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How Long Does a Stye Last? Signs, Care, and Recovery
Styes are one of those annoying eye issues that seem to pop up at the worst possible time. A stubborn stye may look minor, but it often raises big questions and has you counting down the days until it goes away.
Knowing what they are, how long they last, and how to care for them properly can make a big difference in how quickly you feel better.
We're here to break down what to expect from a stye, simple ways to support healing, and when it’s time to check in with a doctor.
Understanding Styes
What Is a Stye and What Causes It?
A stye (also spelled sty), is a small, painful bump on the eyelid. It’s similar to a pimple and usually shows up when one of the tiny oil glands along the eyelid becomes clogged and infected, often due to bacteria.
Styes can happen to anyone, but you may be more likely to get them if you:
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Touch your eyes with unclean hands
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Don’t remove eye makeup before bed
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Have chronic eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)
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Wear contact lenses without practicing good hygiene
Common Symptoms and Signs
You’ll usually notice:
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A red, tender bump on your eyelid
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Swelling and redness
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Eye pain or discomfort when blinking
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Tearing or irritation, it may even feel like there’s something in your eye
Types of Styes: External vs. Internal
While both types are uncomfortable, internal styes can take slightly longer to heal.
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External styes: Appear at the base of eyelashes, either upper or lower, and are easier to see.
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Internal styes: Form inside the eyelid and can be deeper and more uncomfortable.
Typical Duration of a Stye
Average Healing Time
Most styes typically resolve on their own within about 3 to 7 days, especially when you practice good eyelid care. Without treatment, they can still go away, but they may last up to 1–2 weeks in some cases.
What Can Affect How Long It Lasts?
A stye might stick around longer if:
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You touch or squeeze it (this can spread bacteria)
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You keep wearing eye makeup or contacts while it heals
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Your immune system isn’t at its best
Signs That a Stye Is Healing
As your stye improves, these are all positive signs that your body is clearing the infection:
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Redness and swelling decrease
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The bump may soften or even drain on its own
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Pain and irritation lessen
Treatment Options for a Stye
Home Remedies That Can Help
While a stye usually clears up on its own, a little extra care can help speed up the healing process and ease discomfort along the way. Simple, gentle habits can make a noticeable difference.
Warm Compresses:
Applying a warm (not hot) washcloth to your closed eyelid for 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times a day can help unclog the gland and encourage drainage.
Eyelid Hygiene:
Gently cleaning your eyelid with diluted baby shampoo or a saline solution can remove bacteria and debris that slow healing.
Avoid Makeup:
Skip eye makeup until the stye has completely healed. Products like mascara and eyeliner can trap bacteria along the lash line, increasing irritation and slowing recovery.
Switch from Contacts to Glasses:
Give your eyes a break from contact lenses while a stye heals. Wearing comfortable, lightweight frames is a stylish and practical alternative that helps reduce irritation while keeping your vision clear during recovery.
Over-the-Counter Options:
Antibiotic ointments or eye drops recommended by a pharmacist can offer relief and support healing.
When to See a Doctor
Most styes don’t need professional care, but see a healthcare provider if:
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The stye hasn’t improved after 7–10 days
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Pain or swelling worsens
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You develop a fever
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Redness spreading beyond the eyelid
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Your vision becomes blurry or light sensitive
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or perform a minor drainage procedure.
How to Avoid Styes
Good Hygiene Practices
Simple precautionary steps can dramatically reduce your risk to a stye:
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Wash your hands regularly, especially before touching your eyes
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Remove makeup before bed
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Clean makeup brushes and discard old cosmetics
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Practice gentle daily eyelid cleansing
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Avoid sharing towels
Avoid Common Triggers
Avoid rubbing your eyes, excessive eye makeup use, or poor contact lens care. These habits can all invite bacteria that lead to styes.
Schedule Regular Eye Check-Ups
Regular visits to your Optometrist help monitor your overall eye health and catch issues before they turn into problems.
Key Takeaways for Managing a Stye
Don't fret too much. Most styes are common, manageable, and typically clear up within about a week with proper care. Keeping your eyelids clean, avoiding harmful habits like squeezing the bump, and using warm compresses can speed recovery and ease discomfort.
If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Taking care of your eye health, including wearing quality eyewear from Pair Eyewear, ensures not just better vision, but comfort and confidence too.
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