Eye stye under the eyelid

An under-eyelid stye may be harder to see because the inflamed gland sits on the inner surface of the lid. You might notice a local lump, a red patch when the lid is gently everted by a clinician, or discomfort as the lid moves across the eye. Mild watering is possible. A deep, firm lump without much tenderness may be a different type of blocked gland and should be assessed if it remains.

Apply a clean warm compress to the closed eye for several minutes at a time and repeat during the day. Use clean hands and a fresh cloth. Do not turn the eyelid inside out yourself, scrape the inner surface, or try to release the lump. Avoid contact lenses and eye makeup until the irritation has cleared. Watery or crusty symptoms can also be described on [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/).

Book a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) when discomfort persists, episodes repeat, or the lump interferes with blinking. Get urgent care for worsening swelling, spreading redness, fever, severe pain, light sensitivity, pain with eye movement, or altered vision. An inner-lid lump can be confused with other causes of red eye, so examination is useful when the pattern is unclear.

Tell your doctor when the discomfort began, whether the lump is tender, and whether you have discharge or contact-lens exposure. Ask whether the inner lid needs examination, how long to continue compresses, and what to do if the lump returns.