How do you treat a stye? Home remedies and when to see a doctor

Most styes heal at home in 7 to 14 days with warm compresses applied 5 to 10 minutes, three to four times a day.^1,2 The compress softens the blocked oil gland so it can drain on its own. Do not squeeze the stye — that's how infection spreads.

What is a stye?

A stye, also called a hordeolum, is a tender red bump on the edge of the eyelid caused by an infected oil gland.¹ It typically points outward near the eyelash line (external hordeolum) or, less often, inside the lid (internal hordeolum). The most common cause is Staphylococcus bacteria, often spread from your own skin to the eyelid by hands, makeup, or contact lenses.

Symptoms include localized pain, redness, swelling, watery eye, and a small white or yellow head as the stye matures.

How do you treat a stye at home?

Most styes need only basic eyelid care:

• Warm compress: Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water, wring it out, and hold it gently against the closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes. Re-warm as it cools. Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.^1,2
• Gentle massage: After the compress, lightly massage the eyelid in the direction of the lash line for a minute or so to help the gland drain. The American Academy of Ophthalmology calls this often-skipped step the most important part of treatment.³
• Clean the eyelid: Wash the eyelid daily with mild diluted baby shampoo or a commercial lid scrub.¹
• Skip makeup: Avoid eye makeup until the stye is gone, and replace any mascara, eyeliner, or eye creams that may be contaminated.
• Remove contact lenses: Wear glasses until the stye heals to avoid trapping bacteria.
• Pain relief: An OTC pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease tenderness if needed.

What should you avoid?

• Don't pop or squeeze the stye. It will drain on its own. Squeezing can push bacteria into surrounding tissue and cause cellulitis or a permanent lid bump.^2,3
• Don't share washcloths, towels, or eye makeup with anyone else.
• Don't reuse old eye makeup after a stye — bacteria can persist on applicators.
• Don't apply OTC antibiotic ointment meant for skin to your eye unless your clinician recommends it.

When should you see a doctor for a stye?

See a doctor — primary care, urgent care, or ophthalmology — if any of the following apply:^1,2,3

• The stye has not improved after 7 days of warm compresses
• The stye lasts more than 2 weeks
• The stye is getting larger or more painful instead of smaller
• Your vision is affected
• Redness spreads beyond the eyelid to the cheek or surrounding skin
• The eyelid is severely swollen, hot, or hard
• You have a fever or feel generally unwell
• You get recurrent styes

Severe redness spreading off the lid or fever can signal preseptal or orbital cellulitis, which is a serious infection requiring oral or IV antibiotics — go to urgent care or the ER promptly.

What's the difference between a stye and a chalazion?

A stye is acute, painful, and usually near the lash line. A chalazion is typically slower to develop, less painful, and farther from the lash line — caused by a blocked oil gland rather than infection.⁴ Chalazia often need warm compresses for several weeks, and sometimes a steroid injection or minor in-office procedure if they don't resolve.

How can I prevent styes from coming back?

If you get styes often, consistent eyelid hygiene helps:

• Wash hands before touching your eyes or contacts
• Daily lid hygiene with diluted baby shampoo or lid wipes
• Replace eye makeup every 3 to 6 months
• Remove all eye makeup before bed
• Manage rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis with help from a dermatologist
• Replace contact lens cases regularly and never sleep in lenses unless they are FDA-approved for it

Next steps

If your stye is new and small, start warm compresses today. If it has been around longer than a week, is getting worse, or is affecting your vision, book a visit. Solv lets you find and book same-day urgent care or eye care visits near you.