Why do I keep getting styes as an adult?

Why do I keep getting styes as an adult? Understanding causes, risks and prevention

It’s frustrating to deal with a painful, swollen bump on your eyelid—especially when it seems to come back again and again. Styes (hordeolum) are common inflammations of the oil glands at the eyelid margin. While most styes resolve on their own or with simple home care, some adults experience repeated outbreaks. Here’s an evidence-based look at what causes styes in adults, why they may recur, and what you can do to reduce your risk.

What Is a Stye?
A stye is a red, tender lump at the base of an eyelash (external stye) or inside the eyelid (internal stye). It’s usually caused by bacteria—most often Staphylococcus aureus—invading and blocking an oil gland (meibomian or Zeis gland). Symptoms include:

• Localized pain and tenderness
• Swelling and redness of the eyelid margin
• A small white or yellow “head” as pus collects
• Tearing, sensitivity to light or a gritty sensation

Most people get a single stye that clears up in 5–7 days with warm compresses. If you keep getting styes as an adult, there may be underlying factors at play.

What Causes Styes in Adults?
Several factors increase the likelihood of stye formation. Understanding these can help you address the root causes.

1. Poor Eyelid Hygiene
   • Makeup residue left on lashes and lids
   • Infrequent removal of oils and debris
   • Rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands

2. Chronic Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis)
   • Bacterial overgrowth along the lid margin
   • Dandruff-like flakes and crusting
   • Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

3. Skin Conditions
   • Rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis affecting eyelids
   • Acne or other inflammatory skin disorders

4. Systemic Health Issues
   • Diabetes (high blood sugar can impair immunity)
   • Immune system compromise (e.g., HIV, long-term steroids)
   • Hormonal fluctuations (stress, puberty, menstrual cycle)

5. Contact Lens and Cosmetic Habits
   • Rubbing lenses in with contaminated solution
   • Using old or shared eye makeup
   • Applying makeup too close to the lash line

Why Recurring Styes Happen
If you’ve ruled out occasional bad luck, recurrent styes often point to a persistent trigger:

• Unmanaged blepharitis or MGD allows bacteria to recolonize the glands.
• Skin conditions like rosacea flare intermittently on the eyelids.
• Incomplete treatment—stopping warm compresses or lid scrubs too soon.
• Underlying health issues—poorly controlled diabetes or immune suppression.
• Lifestyle factors—ongoing eye rubbing, contact lens overwear or infrequent makeup replacement.

A 2017 review in Clinical Ophthalmology found that addressing blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction is key to preventing repeat styes. If you’ve had more than three styes in six months, it’s worth investigating chronic eyelid inflammation.

How to Prevent and Manage Styes

Maintain Eyelid Hygiene
• Warm compresses twice daily for 5–10 minutes to soften oil and unclog glands
• Gentle lid scrubs with diluted baby shampoo or commercial lid cleansers
• Avoid touching or rubbing eyes—wash hands before any contact

Modify Cosmetic and Contact Lens Practices
• Replace eye makeup every 3–6 months and never share it
• Apply eyeliner and mascara carefully—avoid the inner lash line
• Clean contact lenses per instructions; consider daily disposables if you’re prone to styes

Treat Underlying Skin and Systemic Conditions
• See a dermatologist for rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
• Keep blood sugar in check if you have diabetes
• Discuss immune-modulating medications with your doctor if needed

Consider Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments
• Increase omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil, flaxseed) to improve gland function
• Manage stress through mindfulness, exercise or counseling
• Ensure adequate sleep and avoid excessive screen time

When to Seek Medical Care
Most styes resolve with home care, but you should see a healthcare professional if you experience:
• Vision changes or severe pain
• Spread of redness beyond the eyelid (cellulitis risk)
• A hard lump that doesn’t soften after a week
• Fever or general malaise

You might also consider a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker, to get personalized guidance on whether you need urgent care.

If your stye is large, persistent or affecting your vision, an eye doctor may prescribe:
• Topical or oral antibiotics (for bacterial overgrowth)
• Steroid-antibiotic combinations to reduce inflammation
• In-office drainage if the stye fails to resolve

Take-Home Tips
• What causes styes in adults often comes down to blocked oil glands plus bacterial overgrowth.
• Recurrence usually signals blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction or an underlying health issue.
• A consistent eyelid hygiene routine is your best defense.
• Modify cosmetic and contact lens habits to minimize risk.
• Treat chronic skin or systemic conditions in partnership with your providers.

Always speak to a doctor about any symptoms that could be serious or life-threatening. Early intervention helps prevent complications and speeds recovery. By tackling the root causes rather than just the bumps, you can dramatically reduce the chance that you’ll keep getting styes.