Why Do Styes Keep Coming Back? How to Stop Recurring Styes with Proper Eyelid Hygiene

Why Styes Keep Recurring and How to Stop Them 👀 An Expert Guide for Lasting Relief

What Are Styes and Why Do They Recur?  Styes are those red, painful bumps that show up on the eyelid when oil glands become clogged and also infected. While they often go away on their own, some people notice that styes come back again and again. Here’s why:

• Insufficient Eyelid Hygiene: Bacteria and debris can build up on the eyelid margin if you’re not properly cleansing your eyelid margins & eyelashes.
• Makeup Mishaps: Using old or expired makeup (especially mascara) or not removing it thoroughly before bedtime can trap bacteria.
• Contact Lens Cross-Contamination: Handling lenses without clean hands or overwearing them can lead to repeated infections.
• Meibomian Oil Gland Dysfunction: Excessive oil production or blockages in the meibomian glands can make styes a common occurrence. Usually this is an undiagnosed eye condition. 
• Touching or Rubbing Eyes: Frequent eye touching transfers germs to your eyelids, increasing the risk of infection.

How to Stop Recurring Styes 🚫

1. Focused Eye Roll
   • Use an active, rolling, warm compress for 30 seconds a session, 2–3 times daily. This helps loosen clogged oil and speeds up healing. Heat under running hot water.
2. Gentle Eyelid Cleansing
   • Adopt a daily eyelid cleaning routine with specialized products like We Love Eyes eyelid foams and spray cleansers.
   • Remove all makeup thoroughly before bedtime to avoid bacterial buildup.
3. Check Your Makeup & Tools
   • Replace your mascara every 3 months to reduce bacterial growth.
   • Avoid sharing eye makeup to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Deep Clean the Waterline
   • The waxes from wearing eyeliner on the waterline can clog the oil glands. 
   • Use this 1-3X a week depending on how much and how often you waterline. Wash off with a foaming cleanser after the deep cleanse. 
5. Clean Contact Lenses Properly
   • Always wash and dry hands before handling lenses.
   • Adhere to recommended replacement schedules and cleaning solutions.
6. Keep Hands Off
   • Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes — it’s an easy way to spread bacteria.
7. Visit an Eye Care Professional
   • If styes persist or frequently recur, consult an optometrist for specialized treatment or medication.

Styes May Be Stubborn, but a consistent eyelid hygiene routine, careful makeup practices, and healthy lens habits can significantly reduce their recurrence. If your styes keep coming back, it’s best to seek professional guidance. 

About Dr. Tanya Gill, OD & We Love Eyes: Dr. Tanya Gill, OD is the Founder of We Love Eyes, a brand dedicated to delivering clean and gentle solutions for optimal eye health. If you struggle with recurring styes or have any other eye concerns, visit weloveeyes.com to explore effective products and expert advice.