The good news is that most styes are harmless and heal on their own within a few days to a week. Still, the irritation can be frustrating, and for some people, styes tend to come back. That’s where natural remedies come in: safe, easy-to-apply methods that can help speed up the healing process, soothe pain, and reduce the chance of future flare-ups.

What Causes a Stye?
A stye forms when a small gland in your eyelid gets blocked or infected, often by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The blockage traps oil, debris, and bacteria, creating the perfect environment for a painful bump to form.

Common causes and risk factors include:

Touching your eyes with unwashed hands

Using old or contaminated makeup

Not removing eye makeup before bed

Inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)

Chronic conditions such as rosacea or diabetes

For illustrative purposes only (iStockphoto)
Recognizing the Symptoms
Styes can be external (on the edge of the eyelid) or internal (inside the eyelid). They often start with a small red spot, similar to a pimple.

Typical symptoms include:

Swelling and redness on the eyelid

Pain or tenderness when touching the area

A visible pus-filled bump or yellow spot

Watery eyes or sensitivity to light

A gritty feeling, as though something is in the eye

If the stye grows unusually large, doesn’t improve within a week, or is accompanied by fever or vision problems, it’s important to seek medical advice.