A stye is a small, painful bump that develops on or near the eyelid. It usually appears when the tiny oil glands around the eye become blocked or irritated. Although harmless, a stye can be uncomfortable and affect your appearance.
Before looking at quick home remedies, here’s what you should know about why styes form, what symptoms to look for, and how to support faster healing.
What Is a Stye?
A stye is a red, tender bump located on the outer or inner part of the eyelid. It develops when bacteria — most commonly Staphylococcus aureus — clog or irritate the oil glands. It behaves similarly to a small pimple but forms along the eyelid.
Causes of a Stye
- Blocked eyelid oil glands
- Touching or rubbing the eyes
- Using expired or shared makeup
- Not removing makeup before bed
- Certain skin conditions such as dermatitis or rosacea
- Chronic eyelid irritation
Common Symptoms
- A small bump on the eyelid
- Redness and swelling
- Tearing or watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- A heavy or warm feeling in the eyelid
- Pain when blinking or touching the area
Risk Factors
You may be more likely to develop a stye if you have oily skin, certain skin conditions, diabetes, or poor makeup hygiene. Styes are not contagious, but they can spread to nearby glands of the same eyelid.
How to Get Rid of a Stye Overnight (Home Remedies)
1. Warm Compress
A warm compress is one of the quickest ways to relieve discomfort.
- Use a clean cloth
- Soak it in warm (not hot) water
- Wring out excess water
- Place it on the eyelid for 5–10 minutes
- Repeat several times per day
2. Tea Bag Compress
Black or green tea bags contain natural soothing properties.
- Dip a tea bag in hot water
- Let it cool until warm
- Place it gently over the eyelid
3. Cold Compress
A cold compress helps reduce puffiness and irritation.
- Wrap ice in a clean cloth
- Apply gently to the eyelid
- Do not apply ice directly to the skin
4. Keep the Area Clean
Wash the face with mild soap and avoid irritants around the eyes. Gently clean the eyelid area and keep it dry.
5. Do Not Pop the Stye
Trying to pop a stye can irritate the eye further and slow healing. Let it drain naturally.
6. Avoid Eye Makeup
Avoid wearing eye makeup until the stye improves. Makeup can clog the glands and increase irritation.
7. Gentle Eyelid Massage
A light massage after a warm compress may help improve circulation. Stop immediately if discomfort increases.
Most styes begin improving within a few days, and many fade naturally.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical help if:
- The bump grows larger
- Pain worsens
- Vision becomes blurry
- The stye lasts longer than 1–2 weeks
- Multiple bumps form
How to Prevent Styes
- Wash hands before touching the eyes
- Remove makeup thoroughly every night
- Replace eye makeup every 3–6 months
- Avoid rubbing the eyes
- Keep contact lenses clean
Frequently Asked Questions About Styes
What is a stye?
A stye is a red, tender bump located on the outer or inner part of the eyelid. It develops when bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, clog or irritate the oil glands. It behaves similarly to a small pimple but forms along the eyelid.
What causes a stye?
Styes are caused by blocked eyelid oil glands, touching or rubbing the eyes, using expired or shared makeup, not removing makeup before bed, certain skin conditions such as dermatitis or rosacea, and chronic eyelid irritation.
How can I treat a stye at home?
Common home remedies include warm compresses, tea bag compresses, cold compresses to reduce swelling, keeping the area clean, avoiding popping the stye, avoiding eye makeup, and gentle eyelid massage. Most styes improve within a few days.
When should I see a doctor for a stye?
See a doctor if the bump grows larger, pain worsens, vision becomes blurry, the stye lasts longer than 1–2 weeks, or multiple bumps form.
How can I prevent styes?
Prevent styes by washing hands before touching your eyes, removing makeup thoroughly every night, replacing eye makeup every 3–6 months, avoiding rubbing your eyes, and keeping contact lenses clean.
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References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sty/symptoms-causes/syc-20378017
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17658-stye
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hordeolum-stye
- https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/what-causes-a-stye
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stye
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