What should you know about external hordeolum stye?

An external hordeolum develops around an eyelash follicle or nearby small gland. You may see a painful red bump at the lid edge, with swelling, watering, crusting or a small point of discharge. Blinking and touching the area can make it tender.

A stye is different from every cause of red eye or eye discharge. Widespread redness, blurred vision, deep pain or strong sensitivity to light suggests that another problem may be present and should be checked.

Use clean hands and place a warm, comfortable cloth over the closed eye for several minutes. Repeat during the day, using clean water and cloths. Wipe away loosened crust gently; do not rub the eye or force the lump to open.

Leave out contact lenses and eye makeup until symptoms have cleared. Replace contaminated eye products when appropriate and do not share face cloths. Recurrent lumps deserve a review for ongoing eyelid irritation or gland blockage.

Seek a GP Consultation when symptoms are not improving, swelling extends beyond the lid, discharge continues, or the lump keeps returning. Get urgent help for any change in vision, severe pain, fever, pain with eye movement or swelling around the eye.

How can I tell whether this is an external hordeolum? How long should I continue warm compresses? Could my contact lenses, cosmetics or eyelid irritation be contributing? What should I do if the redness spreads?