Causes of a stye under the eye

A stye is usually a small, painful, red swelling at the eyelid edge or nearby skin. Blockage can allow normal skin bacteria to contribute to local inflammation. Touching the eyes, rubbing them, or using old eye makeup may irritate the area. A stye can produce watering, crusting, or mild eye discharge, but a widespread red eye may have another cause.

A deeper, firmer lump that is less tender may be a blocked oil gland rather than an active stye. It is not safe to diagnose every under-eye lump from appearance alone, especially if vision changes or swelling spreads.

Apply a clean, comfortably warm compress to the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeating regularly while it remains sore. Wash hands before touching the eye, keep the eyelid clean, and avoid squeezing or puncturing the lump. Pause eye makeup and contact lenses until the eye feels better, and do not share towels or cosmetics.

Arrange a GP consultation if the lump does not improve, keeps returning, or makes it difficult to open the eye. Seek urgent help for reduced or blurred vision, severe eye pain, pain with eye movement, fever, marked swelling around the eye, or redness spreading beyond the eyelid.

Does this look like a stye or another eyelid lump? How should I use warm compresses? Do I need treatment for infection? When can I safely resume eye makeup or contact lenses? What signs would require urgent eye care?