Can a stye recur?
Nov 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Whether a stye recurs depends on individual care practices and physical constitution. Individuals who maintain good eye hygiene and have a healthy constitution are less likely to experience recurrence, whereas those with poor hygiene habits or abnormal gland function are more prone to recurrent styes. To prevent recurrence, proper daily care is essential. Keep the eyes clean and avoid touching them with unclean hands. Thoroughly remove makeup after wearing it, to prevent residue from clogging the glands.
Whether a stye recurs depends on eye care practices and individual constitution. Individuals who maintain good eye hygiene and have a healthy constitution are less likely to experience recurrence, whereas those with poor hygiene habits or abnormal gland function are more prone to recurrent styes. The details are as follows:
People who practice proper eye care and have no underlying gland issues typically have a low risk of stye recurrence after recovery. Such individuals routinely avoid rubbing their eyes with dirty hands and promptly clean oil buildup around the eyes, reducing the chances of bacterial infection and gland blockage. After inflammation subsides, gland function can return to normal, minimizing the likelihood of reinfection.
Individuals with poor hygiene habits or excessive secretion from the eyelid glands are more susceptible to recurrent styes. Rubbing the eyes with dirty hands repeatedly introduces bacteria, while overactive sebaceous glands in the eyelids tend to cause duct blockages. Both factors can lead to repeated episodes of acute, pus-forming inflammation in the eyelid glands, resulting in frequent stye outbreaks.
To prevent stye recurrence, proper daily eye care is essential. Maintain eye cleanliness and avoid contact with unclean objects. Thoroughly remove eye makeup to prevent residue from clogging the glands.
