What should you know about an external eyelid stye?

A stye, also called a hordeolum, develops when a small oil gland or eyelash follicle at the eyelid margin becomes blocked and inflamed. An external stye usually appears as a red, sore spot on the outside of the lid and may develop a small pale point. The eyelid can feel swollen, gritty, or uncomfortable when you blink. A stye is different from a deeper, firmer lid lump such as a chalazion, although the two can look similar.

Mild watering or crusting can occur, but marked discharge, widespread redness, or changes in sight need a closer assessment because they can indicate a problem beyond a localised stye.

Apply a clean, comfortably warm, damp cloth to the closed eye for several minutes, repeating this through the day. Re-warm the cloth as needed, and stop if the heat feels uncomfortable. Wash your hands before and after touching the eyelid. Keep the lid clean, and avoid squeezing, popping, or repeatedly rubbing the lump; pressure can irritate nearby tissue and spread inflammation.

Do not share face towels. Pause eye makeup and contact lenses until the eyelid has settled. If the stye is not improving, keeps returning, or makes it difficult to open the eye, arrange an examination. A clinician can check whether another eyelid or eye condition is causing the symptoms and advise whether treatment is appropriate.

Seek prompt medical advice if pain or swelling is severe, the redness is spreading beyond the eyelid, the eye itself is very red, or you develop fever. Arrange urgent eye care for blurred or reduced vision, pain when moving the eye, marked light sensitivity, or swelling that closes the eye. These features are not typical of a small external stye and should not be managed by squeezing it.

For mild symptoms, a GP or eye-care professional can assess a lump that persists, recurs in the same place, or does not respond to warm compresses. Take a clear description of when it started and any discharge, vision change, or contact-lens use to the appointment.

You could ask: Does this look like an external stye or another eyelid lump? How should I clean and warm the eyelid? What symptoms should make me seek urgent care? Could my makeup, contact lenses, or recurring eyelid irritation be contributing?