Why Are Styes Contagious?

If you notice a bump or pimple on your upper or lower eyelid, it might be a stye. It's an infection in the oil glands around the eyelids. You don't have to worry about spreading a stye to someone else. It isn't contagious.

How are styes spread from person to person?

Though painful, a stye is a relatively harmless inflammatory response to a bacterial infection. Rarely, styes may spread if the bacteria that causes them is transmitted from one person to another through direct contact or from a contaminated towel or pillowcase.

Are styes caused by poor hygiene?

Styes are caused by infected oil glands on your eyelids, which form a red bump that resembles acne. Poor hygiene, old makeup, and certain medical or skin conditions can increase your risk for styes. To get rid of a stye, you can gently wash your eyelids, use a warm compress, and try antibiotic ointments.