5 Common But Embarrassing Symptoms You Should Definitely Talk to Your Doctor About

Styes Are Annoying, But These Over-the-counter Products Can Help

If you've ever encountered what looked like a pimple along your eyelid, chances are you've had a stye. The best way to address one is by keeping the eyelid clean and moisturized — just like the rest of your face. That's because a stye, while not technically a pimple, is similar to one in that it's caused by a clog. "A stye is caused by a blockage of the eyelid oil glands, or meibomian glands, that leads to a bacterial infection," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Carmen Castilla. "It looks like a red swollen bump along the eyelash line — similar in appearance to a pimple."

Like a pimple, you shouldn't pop styes. (And unlike a pimple, there's no equivalent of, say, an acne spot treatment.) Rather, we talked to dermatologists who say that washing the eyelid with a gentle cleanser, removing makeup and using a warm compress are your best bets for healing and preventing styes. If you really want to try other options, we talked to experts about products that won't further irritate the eye area and could possibly help target the bacteria at the source of an infected stye, though they ultimately won't change the trajectory of a stye — it still needs to run its course.

SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best stye treatmentsThe best stye treatments in 2025How to shop for stye treatmentsWhy trust NBC Select?

After speaking with three board-certified dermatologists, I sought out stye treatments that met a few standards: They need to be gentle enough not to irritate an existing stye and able to keep the eye comfortable while it heals. While these won't necessarily make it disappear more quickly, they'll keep your eyes much more comfortable while you wait it out. Here's what else experts recommend I look for in a stye treatment:

Hypoallergenic: Since allergens can cause further irritation, hypoallergenic labels are worth looking for.

Fragrance-free: Fragrance can be a common irritant, so look for fragrance-free formulas for anything you put near your eye.

Oil base: Oil-based products, like cleansing balms, are better able to break down longwear eye makeup, like waterproof mascara.

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Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo

$4.71

$6.85

Amazon

$3.99

$4.99

Target

$4.78

Walmart

What we like

Gentle

Tear-free

Hypoallergenic

Something to note

Nothing to note at this time

Three dermatologists I talked to recommended this shampoo to cleanse an eye with a stye. Castilla likes that it's formulated not to sting, "so you don't have to worry about a little bit getting in your eye," she says. It lathers quickly and rinses easily, too, according to Johnson & Johnson. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Bruce Robinson, recommends putting a capsule-worth of the baby shampoo in about 30 ounces of water, then using the solution to dampen a cloth or cotton pad and let it sit for 30 seconds on the affected eye.

Key ingredients: glycerinFragrance-free: yes

Ocusoft Lid Scrub Original Foaming Eyelid Cleanser

$9.49

$11.95

Amazon

$10.75

$14.40

Walmart

What we like

Non-irritating

Gentle

Antibacterial

Something to note

Can't remove waterproof makeup

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp likes that this cleanser can remove oil, debris, pollen and makeup from the eyelids, and says that you can get them as pre-moistened pads as well, which are good for travel. The formula has polyaminopropyl biguanide in it, which is a preservative that has antibacterial properties, therefore killing the bacteria contributing to the irritated eye area. It's gentle enough for daily use and safe for contact lens wearers, too, according to the brand.

Key ingredients: polyaminopropyl biguanide, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine (coconut-based cleanser)Fragrance-free: yes

Biotrue Micellar Eyelid Cleansing Wipes

$18.98

Amazon

$12.97

Walmart

$16.99

Walgreens

What we like

Moisturizing

pH-balanced

Safe for daily use

Something to note

Nothing to note at this time

I've used Bausch & Lomb's contact lens solution for years, so when the brand sent me these to try, I was game to test them. I have sensitive eyes that get dry throughout the day (and have had styes in the past), and I liked that these didn't irritate them whatsoever — but were still powerful enough to remove my waterproof mascara. They have hyaluronan, a humectant naturally found in tears related to hyaluronic acid, as well as micelles, the cleansing agent used in micellar water.

Key ingredients: hyaluronan, aloe juice, licorice extractFragrance-free: yes

La Roche Posay Respectissime Eye Makeup Remover

$21.00

Amazon

$21.00

Walmart

$24.99

Dermstore

What we like

Removes waterproof makeup

Non-irritating

Safe for sensitive eyes

Something to note

Nothing to note at this time

In order to remove both water- and oil-based makeup (the latter being common among waterproof mascara and eyeliners), this cleanser has both a water phase and oil phase. Once you shake the bottle, they work together to remove waterproof makeup without rubbing or irritating sensitive skin, according to Camp, who recommends it.

