What is stye?
A stye (hordeolum) is a painful red bump on the eyelid edge caused by infection of an eyelid gland — usually staphylococcus bacteria. External styes are on the outer eyelid; internal styes are deeper.
Most resolve on their own with warm compresses. Persistent or worsening styes may need topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, or in-office drainage.
Do I have stye? Common signs
If most of these describe what you're experiencing, telehealth may be a good next step:
What causes it
Bacterial infection (Staph aureus) of an eyelid gland. Often triggered by eyelid hygiene issues, eye makeup, contact lenses, or blepharitis.
Is it contagious?
Mildly — the bacteria can spread to others through close contact with eye discharge.
Warm compresses are the unsung hero — 10 minutes, four times a day, for several days usually does it.
Can it be treated online?
Routine styes are well-suited to telehealth. Persistent (>2 weeks), recurrent, large, or pre-septal cellulitis signs (spreading redness, fever) need in-person care. Vision changes, severe pain, or anything affecting the eye itself need urgent ophthalmology.
How stye is treated
Warm compresses 10–15 min, 3–4x daily for 5–7 days — primary treatment. Erythromycin ointment or bacitracin if not resolving. Oral antibiotics (cephalexin, dicloxacillin) for spreading infection. Persistent styes may need incision and drainage in office.
Self-care while you wait
- Warm compress 10–15 min, 3–4 times daily
- Don't squeeze or pop the stye
- Avoid eye makeup until resolved
- Clean eyelid edges gently with diluted baby shampoo
- Don't share towels or pillowcases
- Replace contact lenses if you wore them with the infection
- Discard mascara and eyeliner used during infection
How long does it last?
Most clear in 3–7 days with consistent warm compresses. Some take 2 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Why does it hurt so much?
Eyelid skin has lots of nerves and minimal room for swelling. Small things cause big symptoms.
Is it like a pimple?
Similar concept — blocked gland with infection. Don't pop it; it can spread infection.
Will it leave a scar?
Usually no scar from a typical stye. Repeated incision and drainage can occasionally.
How is a chalazion different?
Chalazion is a chronic, painless, firmer lump from a blocked oil gland — usually no infection. Different management.
Can I wear contacts?
No — wait until fully resolved and discard the lenses worn during the infection.
