I have a stye on my eyelid: what should I know?

A stye, also called a hordeolum, forms when an eyelash follicle or nearby oil gland becomes inflamed. It may look like a small red bump at the eyelid edge, feel sore when touched, and cause watering or a gritty sensation. Some people notice [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/) or [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/). A deeper, firmer, less tender eyelid lump may have a different cause, so a clinician can check it if it does not settle or keeps returning.

Place a clean, comfortably warm flannel over the closed eye for several minutes, repeating it through the day. Wash your hands before and after touching the eyelid, keep the lid clean, and avoid squeezing or piercing the lump. Do not share towels, eye cosmetics, or contact lenses while the eye is irritated; discard eye makeup used during the episode. Lubricating drops may ease surface irritation, but ask a pharmacist which product suits you. Antibiotic treatment is not automatically needed; a clinician decides whether it is appropriate.

Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) if the lump is not improving, repeatedly returns, or interferes with opening the eye. Seek urgent assessment for reduced or blurred vision, severe eye pain, marked light sensitivity, fever, swelling spreading around the eye, pain when moving the eye, or feeling significantly unwell. These features may indicate a problem beyond a simple stye.

Ask whether the lump is a stye or another eyelid condition, whether you need treatment, how to prevent recurrence, and which eye symptoms require same-day care.