Key ingredients: poloxamer (a gentle cleaning agent)Fragrance-free: yes

Ocusoft HypoChlor Spray

$21.95

Amazon

$20.50

Walmart

What we like

Non-irritating

Targets bacteria

Spray form easy to apply

Something to note

Nothing to note at this time

Hypochlorous acid is an antimicrobial substance, which is why you may see it recommended for acne-prone skin. But for styes in particular, "hypochlorous acid sprays formulated for the eyes can also be helpful," says Castilla, who recommends this one as a good option. "They are nonirritating, and can decrease the bacteria on the eyelid and remove excess oil." It has 0.02 percent hypochlorous acid and is gentle enough for everyday use, according to the brand.

Key ingredients: hypochlorous acidFragrance-free: yes

Magic Molecule The Solution

$32.00

Amazon

$32.00

Ulta

$32.00

Anthropologie

What we like

Gentle

Sting-free

Multipurpose

Something to note

Nothing to note at this time

This hypochlorous acid spray has a 0.018% concentration, which is slightly less of that than other sprays on the market) and helps nix bacteria, reduce redness and generally calm skin, according to the brand. That was enough to convince NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez to try it for her eczema. "Aside from the fact it smells like pool water, it is simply perfection," she says, explaining why it was her favorite product of 2024. "Every morning and night, I would spray this and not once did it burn, sting or worsen my condition; instead, it reduced my redness significantly, made my skin feel soothed and calmed the dry, itchy, flaky look and feel on my face."

Key ingredients: hypochlorous acidFragrance-free: yes

We Love Eyes Tea Tree Eyelid Foaming Cleanser

What we like

Antimicrobial

Optometrist-formulated

Gentle

Developed by an optometrist, this foaming cleanser is designed to wash away bacteria, debris and allergens. It uses tea tree oil, which has natural antimicrobial properties, to cleanse the eyelid, as well as jojoba and grape-seed oils to moisturize the skin around the eyes, according to the brand. It has an average 4.5-star average rating from 3,032 reviews on Amazon.

Key ingredients: hypochlorous acidFragrance-free: yes

When you're trying to address a stye, keep in mind that treatments can't necessarily make them heal faster. "They really don't do much other than to ease some of the inflammation and discomfort," says Robinson. "There are hydrating eye drops, there are medicated pads, there are cleansing solutions, but unfortunately none of them really change the trajectory — they just makes the stye more comfortable to deal with it until the blockage either relieves itself or you go to get it treated by a dermatologist." On their own, styes typically resolve in one to two weeks, according to Castilla.

With that in mind, Robinson recommends making sure any product you use, be it a cleanser, a cleansing wipe or a spray, be hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, as these can potentially be irritating. "A gentle soap can help break down excess oil preventing a stye from worsening or spreading," adds Castilla. "It also can also prevent worsening by washing away bacteria."

Some have antibacterial agents, too, which can be helpful. Castilla particularly likes hypochlorous acid, since it's gentle yet effective.

And finally, Robinson also recommends seeking out cleansers that have an oil base. "If you have an inflammatory condition on your skin, something more oily is more soothing and hydrating," he says. "It's more lubricating than a water base and may be more soothing when you take off your makeup."

What causes a stye in your eyes?

A stye is a clogged gland typically caused by a buildup of oil or debris (or both). "When the oil backs up in the gland, bacteria actually consume it because that's what they eat — and then basically overgrow and cause an infection," says Robinson.

People tend to be predisposed to getting styes, but it's tough to know what the exact trigger might be, according to experts I spoke with. One commonality seems to be allergies: "Just from the inflammation of the allergies, the skin swells, especially if you rub your eyes," says Robinson. On top of that, there's the trauma from rubbing, which causes more inflammation.

Any sort of inflammatory skin condition, like eczema or rosacea (which, by the way, can exist around the eyes as ocular rosacea), can also make styes more likely. Beyond that, "chronic rubbing, blepharitis, which is chronic eyelid inflammation, or the use of thick or expired makeup can block pores and put skin at risk of infection," says Camp.

How do you get rid of a stye quickly?

The best solution for treating a stye at home is to use a warm compress. "These help bring the eye to the surface, allowing it to drain naturally," says Castilla, who recommends a soft, damp washcloth. "If you use a washcloth, just be aware it might cool down quickly, so you'll need to re-soak it every few minutes." Refrain from popping the stye, which Robinson says can force the debris further into the gland, worsening the inflammation and potentially making it last longer.

