A stye (hordeolum) is a common, painful, red lump on the eyelid margin, resembling a pimple. This swelling occurs when an oil gland or hair follicle becomes blocked and infected, usually by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. While uncomfortable, a stye is typically harmless to vision and resolves on its own. Knowing the typical duration and influencing factors helps manage expectations and determine when to seek medical advice.
Standard Duration and Influencing Factors
A stye typically lasts between three and seven days, with most cases resolving completely within one to two weeks. Consistent self-care can shorten this duration, sometimes leading to resolution in three to five days. Healing involves the stye coming to a head, draining naturally, and then subsiding.
Several factors influence healing time. Regular application of a warm compress is primary, as it encourages the blockage to soften and drain. Poor hygiene, such as rubbing eyes with unwashed hands, can introduce bacteria and prolong the infection.
The stye’s location also matters. External styes, forming at the base of an eyelash, often drain more easily than internal styes, which form within the deeper meibomian glands. Internal styes may take longer to resolve and are more likely to become a non-infectious chalazion.
Self-Care Steps to Promote Healing
The most effective self-care strategy is applying a warm compress. Use a clean washcloth soaked in warm water (not scalding) and hold it over the closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat this process three to six times daily to liquefy hardened oils and promote natural drainage.
Strict hygiene is essential to prevent the infection from worsening or spreading. Wash hands thoroughly before and after touching the eye area. Temporarily discontinue using eye makeup and contact lenses, opting for eyeglasses until the stye heals.
Never squeeze, pop, or manually drain the stye, as this can push the infection deeper into the tissue, potentially causing cellulitis and delaying healing. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can manage discomfort and inflammation.
Signs That Require Professional Medical Attention
While most styes resolve with home care, certain signs require a medical evaluation. If the stye persists without improvement for longer than one to two weeks, a healthcare professional should examine it. This extended duration may indicate a stubborn infection or that the condition is actually a chalazion.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if swelling or redness spreads beyond the eyelid into the cheek or face, which signals a serious infection called preseptal cellulitis. Other warning signs include a sudden change in vision (such as blurring), extreme pain, sensitivity to light, fever, or chills.