General practice·General practice
Stye sensation
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A stye is a small, painful, red bump that forms on the edge of your eyelid. It happens when an oil gland near your eyelash becomes infected with bacteria. Think of it like a pimple on your eyelid.
Key facts
- Styes are very common and usually harmless.
- Most styes go away on their own within a week or two.
- Applying warm compresses can help the stye heal faster.
Yes, styes are extremely common. Almost everyone will get at least one stye at some point in their life.
Anyone can get a stye, but they are more common in people who rub their eyes often, wear contact lenses, have blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid edges), or have skin conditions like rosacea.