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How is a stye treated?

Most styes clear up by themselves. Regular use of warm compresses can help speed recovery. The doctor may remove the eyelash from the affected gland, prescribe antibiotics or, if necessary, surgically drain the stye. Squeezing or attempting to drain a stye by yourself can make it worse and spread the infection into your eyelid.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is a stye?

A stye (also called an external hordeoleum) is an infection of a small gland at the base of an eyelash follicle.

What are the symptoms of a stye?

The main symptom of a stye is a red, tender lump on the upper or lower eyelid. The surrounding skin may be red, tender or sore. The eye may feel like it has something in it and may be especially sensitive to light.

What causes a stye?

A stye is usually caused by an infection of the eyelash follicle by bacteria called staphylococcus aureus.

Will a stye clear on its own?

Most styes clear up by themselves. Regular use of warm compresses can help speed recovery.

What can be done at home to treat a stye?

Applying heat using a warm wet compress to the eyelid can increase blood flow to the gland, helping the body fight the infection. Placing the compress over the eyelid for 10 minutes four times a day can help speed up recovery. Making the compress …

Can a stye be prevented?

People with blepharitis and those who are prone to styes can help to prevent them by cleaning the edge (margin) of the eyelid using eye-cleansing pads.

Will a stye keep coming back?

Some people are prone to having styes regularly. Blepharitis, a condition in which too much oil is produced by the eyelash glands, can increase the risk of developing styes.

Are there different types of a stye?

Infections of meibomian glands (another type of small gland present on the edge of the eyelid) produce an abscess very similar to a stye, although they are technically not styes.

What increases the chances of developing a stye?

Blepharitis, a condition in which too much oil is produced by the eyelash glands, can increase the risk of developing a stye. Conditions that are linked with blepharitis are seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea.

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About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Votes: 489 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Pink eye

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