What should you know about constantly getting styes?

A stye is a sore, localised lump caused by inflammation around an eyelid gland or eyelash follicle. Repeated episodes can occur when eyelid oils become thick or glands remain blocked. Rubbing the eyes, leaving eye make-up on, sharing towels, or using old eye products may add irritation.

A stye is not the same as every eyelid lump. A firm, less tender lump may be a blocked gland rather than an active infection. Your clinician may check the lid margin and ask about dry eyes, crusting, skin conditions, contact lenses and vision changes.

Apply a clean, comfortably warm compress to the closed eyelid for several minutes, then gently clean the lid margin. Wash your hands before touching the eye, avoid squeezing the lump, and pause eye make-up and contact lenses until the eye settles. Use fresh personal eye products and do not share towels.

Book an appointment if styes recur, do not settle, or leave a firm lump. A clinician may discuss eyelid hygiene, treatment for inflammation, or another explanation for repeated bumps. Do not use leftover antibiotic or steroid eye treatment without advice.

Seek prompt care for spreading redness or swelling around the eye, fever, worsening pain, reduced vision, pain with eye movement, or difficulty opening the eye. Urgent assessment is also needed after an eye injury or if the eye itself becomes very light-sensitive.

Is this a stye or another eyelid lump? Could eyelid inflammation or dry eye be contributing? What cleaning routine is suitable, and when should I restart contact lenses or eye make-up?