Eye Styes: Causes and Top Home Remedies Uncovered

A stye, clinically referred to as a hordeolum, appears as a small, painful bump on either the outer or inner eyelid. Healthdirect, an Australian government-supported health information service, explains that a stye is caused by a bacterial infection affecting an eyelash follicle. The presence of a white spot at the centre of the bump may indicate pus accumulation.

Fortunately, most styes typically resolve on their own with basic home care practices.

What Causes an Eye Stye to Form?

An eye stye occurs when bacteria infect the follicle at the base of an eyelash. Healthdirect notes that glands located within the eyelid can become blocked and subsequently infected.

Blepharitis, which involves inflammation of the eyelids, significantly increases the likelihood of developing styes, as highlighted by healthdirect. If you frequently experience styes, it is prudent to consult your optometrist or doctor to check your eyelids for blepharitis or any other underlying conditions.

Many people wonder if stress contributes to the development of styes. Healthdirect clarifies that while bacterial infection is the primary cause, stress is not linked to the formation of styes.

How to Recognise the Symptoms of a Stye

The most noticeable symptom of a stye is a small, tender lump on the eyelid, often with discolouration due to swelling. Healthdirect states that a stye can cause irritation, excessive tearing, or a sensation similar to having something stuck in the eye, much like an eyelash lodged on the surface.

Certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Healthdirect highlights the following signs that necessitate a consultation with your doctor:

• The stye obstructs your vision.
• The lump worsens or does not improve within one to two weeks despite home care.
• The lump, or multiple lumps, significantly increases in size or pain.
• A blister forms on the eyelid.
• The entire eyelid appears red, or the eye shows signs of inflammation.
• Your eye becomes sensitive to light or excessively watery.
• You frequently experience styes shortly after one resolves.

What is the Typical Duration of a Stye?

In most cases, a stye will heal on its own. Healthdirect indicates it may take up to six months for the lump to completely disappear. If you notice no improvement within one to two weeks of home care, seek medical advice.

Effective Home Remedies for Stye Relief

Healthdirect suggests using warm compresses on the eyelid, which can help accelerate the healing process.

How to Apply a Warm Compress to a Stye

Healthdirect recommends placing a clean, warm washcloth against your closed eyelid for two to five minutes at a time, up to 20 times a day. Ensure the water temperature is comfortable and not too hot to avoid burns. You can gently massage the eyelid while the compress is in place.

Cleaning the Eyelid After Using a Compress

After applying a warm compress, you may notice some discharge. Healthdirect advises gently wiping it away with a clean, warm washcloth, then washing or discarding the cloth or compress to prevent spreading the infection.

Why You Should Avoid Popping or Squeezing a Stye

Although it might be tempting to press on a stye, healthdirect strongly advises against touching, rubbing, or squeezing it. Attempting to squeeze the stye can push pus into surrounding tissue, leading to further infection.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for a Stye?

In some instances, a stye may require more than basic home care. Healthdirect explains that if the skin surrounding the stye becomes red, warm, and swollen, antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics might be necessary. A doctor may also need to drain the stye with a needle if it does not resolve on its own.

One potential complication to be aware of is cellulitis, where the infection spreads to the skin surrounding the eye. Healthdirect describes cellulitis as rare but serious, constituting a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If the skin around your eyelid or eye appears red, swollen, or painful, or if you develop a fever or feel unwell, seek medical help promptly.

Proven Tips for Preventing Styes

Healthdirect recommends the following practices to help prevent styes and reduce the risk of infection:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid touching, rubbing, or squeezing your eyes.
• Dispose of or clean your washcloth or warm compress after each use.

For those with blepharitis, managing this condition can also lower the likelihood of developing styes. Healthdirect identifies blepharitis as a condition that increases stye risk. The dry eye management page offers information on eyelid cleaning and warm compress routines, which are essential for effective dry eye management at Eyes by Design.

Recommended Products for Eyelid Care Related to Styes and Blepharitis

Eyes by Design features a selection of eyelid care products available in its online store. The descriptions below are sourced from each product page, so be sure to read the complete product details and manufacturer’s instructions prior to use. If you have an existing eye condition or have recently undergone eye surgery, consult a health professional beforehand.

The Eye Doctor Antibacterial Stye Relief Compress: This microwavable eye patch is specifically designed to treat styes, chalazions, and cysts. The manufacturer recommends heating it in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds and applying it to the affected eye for 10 minutes. The compress is reusable for over 200 applications.

The Eye Doctor Lid Cleanser: This cleanser effectively removes dirt, debris, and makeup from the eyelids and the base of the lashes. It is applied using a cleansing pad along the eyelid margins, both morning and night.

Optimel Manuka Forte Gel: This gel made from Manuka honey alleviates severe dry eye symptoms, blepharitis, and eyelid inflammation. It is applied along the inside of the lower eyelid. The product page notes that mild stinging and redness upon application are normal. Avoid using it if you have a history of sensitivity to honey or benzoate compounds.

Two additional eyelid care options available in the store are OCuSOFT HypoChlor Spray, a hypochlorous acid spray applied to the eyelids and lashes with a cotton pad, and OCuSoft Lid Scrub Plus, a foaming eyelid cleanser designed for individuals with blepharitis and dry eye. Both product pages recommend using them alongside a warm compress and a lid cleanser.

Eye Makeup Options for Sensitive Eyes

If you wish to continue wearing makeup after your eyelid has healed, the Eyes Are The Story range includes a facial cleanser, a facial serum, a liquid liner, and a mascara trio. The product pages indicate that this range is free from synthetic dyes, fragrances, and parabens. The mascara comes in three mini tubes designed to minimise contamination and bacterial growth on the wand.

When Should You See an Optometrist for a Stye?

If a stye shows improvement with warm compresses, further treatment is usually not necessary. If you are unsure whether the lump on your eyelid is a stye, if styes recur frequently, or if your eye is red, watery, or sensitive to light, schedule an appointment with an optometrist for a comprehensive evaluation of your eye and eyelid.

At Eyes by Design in Kincumber, our optometrists can assess the eyelid and its glands, evaluate for dry eye or other eye conditions that may be contributing to the problem, and refer you to your GP or another healthcare professional if the stye requires antibiotics or drainage. An adult eye examination will also consider other potential causes of eye irritation. You can reach the practice at (02) 4369 8169 on weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

If the skin around your eye becomes red, swollen, or painful, or if you develop a fever, seek immediate medical attention, as healthdirect categorises this type of spreading infection as a medical emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Styes

What is the Expected Recovery Time for a Stye?

Most styes resolve without requiring medical intervention. Healthdirect states that the lump may take up to six months to disappear completely. If you do not see any improvement within one to two weeks of applying warm compresses and gentle cleansing, it is essential to consult a doctor.

Is It Safe to Attempt to Pop a Stye?

No. Healthdirect strongly advises against squeezing, rubbing, or touching a stye. Trying to pop it can push pus into the surrounding tissue, thereby spreading the infection. If drainage is needed, a doctor will perform this procedure using a needle.

How Often Should I Apply a Warm Compress on a Stye?

Healthdirect recommends placing a clean, warm washcloth on the closed eyelid for two to five minutes at a time, up to 20 times each day. If you choose to use a heated stye compress instead, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding heating time and duration of application.

Source: healthdirect Australia, Stye, last reviewed May 2024, retrieved 30 September 2026. Product details are sourced from the Eyes by Design online store product pages, retrieved 30 September 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace professional advice from your optometrist or doctor.