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    Stye

    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's 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:

    • Eyelid swelling, redness, pain, or soreness

    • Feeling like there is something in your eye

    • Being bothered by bright light

    • Eye tearing and crusting

    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 usually 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's 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, especially after office hours or on weekends.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
    Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Rajadurai Samnishanth
    Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2024
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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