What should you know about bump on eyelid after stye?

A stye is usually a tender, inflamed lump near an eyelash or eyelid gland. After the active inflammation settles, blocked oil can remain inside the lid and form a firmer, less tender bump called a chalazion. It may feel like a small bead under the skin and may gradually reduce. A residual lump is not automatically a sign of ongoing infection.

Pain, increasing redness, pus, crusting or eye discharge suggest continuing inflammation or another eyelid problem. Blurred vision can occur if a larger lump presses on the front of the eye. A clinician should examine a bump that keeps returning, changes appearance or does not improve.

Apply a comfortably warm, clean compress to the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeat regularly and wash hands before and after touching the area. Keep eyelid edges clean, avoid squeezing or puncturing the bump and pause eye makeup or contact lenses while the lid is irritated. Do not put antibiotic or steroid eye products into the eye unless prescribed.

If the lump persists, an eye clinician can check the eyelid and discuss options such as continued lid care or a procedure. A clinician may also look for conditions that make eyelid gland blockage recur.

Get urgent help for vision loss, severe eye pain, pain when moving the eye, marked swelling around the eye, fever, double vision or rapidly spreading redness. Arrange a GP or eye assessment for persistent discharge, recurrent lumps, bleeding, loss of eyelashes or a bump that keeps enlarging. Do not delay if the eye itself looks cloudy or the person is very unwell.

Ask whether the bump looks like a chalazion, how long to continue warm compresses, whether vision is being affected, whether medication is appropriate and when an eye specialist should review it.