What should you know about bad eye stye?

A stye usually appears as a sore red bump at the eyelid edge. The area can feel gritty, swollen, or warm, and a small spot of discharge may form. The swelling may affect part of the lid without affecting eyesight. A stye is different from more widespread eyelid or skin inflammation. Red eye or eye discharge can occur alongside a stye, but those symptoms can have other causes too.

Place a clean, comfortably warm cloth over the closed eye for several minutes, repeating this through the day. Wash your hands before and after touching the eyelid, and do not squeeze, pierce, or pick the bump. Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until the eye feels well. Use a separate face towel and gently clean away any discharge. A clinician can decide whether prescription treatment or drainage is appropriate; do not use someone else’s eye drops.

Arrange prompt medical care if redness or swelling spreads beyond the eyelid, the eye becomes difficult to open, pain is severe, or vision changes. Seek urgent help for eye movement pain, marked light sensitivity, fever, or feeling seriously unwell. Assessment is also sensible when a lump keeps returning, does not settle, or is not clearly at the eyelid edge. A GP consultation can help distinguish a stye from another eye problem.

Ask what type of eyelid lump this is, whether the surrounding skin is involved, and which symptoms should trigger same-day care. Tell the clinician when it began, whether the swelling is spreading, and whether you wear contact lenses or have had similar episodes.