Disclaimer: This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is a stye?
A stye (also called a hordeolum) is a painful, red lump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle or oil gland.
2. What causes a stye?
Styes are usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. Risk factors include touching the eyes with unwashed hands, poor eyelid hygiene, makeup contamination, contact lens use, and stress or fatigue.
3. What are the symptoms of a stye?
Symptoms include a tender, swollen red bump on the eyelid, local pain, watering of the eye, crusting of the eyelids, and sometimes a visible yellow spot of pus.
4. How is a stye treated?
Most styes improve with warm compresses applied to the eyelid for 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times a day. This helps the stye drain naturally. Avoid squeezing the stye.
5. Do I need antibiotics?
Antibiotics are not usually needed unless the infection spreads or does not improve. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment if required.
6. How long does a stye last?
Most styes resolve within 1–2 weeks with simple care. Pain and swelling usually improve after a few days.
7. Is a stye contagious?
Styes are not highly contagious, but bacteria can spread through shared towels, makeup, or close contact. Good hygiene helps prevent spread.
8. Can I wear makeup or contact lenses?
It is best to avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until the stye has healed, as these can worsen irritation and delay recovery.
9. When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if the stye does not improve after a week, becomes very painful, affects vision, spreads to the surrounding eyelid, or keeps recurring.
10. How can styes be prevented?
Prevention includes regular hand washing, good eyelid hygiene, replacing old eye makeup, cleaning contact lenses properly, and avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes.
