What should you know about eye stye popping?

A stye, also called a hordeolum, is a tender inflamed lump around an eyelash follicle or an eyelid oil gland. Pressing it can injure delicate eyelid tissue, push infected material deeper, or transfer germs to the other eye. A small amount of discharge may appear as it settles, but that does not mean it needs to be opened by hand. Avoid contact lenses and eye makeup until the eyelid feels normal.

Wash your hands, then place a clean warm, damp cloth over the closed eye for several minutes. Rewarm the cloth as it cools and repeat this routine several times during the day. Never share towels, and gently clean away drainage with fresh water and a clean pad. Do not use a needle, press with fingernails, or apply someone else’s eye medicine. A pharmacist or GP can advise whether any treatment is suitable for your symptoms.

Arrange a GP assessment if the lump is not improving, keeps returning, or becomes increasingly painful. Seek prompt medical help for vision changes, marked swelling around the eye, severe pain, fever, pain when moving the eye, or redness spreading beyond the eyelid. New discharge or a very red eye may need separate assessment; see [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) and [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/) for related guidance.

Ask whether the lump is a stye or another eyelid problem, whether your medicines or contact-lens use affect care, and what symptoms should trigger urgent review. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help when home care has not settled the problem.