A stye (or sty) is a painful red bump on the edge of your eyelid<\/a>. It can look similar to an acne pimple and may be tender to the touch. A stye forms when a tiny oil-producing gland in your eyelash follicle or eyelid skin becomes blocked and a bacterial infection<\/a> develops. The medical term for a stye is \u201chordeolum.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s common to have a stye on only one eyelid, but it\u2019s also possible to get styes on both lids. A stye usually lasts one to two weeks and will typically go away on its own. But in cases where it doesn\u2019t, you may need to rely on an eye care provider<\/a>to drain it. They may also prescribe antibiotics to reduce the infection.<\/p>\n A stye is similar to another eyelid bump<\/a>called a chalazion<\/a>. A chalazion is a bump that usually occurs farther back on your eyelid. Unlike a stye, a chalazion usually isn\u2019t painful and isn\u2019t caused by a bacterial infection. But treatment for both conditions is similar.<\/p>\n There are two types of styes:<\/p>\n Styes are very common. They\u2019re more common in adults than children because the oil in an adult\u2019s oil glands is thicker than a child\u2019s. That means it\u2019s more prone to blockage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The main symptom of a stye is a painful red bump along your eyelid edge near your eyelashes. Other stye symptoms may include:<\/p>\n A bacterial infection in your eyelid\u2019s oil-producing glands causes most styes. The oil-producing glands line the eyelids and help lubricate the surface of your eye<\/a>.<\/p>\n Styes generally aren\u2019t contagious. But small amounts of bacteria<\/a> can be spread from them. This is why it\u2019s important to always wash your hands before and after touching a stye and wash pillowcases often to help prevent the bacteria from spreading. Unless you\u2019re cleaning or applying warm compresses to the stye, avoid touching it to reduce bacteria spread and irritation.<\/p>\n Styes are very common, and anyone can get them. But you may be more likely to get a stye if you:<\/p>\n Some styes are more stubborn and require a visit to a healthcare provider. If your vision<\/a> seems to be affected or if your stye seems to be getting worse instead of better, contact a provider.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/div>\n During your appointment, your provider will examine your eyelid and ask about any additional symptoms you\u2019re having. They\u2019ll be able to diagnose a stye based on this eye exam<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A stye will usually go away by itself in one to two weeks. To feel better faster and reduce pain and swelling, you can use a self-care plan to treat your stye at home. Here are some dos and don\u2019ts to manage your stye<\/a> at home.<\/p>\nTypes of styes<\/h4>\n
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How common are styes?<\/h4>\n
What are the symptoms of a stye?<\/h3>\n
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What causes a stye?<\/h3>\n
Are styes contagious?<\/h4>\n
What are the risk factors for developing a stye?<\/h4>\n
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Diagnosis and Tests<\/h2>\n
How is a stye diagnosed?<\/h3>\n
Management and Treatment<\/h2>\n
How do you get rid of a stye?<\/h3>\n
Do<\/h4>\n
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