Why do I keep getting styes

Styes are painful red bumps that appear along the edge of the eyelid and can cause persistent discomfort and swelling. While an isolated stye may resolve with simple home care, repeatedly developing these irritating lumps can feel both frustrating and worrying. Understanding why you keep getting styes empowers you to adopt targeted hygiene measures, identify underlying triggers and seek professional advice when necessary so you can enjoy clear healthy eyes.

What is a stye
A stye is an infection of an eyelash follicle or one of the tiny oil producing glands along the eyelid margin. It often begins as a small tender lump that fills with pus, creating visible redness and swelling. Styes may occur on the outer eyelid edge, known as an external stye, or within the eyelid, known as an internal stye. Both types can cause irritation, tearing and a sensation of a foreign object in the eye.

Anatomy of the eyelid
The eyelid contains hair follicles for eyelashes and meibomian glands that secrete oils to lubricate the surface of the eye. These structures sit very close to the conjunctival surface and are easily contaminated by bacteria from the skin or hands. Any blockage of a gland opening can lead to bacterial overgrowth and inflammation, resulting in a stye.

Common contributing factors
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing styes again and again. Frequent rubbing or touching of the eyes transfers bacteria into follicles. Inadequate removal of dirt, sweat and eye makeup at the end of the day allows microbes to thrive. Sharing towels, pillowcases or cosmetics can also spread bacteria. Recognising these risk factors helps you modify daily habits to protect your eyelids.

Hygiene habits and eyelid care
Good eyelid hygiene reduces the risk of stye formation. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes. Remove makeup gently using a clean cotton pad and a mild oil free cleanser or micellar water. Avoid using old or expired cosmetics. Cleanse the eyelid margin each evening with a lint free cloth dampened in warm water or a gentle eyelid scrub to remove debris and excess oil.

Cosmetic products and eye makeup
Creamy eyeliners and heavy mascaras can clog lash follicles when not removed completely. Glitter and waterproof formulas may trap bacteria at the lash line. Opt for water based cosmetics that are easier to wash off. Replace mascara every three months and avoid sharing your makeup with others. Introducing these small changes can significantly lower your risk of repeated infections.

Blepharitis and other eyelid conditions
Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin, known as blepharitis, creates a persistent environment for bacterial growth. This condition often accompanies dry eye and causes flaky skin at the eyelash base. Treating blepharitis with daily warm compresses and eyelid scrubs not only relieves irritation but also prevents the blocked glands that lead to styes.

Immune health and underlying conditions
A weakened immune system makes it harder to fight off minor infections. Conditions such as diabetes, dermatitis or rosacea are linked with increased stye frequency. Maintaining overall health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, proper sleep and stress management supports your body’s natural defenses and reduces recurrent eye infections.

Contact lens care and handling
Contact lenses can introduce bacteria if not handled and cleaned correctly. Always wash and dry your hands before inserting or removing lenses. Use fresh solution each time and never rinse lenses with tap water. Replace your lens case every three months and avoid sleeping in contacts unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear.

Stress, sleep and eye rubbing
Fatigue and stress increase the temptation to rub your eyes, which transfers bacteria and irritates the delicate eyelid skin. Ensuring you get adequate rest, practising relaxation techniques and resisting the urge to touch your eyes reduce both mechanical irritation and microbial contamination that lead to styes.

Home treatments and warm compress
Applying a warm compress to the eyelid for ten to fifteen minutes several times a day helps unblocking glands and encourages drainage. Use a clean washcloth soaked in warm water and gently press it against the closed eyelid. Follow this with a gentle massage toward the lash line to clear any debris. Consistent home care often shrinks the stye and relieves pain within a few days.

Preventing recurrence
To avoid repeat styes, integrate eyelid hygiene into your daily routine. Clean your eyelids each night, change pillowcases frequently and store towels separately. Avoid using facial scrubs that irritate the eyelid skin. Monitor any eye conditions such as blepharitis and follow up with your optometrist or GP for regular check ups.

When to seek professional advice
If a stye persists beyond a week, worsens, affects your vision or is accompanied by fever or spreading redness, consult a healthcare professional. Your GP or an eye specialist may prescribe antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics and, in rare cases, may need to drain a stubborn stye in clinic under sterile conditions.

Summary
Recurring styes result from blocked lash follicles and oil glands, often triggered by poor eyelid hygiene, chronic eyelid inflammation, contact lens misuse, immune challenges and eye rubbing. Adopting daily eyelid cleaning, choosing gentle cosmetics, managing underlying conditions and practising careful contact lens care significantly reduces the likelihood of repeat infections. Persistent or severe styes require medical evaluation to rule out complications and ensure effective treatment so you can maintain healthy comfortable eyes.