Otherwise, make an appointment with a dermatologist or ophthalmologist, who can inject a steroid into the stye, which helps bring down the swelling and inflammation. "The occlusion can open and basically help discharge some of its contents," says Robinson. "Also, it shrinks the actual gland itself that's occluded."

Is it possible to prevent a stye?

It's not possible to prevent a stye if you're predisposed to them, but it may be possible to reduce their frequency.

First, be diligent about removing your makeup before you go to sleep, which can help reduce the risk of clogged pores on the face and eyelids, says Camp. And, when it comes to makeup, stick with the recommended expiration dates — for instance, replace mascara and eyeliner every three months, since they constantly touch your eye area and could potentially transfer bacteria between the tube and your eye. (Consider this a cue to organize your makeup.)

Similarly, if you wear contact lenses, disinfect them regularly, says Robinson. (And replace them as advised by your doctor.) And finally, wash your hands. "We touch our faces about a hundred times a day, and that can also lead to bacteria getting on our skin that we don't want," he says.

What is the best medicine for a stye?

Both Camp and Castilla recommend taking ibuprofen, which can help reduce the inflammation associated with a stye and make you more comfortable. In cases where you need a stye dispatched quickly — say, you have a wedding in the next few days — then a steroid injection can help it clear up within a day, says Robinson. Additionally "we use antibiotics like minocycline or doxycycline," he says. "Doxycycline is my favorite because that kills the staph aureus, which is usually what causes the infection." That too can help heal a stye within a day or two. Be sure to talk to your doctor first before taking any medication.

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Dr. Bruce Robinson, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. He specializes in difficult-to-diagnose disorders of the skin, hair and nails as well as laser aesthetics and body contouring.

Dr. Carmen Castilla, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York, NY and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital. She focuses on both medical and cosmetic dermatology.

Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS NY in New York, NY. He's an expert in both medical and cosmetic dermatology and is also board-certified in dermatopathology.

I am a freelance beauty writer and editor who's been covering beauty and health for more than a decade, including writing about topics like at-home microcurrent devices and prebiotic skin care. For this article, I spoke to three dermatologists to find the best products for treating styes to shop this year, and highlighted their recommendations for the best options to consider.

Catch up on NBC Select's in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

What Causes A Stye And The Best Ways To Get Rid Of One

A stye is a red bump that forms on the eyelid and can look and feel like a big pimple. This bump often feels swollen and painful to the touch. Styes are basically like acne that occurs on the eyelid, says Amy Lin, MD, an ophthalmologist at the University of Utah Health.

Though styes can happen to anyone, there are certain behaviors that increase your risk. Here's what you need to know about the main causes of styes, how to prevent them, and what to do if you have one. 

What causes a stye

Styes are caused by infected oil glands in your eyelids. These oil glands prevent tears from evaporating too quickly and drying out your eyes, but these glands can also become infected with bacteria. 

There's one particular bacterium that leads to stye infections: Staphylococcus aureus. According to Tina Singh, MD, an ophthalmologist at Duke Eye Center, it's one of the most common bacteria on the skin, eyelids, and eyelashes, and can clog the oil glands. 

While the bacterium is found in 20 to 30% of human nasal cavities without harm, you can also pick it up by touching surfaces infected with it, and S. Aureus can become a pathogen itself when it gets under the skin, causing skin infections. 

There a few reasons why people tend to get styes: 

Poor hygiene. Rubbing your eyes when you haven't washed your hands can lead to styes. "We carry a lot of bacteria on our hands, and that's easily transmissible to our eyelids and eyelashes," Singh says. Improper contact lens hygiene can also lead to styes, as it puts bacteria closer to the eyelids, so it's important to disinfect contact daily. "We don't recommend sleeping with contacts as well because bacteria love moist, dark environments," she says. 

Chlorine or sweat. "People should rinse their eyelids after getting out of a pool," Singh says, in addition to hot tubs, as there are chlorine-resistant bacteria that can cause eye infections. If you sweat from exercise or other activities, she says you should wash your eyelids after, as sweat and oil can clog the eyelid's oil glands and lead to infection.

Makeup. "Lash extensions really attract a lot of dirt and bacteria, which can clog the [oil] glands," says Singh. "And makeup is the same way. Makeup really attracts a lot of dirt and bacteria," which can lead to oil gland infections on the eyelid and cause styes. The Cleveland Clinic recommends replacing eye makeup every six months to avoid an overgrowth of stye-causing bacteria. 

