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What causes recurring styes, and how can they be treated?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had a stye in my left upper eyelid two times in the last month and a half. Now I have it in the same eye, but lower eyelid. Do I need an antibiotic? I have been doing hot compresses, but am concerned that it keeps coming back.

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Recurring styes in the same eye within a short period may be due to blocked oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction), bacterial infection (Staphylococcus bacteria), poor eyelid hygiene, frequent eye touching, or underlying conditions like a weakened immune system, stress, or diabetes. If the stye is large, painful, or not improving with warm compresses, a topical antibiotic ointment like Erythromycin or Bacitracin may help. In cases where the infection spreads, causes significant swelling, or persists, an oral antibiotic may be necessary; consult a doctor for evaluation.

To promote healing, continue warm compresses three to four times daily for 10-15 minutes, use over-the-counter stye ointments (like Terramycin, if available), and maintain good eyelid hygiene with gentle baby shampoo or eyelid wipes. Avoid touching your eyes to prevent further irritation or bacterial spread. If styes keep recurring, it may indicate chronic blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation causing redness, irritation, and crusting), rosacea (chronic skin condition causing redness, flushing, and inflammation), or diabetes, requiring a doctor’s assessment. Seek medical attention if the stye does not improve in seven to ten days, recurs frequently, causes swelling beyond the eyelid, affects vision, or is accompanied by severe pain or fever. Would you like guidance on natural remedies or additional preventive steps?

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you and take care.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 1, 2025
Reviewed At May 7, 2025

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Companion

Recurring Styes Companion

How it works

Recurring styes can be frustrating. This section helps you understand what causes them, common treatments, and when to seek professional medical advice.

1

Stye
Definition

2

Why
Styes

3

Home
Care

4

Medication
Options

5

Underlying
Conditions

6

Doctor
Visit

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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