcloth on the closed eye for 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times a day, plus gentle massage — never pop or squeeze it
When to act: see a doctor if it doesn't improve after 48 hours, or redness/swelling spreads to the whole eyelid, cheek, or face
What Is a Stye (Sty)?
A stye (sty) is a painful lump near the edge of the eyelid that may look like a boil or a pimple. It usually forms on the outside of the eyelid, though it can sometimes form on the inner part.
Styes are often caused by bacterial infections and may be filled with pus. The infection involves one or more of the small glands near the base of the eyelashes.
In most cases, a stye will begin to disappear on its own in a couple of days. In the meantime, applying a warm washcloth to the eyelid can relieve the pain and discomfort.
Stye Symptoms: 4 Signs to Watch For
Signs and symptoms of a stye include:
Red or discolored lump — a bump on the eyelid that looks like a boil or a pimple
Eyelid pain — soreness or tenderness near the eyelid edge
Eyelid swelling — puffiness around the lump
Tearing — increased tear production from the eye
Most styes are harmless to the eye and won't affect the ability to see clearly.
Stye vs. Chalazion: What's the Difference?
Another condition that causes inflammation of the eyelid is a chalazion. A chalazion happens when there is a blockage in one of the small oil glands near the eyelashes — not an infection.
Cause — Stye: bacterial infection of an oil gland. Chalazion: blockage of an oil gland.
Pain — Stye: usually painful. Chalazion: usually isn't painful.
Location — Stye: most often on the outside of the eyelid. Chalazion: most prominent on the inner side of the eyelid.
Appearance — Stye: looks like a boil or pimple. Chalazion: a firmer lump behind or on the eyelid.
Treatment — Similar for both conditions.
When to See a Doctor
Most styes are harmless and go away on their own. Try self-care measures first — a warm washcloth on the closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day, plus gentle eyelid massage.
Contact a healthcare professional if:
The stye doesn't start to improve after 48 hours — a lingering stye may need antibiotic treatment or a small drainage procedure
Redness and swelling involve the entire eyelid, or extend into the cheek or other parts of the face — spreading inflammation means the infection is extending beyond the gland and needs evaluation
Spreading redness or swelling beyond the eyelid is the key sign that a stye needs professional attention rather than continued home care.
Causes: What Causes a Stye?
A stye is caused by an infection of oil glands in the eyelid. The bacterium staphylococcus is a common cause of most of these infections.
The bacteria live on the skin and get into the small glands at the base of the eyelashes — often through everyday habits like touching the eyes, handling contact lenses, or wearing eye makeup.
Risk Factors: 6 Habits and Conditions That Raise Your Risk
Touching the eyes with unwashed hands — transfers staphylococcus bacteria directly to the eyelid glands
Inserting contact lenses without disinfecting them or washing hands first — introduces bacteria to the eye area and lenses can carry the bacteria
Leaving on eye makeup overnight — clogs the oil glands along the lash line
Using old or expired cosmetics — older products are more likely to harbor bacteria
Blepharitis (long-lasting inflammation along the eyelid edge) — chronic inflammation makes the glands more vulnerable to infection
Rosacea (a skin condition with facial redness) — linked to eyelid inflammation and recurrent styes
How Is a Stye Diagnosed?
A healthcare professional will usually diagnose a stye just by looking at the eyelid. A light and a magnifying device may be used to examine the eyelid more closely.
No blood tests or imaging are needed in typical cases — the appearance and location of the lump are usually enough.
Stye Treatment: What Helps It Go Away?
In most cases, a stye doesn't require specific treatment — it typically goes away on its own, and warm compresses can hasten the healing. That said, recurrences are common.
For a stye that won't go away, additional treatment may be recommended:
Antibiotic eye drops or topical antibiotic cream — applied to the eyelid for a stye that won't clear on its own
Oral antibiotics (tablets or pills) — if the eyelid infection persists or spreads beyond the eyelid
Surgery to relieve pressure — a small cut is made in the stye to drain the pus if it doesn't clear up
In some cases, your care team may refer you to a specialist who treats eye diseases and conditions, called an ophthalmologist.
