---
title: Treating & Preventing Styes | VBA
description: If you’ve had a stye before, you know how irritating they can feel. These little red bumps that appear on the edge of the eyelid are caused by a small oil gland that has become blocked and infected.
---

[The Mind's Eye | Vision and Dental Plans | VBA - The Mind’s Eye | Vision and Dental Plans | VBA - We provide extraordinary vision and dental benefits, the best group coverage options, and outstanding service for our members. Learn more about VBA. ](https://www.vbaplans.com/blog)

# [Treating & Preventing Styes | VBA](https://www.vbaplans.com/blog/post/treating-preventing-styes/)

 Written by [Carrie Kadunce](https://www.vbaplans.com/blog/author/carrie-kadunce) | Feb 18, 2022 5:00:00 AM

If you’ve had a stye before, you know how irritating they can feel. These little red bumps that appear on the edge of the eyelid are caused by a small [oil gland](https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/hordeolum?sso=y#:~:text=Treatmentincludeswarmcompressesand,ordrainthestyeyourself.) that has become blocked and infected. This leads to the painful swelling we experience on the eyelid.  

Styes can easily be prevented by practicing good hygiene and consistent skincare. Some [important tips](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/styes-can-avoid-best-treatment-tips/) to remember include: 

- Wash off all makeup before bed
- Replace makeup and skincare products every six months
- Wash your hands before using contact lenses and touching your eyes

Catching the stye early on makes it easier to treat and prevent from flaring up. Some [signs](https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/hordeolum?sso=y#:~:text=Treatmentincludeswarmcompressesand,ordrainthestyeyourself.) of a developing stye include:

- Swelling/pain of the eyelid
- Redness of the eyelid
- Excessive tearing
- Crusting along the eyelid

Fortunately, styes often go away on their own. To lessen the discomfort, make sure to avoid wearing makeup around the eye. Additionally, placing a warm compress on the eyelid for 5-10 minutes throughout the day will help soothe the pain and swelling.

If you’re not seeing any improvement after 48 hours, call your eye care provider to seek additional medical treatment.

[View full post](https://www.vbaplans.com/blog/post/treating-preventing-styes/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Carrie Kadunce"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-02-11T13:46:37.729Z",
  "datePublished" : "2022-02-18T05:00:00Z",
  "headline" : "Treating & Preventing Styes",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 360,
    "url" : "https://info.vbaplans.com/hubfs/VBA%20Plans/images/Treating%20&%20Preventing%20Styes.jpg",
    "width" : 698
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.vbaplans.com/blog/post/treating-preventing-styes/",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "The Mind's Eye"
  }
}
```