You wake up, look in the mirror, and there it is - a tiny, red, painful bump staring back at you from your eyelid. At first, you think, Maybe I just rubbed my eye too hard last night. But as the day goes on, it starts to swell, itch, and make your eye feel like it’s been punched (even though it hasn’t).
Now, the burning question: How long is this thing going to stick around?
A stye is one of those things that feels bigger than it looks and makes your eye look like it’s going through a rough patch. The good news? It’s not permanent. The bad news? You’re stuck with it for at least a few days.
In this blog, we’ll talk about:
What causes a stye
How long it lasts
How to make it heal faster
When to see a doctor
How to keep it from coming back
Let’s break it all down so you can say goodbye eye’s uninvited guest ASAP!
What Is a Stye, and Why Is It Here?
A stye (hordeolum) is basically a tiny, infected bump on your eyelid - think of it as a pimple that decided to set up camp near your eye. It happens when an oil gland or hair follicle gets blocked and infected with bacteria (usually Staphylococcus, the same bacteria that cause skin infections).
Types of Styes
There are two main types of styes:
Internal Stye: Forms inside the eyelid, affecting the oil glands. These are less visible but more painful because they push against the eye.
Good News: Styes don’t last forever and usually go away on their own. You just need a little patience (and maybe some warm compresses).
How Long Does a Stye Last?
The Typical Timeline
On average, a stye lasts 3 to 7 days. In some cases, it can stick around for up to 2 weeks—but that’s pretty rare.
Here’s what you can expect:
Day 1-2: Your eyelid feels tender and sore, and a small red bump starts to appear.
Day 3-4: The stye gets more swollen, may fill with pus (gross, but normal), and might feel a bit warm to the touch.
Day 5-7: The swelling starts going down, and the stye drains on its own (again, gross but satisfying).
After a week: Your eye is back to normal, with just a little leftover redness.
If your stye sticks around for more than 2 weeks, it’s time to call a doctor!
What Causes a Stye?
Styes don’t randomly appear—they’re usually caused by bacteria, blocked glands, or poor eye hygiene. Here’s why you might get one:
Bacteria Got In
Most styes are caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, which live on your skin. When these bacteria get into an oil gland, your eyelid freaks out and forms a stye.
Touching Your Eyes Too Much
Rubbing your eyes with dirty hands
Using old makeup or unwashed makeup brushes
Wearing contact lenses without washing your hands first
Lesson? Your hands touch everything—keep them away from your eyes unless they’re clean!
Blocked Oil Glands
Your eyelids have tiny oil glands that keep your eyes moist and comfortable. But if they get clogged with dead skin or oil, a stye can form.
Oily skin = higher risk
Not washing your face before bed = trouble
Stress & Lack of Sleep
Your immune system fights bacteria—but if you’re stressed or sleep-deprived, it doesn’t work as well. That means bacteria can take over, and boom—stye!
How to Make a Stye Heal Faster
While a stye will eventually go away on its own, you can speed up the healing process with these simple remedies:
Use a Warm Compress
A warm compress is your best friend when it comes to styes. The heat opens up the blocked gland and helps the stye drain naturally.
Soak a clean washcloth in warm water.
Hold it over your eye for 10-15 minutes.
Repeat 3-4 times a day.
Tip: Don’t squeeze it! Let it drain on its own.
Keep Your Eyes Clean
Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
Clean your eyelid with mild baby shampoo & water.
Avoid wearing eye makeup until the stye heals.
Let the Stye Drain on Its Own No Popping!
Styes are not pimples—do NOT pop them! Squeezing a stye can spread bacteria and make things worse.
Be patient—most styes drain naturally within a few days.
Avoid Contact Lenses & Makeup
Switch to glasses until your stye heals.
Avoid eye makeup, as it can spread bacteria.
Once your stye is gone, replace old makeup and clean your brushes to prevent another one!
When Should You See a Doctor?
Most styes heal on their own, but sometimes, medical help is needed.
The stye lasts more than 2 weeks.
Your eyelid is very swollen, red, or painful.
Your vision is blurry.
The stye keeps coming back.
Doctors can prescribe antibiotics or drain a large stye if necessary.
How to Prevent Styes in the Future
Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
Remove makeup before bed.
Clean your contact lenses properly.
Use clean towels & pillowcases.
Manage stress & get enough sleep.
Good hygiene = fewer styes!
Fun Myths & Superstitions About Styes
India & China: Some believe getting a stye means you spied on someone you shouldn’t have! (Oops.)
Africa: Some people think rubbing a gold ring on a stye will make it go away. (Spoiler: It won’t.)
Hawaii: A stye means someone is talking about you behind your back!
Of course, science says styes are caused by bacteria, but these myths are fun to know!
Final Thoughts: How Long Until a Stye Goes Away?
Most styes heal in 3-7 days.
Some last up to 2 weeks (rarely)
Home treatments like warm compresses help speed up healing.
If a stye lasts longer than 2 weeks, see a doctor.
With good hygiene and a little patience, you’ll be stye-free in no time!