A stye is an infection in the tiny oil glands along the edge of the eyelid that surround the base of an eyelash. It begins as a red, tender bump, and looks like a small pimple as it develops.

A stye usually comes to a head (clear or yellow fluid collects in the stye) in about 3 days, after which it breaks open and drains and heals in about a week. Though the cause of a stye is often unknown, it can develop from rubbing the eyes or using products near the eyelid that can irritate the eye, both of which can transfer bacteria to the skin and cause infection.

Usually, home treatment is all that is necessary to treat a stye. This includes not wearing eye makeup or contact lenses; allowing the stye to break open by itself; applying warm, wet compresses to the eye area; and using nonprescription medications.