If you’ve had a stye before, you know how irritating they can feel. These little red bumps that appear on the edge of the eyelid are caused by a small oil gland that has become blocked and infected. This leads to the painful swelling we experience on the eyelid.  

Styes can easily be prevented by practicing good hygiene and consistent skincare. Some important tips to remember include: 

• Wash off all makeup before bed
• Replace makeup and skincare products every six months
• Wash your hands before using contact lenses and touching your eyes

Catching the stye early on makes it easier to treat and prevent from flaring up. Some signs of a developing stye include:

• Swelling/pain of the eyelid
• Redness of the eyelid
• Excessive tearing
• Crusting along the eyelid

Fortunately, styes often go away on their own. To lessen the discomfort, make sure to avoid wearing makeup around the eye. Additionally, placing a warm compress on the eyelid for 5-10 minutes throughout the day will help soothe the pain and swelling.

If you’re not seeing any improvement after 48 hours, call your eye care provider to seek additional medical treatment.