Skin conditions. "Some people with acne have a condition called rosacea, which can actually affect the eyes and can make them prone to have more styes," Lin says. Rosacea affects about 13 million Americans, and it involves broken blood vessels under the skin which can produce small, pus-filled bumps. The condition can occur on the eyes as well, called ocular rosacea, which can lead to blocked oil glands around the eyes. Seborrheic dermatitis can also increase your risk of styes, which is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can lead to eyelid swelling and oily secretions.

Medical conditions. Both Lin and Singh say that blepharitis can increase the risk of developing styes. Blepharitis causes eyelid inflammation and can often lead to excessive tearing, light sensitivity, redness of the eye, and a feeling like there's something in your eye. The condition also makes your eyelids prone to infection, which can lead to styes. High blood sugar can also cause a production of molecules that suppress immune defenses, so those with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to infections, and may have a higher risk for styes. 

How to get rid of a stye

"Some people have a tendency to get styes," Lin says, which could be due in part to the aforementioned poor hygiene, makeup, or medical conditions. "So if you've had styes in the past, you are more prone to get styes in the future. It doesn't really confer any resistance."

If styes keep recurring, you might consider treating it with antibiotic ointment, eye drops, pills, or even a steroid injection, according to the Cleveland Clinic.  

To prevent getting styes in the first place, it's imperative to practice proper lid hygiene. Washing your whole face isn't enough, Singh says, and so you instead have to target your eyelids to get rid of styes. 

Singh recommends washing your eyelids with baby shampoo (it's designed to be less harmful on your eyes) and warm water to clean along lash margin where styes tend to form. 

If you've still developed a stye, though, there are ophthalmologist-recommended ways to safely get rid of them. 

"Really, the best way is lots of warm compresses over the eyelids," says Lin. "Adding heat can get the oil glands to unclog and get them to release their oils naturally." 

To do a warm compress, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you should:

Take a clean washcloth and soak it in hot water. Wring it out so that it's not dripping.  

Hold it to your eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes. If the cloth gets cold, warm it up again by dipping it in warm water. 

Do this three to five times a day. 

"It's not recommended to try and squeeze [a stye]," Lin says. "Because that could actually cause us to get more inflamed and actually get worse." Instead, she says to let a stye run its course of about two to three weeks, using warm compresses to expedite the healing process. 

While styes will typically clear up on their own, Singh notes that you should see a doctor if your stye causes vision problems. While a stye won't affect your eyeball, it can become so swollen it droops down into your eyesight. 

Causes And Remedies For Puffy Eyes

Puffy eye treatments include home remedies and lifestyle changes like applying a cold compress, getting enough sleep, and reducing sodium intake. Puffiness usually goes away with time. It may happen due to eating too much sodium or not getting enough sleep. Several other causes of puffy eyes include allergies, an eye injury, and pink eye.

Puffy eyes happen when fluid builds up in the areas around or near your eyes. You might also notice dark circles under your eyes, itching, or redness.

