Medical Conditions

My Baby Has a Stye on Their Eyelid

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, Mayo Clinic, NIH guidelines

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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect has a stye on their eyelid, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

A stye (hordeolum) is a small, painful red bump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland or hair follicle. Styes are common in children and usually resolve within 1-2 weeks. Treatment involves applying a warm compress for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day, to help the stye drain naturally. Do not squeeze or pop a stye. If it does not improve within 2 weeks or gets larger, see your pediatrician.

Key takeaways

  • A stye (hordeolum) is a small, painful red bump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland or hair follicle. Styes are common in children and usually resolve within 1-2 weeks. Treatment involves applying a warm compress for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day, to help the stye drain naturally. Do not squeeze or pop a stye. If it does not improve within 2 weeks or gets larger, see your pediatrician.
  • Usually normal when: A small red bump on the eyelid that is mildly tender and begins to improve with warm compresses within a few days
  • Call your doctor if: The eyelid swelling is severe and spreading to the surrounding face, or your baby has fever with eyelid swelling
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
— Fever and Your Child, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, Mayo Clinic, NIH guidelines, a stye (hordeolum) is a small, painful red bump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland or hair follicle. Styes are common in children and usually resolve within 1-2 weeks. Treatment involves applying a warm compress for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day, to help the stye drain naturally. Do not squeeze or pop a stye. If it does not improve within 2 weeks or gets larger, see your pediatrician. At 0-3 months, styes are uncommon in very young babies. An eyelid bump in a newborn may be something else (such as a blocked meibomian gland or dacryocystocele) and should be evaluated by your pediatrician. If your young baby has eyelid swelling with redness, seek medical evaluation to ensure it is not a more serious infection. It is generally considered normal when a small red bump on the eyelid that is mildly tender and begins to improve with warm compresses within a few days. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if the eyelid swelling is severe and spreading to the surrounding face, or your baby has fever with eyelid swelling.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
A small red bump on the eyelid that is mildly tender and begins to improve with warm compresses within a few days
The eyelid swelling is severe and spreading to the surrounding face, or your baby has fever with eyelid swelling
The stye comes to a head and drains on its own within 1-2 weeks
Your baby cannot open the eye, the white of the eye is very red, or you notice changes in your baby's vision or eye movement
The white part of the eye and vision are unaffected
The stye has not improved after 2 weeks of warm compress treatment

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Styes are uncommon in very young babies. An eyelid bump in a newborn may be something else (such as a blocked meibomian gland or dacryocystocele) and should be evaluated by your pediatrician. If your young baby has eyelid swelling with redness, seek medical evaluation to ensure it is not a more serious infection.

3-6 months

If your baby develops a small red bump on the eyelid that looks like a pimple, it is likely a stye. Apply a warm, damp washcloth to the closed eyelid for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times daily. The warmth helps the blocked gland open and drain. Wash your hands before and after treatment. The stye should begin to improve within a few days.

6-12 months

Styes become more common as babies explore and may rub their eyes with hands that have been touching surfaces. The best treatment remains warm compresses. If your baby resists the compress, try applying it while they are feeding or sleeping. Keep the area clean but do not try to squeeze or pop the stye.

12-24 months

Toddlers who frequently rub their eyes may be more prone to styes. Encourage hand washing and discourage eye rubbing. If styes recur frequently, your pediatrician may recommend daily eyelid hygiene with baby shampoo diluted in warm water, applied to the eyelids with a cotton ball.

2-3 years

If a stye does not resolve after 2 weeks and hardens into a painless bump, it may have become a chalazion, which takes longer to resolve and may need different treatment. Frequent styes in an older toddler may indicate a tendency toward blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) that benefits from ongoing eyelid hygiene.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed has a stye on their eyelid and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if the stye has not improved after 2 weeks of warm compress treatment.
  • Mention if your baby gets frequent styes.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • A small red bump on the eyelid that is mildly tender and begins to improve with warm compresses within a few days
  • The stye comes to a head and drains on its own within 1-2 weeks
  • The white part of the eye and vision are unaffected
Mention at your next visit when...
  • The stye has not improved after 2 weeks of warm compress treatment
  • Your baby gets frequent styes
  • The stye has become a painless hard bump that is not resolving (possible chalazion)
Act now when...
  • The eyelid swelling is severe and spreading to the surrounding face, or your baby has fever with eyelid swelling
  • Your baby cannot open the eye, the white of the eye is very red, or you notice changes in your baby's vision or eye movement

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice has a stye on their eyelid — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that a small red bump on the eyelid that is mildly tender and begins to improve with warm compresses within a few days — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if the eyelid swelling is severe and spreading to the surrounding face, or your baby has fever with eyelid swelling.

My Baby Has a Bump on Their Eyelid (Chalazion)

A chalazion is a painless, firm bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland (meibomian gland). Unlike a stye, it is not an active infection and is not tender. Chalazions often develop from a stye that did not fully resolve. Most chalazions resolve on their own over weeks to months with consistent warm compresses. If a chalazion persists for more than 2-3 months or affects vision, your pediatrician may refer to a pediatric ophthalmologist.

My Baby Has an Eye Infection

Eye infections in babies can be bacterial, viral, or caused by a blocked tear duct. Bacterial conjunctivitis causes thick yellow or green discharge and may need antibiotic eye drops. Viral conjunctivitis causes watery discharge and resolves on its own. Keep the eye clean with warm damp cotton balls, wiping from inner to outer corner. Any eye infection in a newborn under 4 weeks needs urgent medical evaluation.

