Stye

A stye is a painful red bump on the edge of the eyelid caused by a blocked, infected oil gland. Knowing how to get rid of a stye starts with warm compresses. Most styes drain and heal on their own within 1 to 2 weeks.

What Is It

Styes are usually caused by staph bacteria in the oil glands along the lash line. Rubbing the eyes, old eye makeup, contact lenses, and eyelid inflammation raise the risk. A chalazion is a similar, painless lump deeper in the lid. Styes are not very contagious.

Symptoms

A red, tender bump on the eyelid edge
Swelling of the eyelid
A small yellow spot at the center
Watery eye
A gritty feeling in the eye
Crusting along the lashes

Not sure it’s a stye? Red, itchy eyes with goopy discharge and no lump are more likely pink eye.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines the eyelid and eye. Most styes are treated with warm compresses. Antibiotic ointment may be used when infection is spreading. A lump that does not go away may need an eye doctor.

At home:

Apply a warm, wet cloth for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day
Gently massage the eyelid after the compress
Do not squeeze or pop the stye
Skip eye makeup and contact lenses until it heals

Most styes drain and heal within 1 to 2 weeks.

When to Get Care for a Stye

Watch at Home

A small, tender bump that is improving
Normal vision
No swelling beyond the eyelid

Come to Urgent Care Today

A stye not improving after a week of warm compresses
Swelling spreading across the whole eyelid
Styes that keep coming back
A painless lump that has lasted more than a month

Go to the Emergency Department

Redness and swelling around the eye with fever
Pain when moving the eye, or the eye bulging
Vision changes or double vision
Unable to open the eye because of swelling

FAQ

How do you get rid of a stye fast?

The fastest way to get rid of a stye is a warm, wet compress for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. It helps the stye drain on its own.

How long does a stye last?

A stye usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks. Most drain on their own within a few days of starting warm compresses.

Should I pop a stye?

Do not pop or squeeze a stye. Squeezing can spread the infection into the eyelid. Let warm compresses help it drain.

Is a stye contagious?

A stye is not very contagious, but the bacteria can spread. Wash your hands and do not share towels or eye makeup.

Can urgent care treat a stye?

Yes, urgent care can treat a stye. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the eyelid and discuss treatment. No appointment or referral is needed.

What is the difference between a stye and a chalazion?

A stye is a painful, red bump at the lash line caused by infection. A chalazion is a painless lump deeper in the eyelid from a blocked gland.

Last reviewed October 2026