A stye is a small, painful lump on or inside the eyelid, caused by a minor infection at the base of an eyelash. Styes are common and usually harmless, clearing up by themselves within a week or two. A warm compress several times a day is the main treatment.

A stye is usually a small bacterial infection in an eyelash follicle or eyelid gland. They are more likely with eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), rubbing the eyes, or using old eye make-up.

No — never squeeze or burst a stye, as this can spread the infection. Let it drain on its own with warm compresses. Also avoid eye make-up and contact lenses until it has healed.

Are styes contagious?

Not in the way colds are, but the bacteria can spread via hands and towels, so wash hands regularly, avoid rubbing your eyes, and don't share towels or face cloths.

Stye: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment

What is a stye?

A stye is a small, painful lump on or just inside the eyelid, caused by a minor bacterial infection at the base of an eyelash or in a small eyelid gland. Styes are very common, look worse than they are, and almost always clear up by themselves.

Symptoms

A stye typically causes:

a red, tender lump on the edge of the eyelid
swelling of the lid
sometimes a small yellow head of pus
watering or a gritty feeling

Your vision should not be affected — if it is, get checked.

Treatment at home

The mainstay is warmth: hold a clean, warm compress (a flannel soaked in warm water) gently against the closed eye for 5–10 minutes, three or four times a day. This encourages the stye to drain naturally. Simple pain relief can help with discomfort.

Two important don’ts: never squeeze or burst a stye, and avoid eye make-up and contact lenses until it has fully healed.

Preventing styes

Keep eyelids clean, avoid rubbing your eyes, replace old eye make-up, and wash hands regularly — especially if you are prone to styes or have blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), which makes them more likely.

When to get help

See a GP if a stye is not improving after a couple of weeks or keeps returning. Get prompt advice if swelling spreads beyond the lid, the eye itself is red or painful, vision changes, or you feel unwell — signs the infection may be spreading.

Common questions about stye

What causes a stye?: A stye is usually a small bacterial infection in an eyelash follicle or eyelid gland. They are more likely with eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), rubbing the eyes, or using old eye make-up.
How do I get rid of a stye?: Hold a clean, warm (not hot) compress against the closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, three or four times a day. This encourages the stye to drain naturally. Pain relief can help. Most clear within a week or two.
Should I pop a stye?: No — never squeeze or burst a stye, as this can spread the infection. Let it drain on its own with warm compresses. Also avoid eye make-up and contact lenses until it has healed.
Are styes contagious?: Not in the way colds are, but the bacteria can spread via hands and towels, so wash hands regularly, avoid rubbing your eyes, and don't share towels or face cloths.

Sources

NHS — Stye

How we reviewed this page

Medically reviewed by Mr Mohamed Mohyudin, MBChB, FRCOphth

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon · GMC 7039600

Mr Mohamed Mohyudin is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon based in Yorkshire, working at Spire Elland Hospital and Newmedica.

First published: 29 March 2026
Medically reviewed: 10 June 2026
Next review due: 10 June 2029 or sooner if NHS or NICE guidance changes

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team. Published by HealthAnswers (Elite Digital AI Solutions Ltd). How we review content · Report a problem with this page

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Stye

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