Baby Eye Swollen, Puffy, or Red

A swollen or puffy eye in a baby can have many causes, from mild (insect bite, allergic reaction, or normal morning puffiness) to serious (periorbital or orbital cellulitis). The key distinctions are whether the swelling involves just the eyelid or the area around the eye, whether there is fever, whether the eye itself is red or has discharge, and whether the swelling came on suddenly or gradually. Eye swelling with fever always needs prompt medical evaluation.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is has a stye on their eyelid normal?
A stye (hordeolum) is a small, painful red bump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland or hair follicle. Styes are common in children and usually resolve within 1-2 weeks. Treatment involves applying a warm compress for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day, to help the stye drain naturally. Do not squeeze or pop a stye. If it does not improve within 2 weeks or gets larger, see your pediatrician.
When should I call the doctor about has a stye on their eyelid?
The eyelid swelling is severe and spreading to the surrounding face, or your baby has fever with eyelid swelling Your baby cannot open the eye, the white of the eye is very red, or you notice changes in your baby's vision or eye movement
When is has a stye on their eyelid normal?
A small red bump on the eyelid that is mildly tender and begins to improve with warm compresses within a few days The stye comes to a head and drains on its own within 1-2 weeks The white part of the eye and vision are unaffected
What causes has a stye on their eyelid?
A stye (hordeolum) is a small, painful red bump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland or hair follicle. Styes are common in children and usually resolve within 1-2 weeks. Treatment involves applying a warm compress for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day, to help the stye drain naturally. Do not squeeze or pop a stye. If it does not improve within 2 weeks or gets larger, see your pediatrician. Common explanations include: A small red bump on the eyelid that is mildly tender and begins to improve with warm compresses within a few days. The stye comes to a head and drains on its own within 1-2 weeks.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about has a stye on their eyelid?
You should mention has a stye on their eyelid at your next visit if: The stye has not improved after 2 weeks of warm compress treatment. Your baby gets frequent styes. The stye has become a painless hard bump that is not resolving (possible chalazion).
Is has a stye on their eyelid normal at 0-3 months?
Styes are uncommon in very young babies. An eyelid bump in a newborn may be something else (such as a blocked meibomian gland or dacryocystocele) and should be evaluated by your pediatrician. If your young baby has eyelid swelling with redness, seek medical evaluation to ensure it is not a more serious infection.
Is has a stye on their eyelid normal at 3-6 months?
If your baby develops a small red bump on the eyelid that looks like a pimple, it is likely a stye. Apply a warm, damp washcloth to the closed eyelid for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times daily. The warmth helps the blocked gland open and drain. Wash your hands before and after treatment. The stye should begin to improve within a few days.
Should I go to the ER for has a stye on their eyelid?
Seek emergency care if the eyelid swelling is severe and spreading to the surrounding face, or your baby has fever with eyelid swelling, or if your baby cannot open the eye, the white of the eye is very red, or you notice changes in your baby's vision or eye movement. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does has a stye on their eyelid go away on its own?
In many cases, has a stye on their eyelid resolves on its own, especially when a small red bump on the eyelid that is mildly tender and begins to improve with warm compresses within a few days. By 2-3 years, if a stye does not resolve after 2 weeks and hardens into a painless bump, it may have become a chalazion, which takes longer to resolve and may need different treatment. Frequent styes in an older toddler may indicate a tendency toward blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) that benefits from ongoing eyelid hygiene.
AAPMAYO CLINICNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Stye (Hordeolum). HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]Mayo Clinic. Sty (hordeolum): Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic
  3. [3]National Eye Institute. Stye. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Has a Stye on Their Eyelid.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed has a stye on their eyelid and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if the stye has not improved after 2 weeks of warm compress treatment.
  • Mention if your baby gets frequent styes.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • The stye has not improved after 2 weeks of warm compress treatment
  • Your baby gets frequent styes
  • The stye has become a painless hard bump that is not resolving (possible chalazion)

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • The eyelid swelling is severe and spreading to the surrounding face, or your baby has fever with eyelid swelling
  • Your baby cannot open the eye, the white of the eye is very red, or you notice changes in your baby's vision or eye movement

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

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Bottom line

Most cases of has a stye on their eyelid are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if the eyelid swelling is severe and spreading to the surrounding face, or your baby has fever with eyelid swelling.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Related Medical Concerns

My Baby Has a Bump on Their Eyelid (Chalazion)

A chalazion is a painless, firm bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland (meibomian gland). Unlike a stye, it is not an active infection and is not tender. Chalazions often develop from a stye that did not fully resolve. Most chalazions resolve on their own over weeks to months with consistent warm compresses. If a chalazion persists for more than 2-3 months or affects vision, your pediatrician may refer to a pediatric ophthalmologist.

My Baby Has an Eye Infection

Eye infections in babies can be bacterial, viral, or caused by a blocked tear duct. Bacterial conjunctivitis causes thick yellow or green discharge and may need antibiotic eye drops. Viral conjunctivitis causes watery discharge and resolves on its own. Keep the eye clean with warm damp cotton balls, wiping from inner to outer corner. Any eye infection in a newborn under 4 weeks needs urgent medical evaluation.

Baby Eye Swollen, Puffy, or Red

A swollen or puffy eye in a baby can have many causes, from mild (insect bite, allergic reaction, or normal morning puffiness) to serious (periorbital or orbital cellulitis). The key distinctions are whether the swelling involves just the eyelid or the area around the eye, whether there is fever, whether the eye itself is red or has discharge, and whether the swelling came on suddenly or gradually. Eye swelling with fever always needs prompt medical evaluation.

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