Why do I keep getting styes?

A stye is simple plumbing gone wrong: MedlinePlus describes it as an inflamed oil gland at the edge of the eyelid where the eyelash meets the lid, caused by a blockage that lets bacteria grow inside - essentially a pimple on the eyelid. One stye is bad luck; a stream of them means something keeps blocking the glands. The usual suspect is blepharitis - chronic low-grade inflammation of the lid margins that clogs the oil glands with debris - and MedlinePlus notes treating blepharitis helps prevent styes from returning. The supporting cast: rubbing tired eyes with unwashed hands, sleeping in eye makeup, mascara past its three-month life, and contact lenses going in with dirty fingers. Some people's glands simply run thicker oil, which is why the problem clusters in certain faces and certain seasons. The treatment is unfancy and it works: the NHS says soak a clean flannel in warm water, hold it on the eye for 5 to 10 minutes, and repeat 2 to 4 times a day - the warmth melts the blockage so the gland drains. Never squeeze a stye; let it drain on its own, and skip eye makeup and contact lenses while it is angry. To break the recurrence cycle, make lid hygiene a habit: wash hands before touching your eyes, clean the lid edges daily with warm water and a dab of no-tears baby shampoo, bin old eye makeup, and run a warm compress once a day for a fortnight after each stye. See a GP if a stye does not clear with home care, keeps coming back in the same spot, or the whole eyelid becomes red and swollen - that spread needs treatment. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you spot your pattern.