Marina Demeshko/Getty Images

Puffy eyes are usually a symptom of certain behaviors, such as a lack of sleep, or health conditions. The hallmark sign of puffy eyes is temporary swelling of the tissues around or under your eyes. You might have other symptoms with puffy eyes, including: Burning Changes in your skin color Dark shadows under your eyes Fat pockets near your eyes Itchy, red eyes Loose skin Sensitivity to light Teary eyes The underlying cause of eye puffiness has to do with fluid build-up. Fluid might collect around your eyes and the surrounding skin tissue. Any swelling there is easy to see and hard to hide because that tissue is among the thinnest in your body. Underlying health conditions that might cause puffy eyes include: Allergies: An allergen, such as dust, mold, and pollen, might irritate your eye. Your eyelids and conjunctiva (the thin membrane that protects your eye) may become itchy, red, and swollen. Blepharitis: This is inflammation of the eyelid, sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. In addition to swelling, you might notice debris build-up on your bottom eyelashes. Conjunctivitis (pink eye): This is inflammation of the inside of your eyelid and outer eye layer, typically caused by a virus. Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Your eyes might be puffy if your kidneys eliminate excess protein into your urine, an early sign of kidney damage. Endophthalmitis: This is an infection of your eye's fluids and tissues. Endophthalmitis is a medical emergency that may cause blindness if untreated. Eye injury: Blood and fluids collect around your eyes after an injury to or near the area. As a result, bruising and swelling may occur. Eyelid bumps: These include chalazia and styes, which are blocked or inflamed oil glands. Graves' eye disease: This is a common sign of an overactive thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. Swelling of the extraocular muscles causes your eyes to bulge out. Orbital cellulitis: This infection affects the fat and muscles around and near your eyes. Retinoblastoma: This is cancer of the eyes. People with retinoblastoma might look like their eyes are looking in opposite directions. Anyone can develop puffy eyes. Some might be more likely to have puffy eyes than others, especially due to genetics and older age.  Of note: The type of puffiness and swelling you might notice in the morning differs from bags under the eyes. Puffy eyes are usually temporary. In contrast, baggy eyes are a permanent result of several factors, like aging. Still, bags under the eyes might increase the risk of puffy eyes. Several other factors might increase your risk of puffy eyes, such as: Aging: The tissues around your eyes weaken as you age. As a result, your skin sags, allowing fat and fluids to build up in the area. Fat build-up results in baggy eyes, whereas fluid build-up may cause puffy, swollen eyes. Genetics: You might be more likely to have weak skin around your eyes if it runs in your family.  High-sodium diet: Eating a lot of salty foods causes your body to retain fluid that may build up around your eyes. Lack of sleep: You might have dark circles under your eyes and swollen eyelids if you do not sleep enough. Smoking: Tobacco might trigger an allergic reaction that affects your eyes. Treatment depends on the cause of your eyelid swelling. A healthcare provider will likely consider your health history and other symptoms to figure out the cause. For example, some people have headaches or a temperature intolerance. A healthcare provider may complete a physical exam to get more information about the following: Swelling color and location Tenderness or warmth Vision changes (i.E., double or less sharp vision) A healthcare provider will advise at-home treatments or surgical or non-surgical procedures to treat the underlying cause. There are a few options that help reduce eye puffiness. Home Remedies Home remedies for eye puffiness include: Cold compresses: Applying a cool compress—like a cold washcloth, cool tea bag, or cucumber slices—to your eyes for a few minutes might de-puff your eyelids. Concealer: This can reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes that make them look puffy. Eyelid treatments: Look for an eye cream containing anti-inflammatory ingredients, like caffeine or chamomile. Lifestyle Changes Lifestyle changes that may reduce the appearance of swollen eyes include: Avoid exposure to allergens when possible Do not rub your eyelids too much Get enough sleep, and sleep with your head raised Limit or quit smoking Limit your sodium intake Reduce your fluid intake before bedtime Medications You might require over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications if an underlying health condition causes your puffy eyes. Medication will depend on the cause but may include antibiotics for bacterial infections (i.E., bacterial pink eye or a stye), eye drops, gels, and ointments. There are different types of eye drops. For example, antihistamines and decongestant eye drops help alleviate allergies. Some eye drops reduce the number of mast cells (white blood cells), which cause swelling. Skin Treatments You might consider chemical peels, fillers, or laser resurfacing to help reduce the appearance of puffy eyes. Those treatments work by tightening your skin, which helps get rid of pockets where fluid can build up. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing work by removing old skin cells. The new skin cells that grow in their place help smoothen your skin. A healthcare provider injects fillers into areas of your skin to restore its fullness. Consult an ophthalmologist who specializes in eye health to decide whether one of those therapies is right for you. Surgery Blepharoplasty (an eyelid surgery) might reduce puffy eyes. An eye surgeon will make a small cut inside your lower eyelid or under your eyelashes. They can remove or reposition extra skin or fat to lessen pockets where fluid can build up. The eye surgeon will then use small stitches to close the cuts. An ophthalmologist can help figure out if a blepharoplasty is appropriate for your case. Eye puffiness generally does not raise concerns. Seek care from an ophthalmologist if your puffiness or swelling sticks around for a while or if your eyes are itchy, painful, or red. These symptoms may point to a possible eye disorder or infection that immediately requires medical attention. See a healthcare provider if you have symptoms like: Double vision Eyes that appear to be bulging Fever Loss of sharp vision Problems with eye movement A build-up of fluid might cause swollen or puffy eyes. Several factors, such as a lack of sleep and excess sodium intake, may increase your risk of having puffy eyes.  Treatment depends on what's causing your puffy eyes but might include at-home remedies, lifestyle changes, skin treatments, and surgery. Consult a healthcare provider about options that may be helpful for your case. Seek medical care right away if you have other symptoms, such as fever or vision changes.

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