Medically reviewed by Susan Kerrigan, MD and Marianne Madsen on February 6, 2023
Styes are red bumps, similar to pimples, that form in oil-producing glands on the eyelids. They’re caused by a specific type of bacteria called Staphylococcus, which can be introduced to the eye area if you touch or rub your eyes. Styes are not serious, and they usually disappear within a few days.
What causes styes?
Besides touching the eye area with unwashed hands, styes can also be caused by:
- Inserting contact lenses that have not been properly disinfected
- Wearing eye makeup to bed
- Using old or expired cosmetic products
- Having another skin condition such as blepharitis or rosacea
Oftentimes, the cause of a stye is unknown.
Can styes be caused by stress?
Scientists aren’t sure if stress is a direct cause of styes, but most agree that your risk of developing a stye can be increased by stress and lack of sleep. Other skin conditions, such as acne, have also been linked to stress. A 2003 study that focused on the relationship between stress and acne found that university students had more severe acne during examination periods, which are known for being physically and mentally taxing. So it would make sense that styes could be triggered by stressful events as well.
How to get rid of styes
Unfortunately, there’s no quick method to get rid of styes or any other bacterial skin infections like acne. As mentioned above, a stye will usually go away on its own within a few days. Do not touch the stye or attempt to pop it, as this could make the problem worse. What you can do is massage the area with a warm, clean washcloth for a few minutes several times a day. If you have an antibacterial cream meant for facial use, it can’t hurt to try that either.
If you have a stye that hasn’t noticeably improved after 48 hours or has spread to another part of your face, contact your doctor.
Preventing styes
While some styes can appear at random, you can greatly reduce your chances of developing one by taking some personal hygienic measures.
- Wash your hands frequently. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer multiple times per day.
- Clean your contact lenses. If you wear contacts, make sure to wash your hands before inserting them and disinfect them before and after use.
- Don’t use old makeup, and do not wear makeup to bed. Don’t share your cosmetics with others, either.
- Wash your face upon waking up and before going to bed. If your face is clean, you lower your chances for getting acne or other skin infections like styes. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water before washing your face.
Written by Natan Rosenfeld
