why do styes happen

Styes usually happen when an oil gland or eyelash follicle in the eyelid gets blocked and then infected, most often by Staphylococcus bacteria. Common triggers include touching or rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands, old eye makeup, contact lens hygiene issues, blepharitis, and skin conditions like rosacea or dandruff.

Why they form

A stye is basically a tiny eyelid infection that develops when bacteria get trapped in a gland or follicle. That blockage can come from oil, dead skin, makeup, or inflammation of the eyelids.

What raises the risk

• Rubbing your eyes often.

• Using old or shared makeup, or sleeping in eye makeup.

• Poor contact lens or hand hygiene.

• Blepharitis, acne, rosacea, or dandruff.

• Diabetes or a weaker immune system.

When to get help

If a stye is very painful, keeps coming back, affects your vision, or doesn’t improve after a few days, it’s a good idea to check with an eye doctor.

Quick note

Most styes are annoying but common, and they usually come from a blocked, infected gland rather than anything dangerous.