Self-Care: 5 Things That Help a Stye Heal
Leave the stye alone — don't try to pop the stye or squeeze the pus out — doing so can cause the infection to spread
Clean your eyelid — gently wash the affected eyelid with mild soap and water
Use a warm washcloth — run warm water over a clean washcloth, wring it out, and place it over your closed eye for 5 to 10 minutes; re-wet when it loses heat, then gently massage the eyelid — repeating 2 to 3 times a day may help the stye drain on its own
Keep your eye clean — don't wear eye makeup until the stye has healed
Go without contact lenses — contacts can be contaminated with the bacteria associated with a stye; skip them until it goes away
Prevention: How to Prevent Styes
Wash your hands — use soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer several times each day; keep your hands away from your eyes
Take care with cosmetics — throw away old cosmetics, don't share cosmetics with others, and don't wear eye makeup overnight
Keep contact lenses clean — wash hands thoroughly before handling contacts and follow your eye professional's advice on disinfecting them
Apply warm compresses — if you've had a stye before, regular warm compresses may help prevent it from coming back
Manage blepharitis — if you have blepharitis, follow your eye professional's instructions for caring for your eyes
Preparing for Your Appointment
Start by seeing someone on your healthcare team if your stye is painful or doesn't start to get better in two days. In some cases, your care team may refer you to an ophthalmologist.
Before the visit, prepare by listing the symptoms you're experiencing, any key personal information, and all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
What is the likely cause of my stye?
When can I expect my stye to go away?
Is this contagious?
What kinds of tests do I need?
Are there any treatments for my stye?
What are the benefits and risks of these treatments?
What can I do to prevent future styes?
Can I continue wearing contact lenses?
Is there a generic alternative to the medicine?
Do you have printed materials I can take with me?
What websites do you recommend?
Do I need a follow-up visit?
Conclusion: Usually Gone in Days, Best Left Alone
A stye is one of the most common — and most uncomfortable-looking — eyelid problems, but it is also one of the most self-limiting. It is a painful lump near the eyelid edge caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland, it usually appears on the outside of the lid, and in most cases it begins to disappear on its own within a couple of days. Warm compresses applied two to three times a day, a clean eyelid, and resisting the urge to squeeze are the keys to healing. Knowing the difference between a stye and a chalazion helps set expectations, and knowing the two red flags — no improvement after 48 hours, or swelling spreading to the cheek or face — tells you exactly when to call a professional.
Your next step: If your stye is painful, isn't improving after 48 hours, or is spreading redness and swelling to your cheek or face, make an appointment with a healthcare professional promptly. Early attention prevents the infection from spreading and speeds recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a stye (sty)?
A stye is a painful lump near the edge of the eyelid that looks like a boil or pimple. It is caused by a bacterial infection of the small oil glands near the eyelashes and may fill with pus.
How long does a stye take to go away?
In most cases, a stye begins to disappear on its own within a couple of days. Warm compresses applied for 5 to 10 minutes two to three times a day can speed healing.
What causes a stye?
A stye is caused by an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid. Staphylococcus bacteria are a common cause of these infections.
What is the difference between a stye and a chalazion?
A stye is a painful infection of an eyelid oil gland, usually on the outside of the lid. A chalazion is caused by a blocked oil gland, usually isn't painful, and tends to sit on the inner side of the eyelid. Treatment for both is similar.
Should I pop or squeeze a stye?
No. Don't try to pop the stye or squeeze the pus out — doing so can cause the infection to spread. Let it drain on its own with warm compresses.
When should I see a doctor for a stye?
Contact a healthcare professional if the stye doesn't start to improve after 48 hours, or if redness and swelling involve the entire eyelid or extend into the cheek or other parts of the face.
Is a stye contagious?
The bacteria that cause styes (staphylococcus) live on the skin and can spread through contact. Avoid sharing eye makeup and towels, wash hands often, and don't touch the stye. Your care team can answer whether your specific case poses a contagion risk.
How do I prevent styes from coming back?
Wash hands frequently and keep them away from your eyes, don't wear eye makeup overnight, replace old or expired cosmetics, disinfect contact lenses properly, and use regular warm compresses if you've had styes before.
Related Reading
References
Health information, not medical advice. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your own health, and seek emergency care for urgent symptoms.
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