Inflamed stye: what to know

A stye, also called a hordeolum, is a painful lump at the eyelid edge or within the lid. Most people with a stye notice local tenderness, swelling, and redness; a small spot of pus may appear near an eyelash. The eye itself may feel gritty, but vision should generally remain clear. Eye discharge or widespread Red Eye can point to another or additional eye problem rather than a simple stye.

Place a clean, comfortably warm compress over the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeating this through the day. Wash your hands before and after touching the area, keep the eyelid clean, and pause contact lenses and eye makeup until it settles. Never squeeze, pierce, or pop the lump because this can spread infection. If it is not improving, keeps returning, or interferes with daily activities, arrange a GP Consultation so the eyelid can be examined and treatment discussed.

Get urgent medical advice if swelling spreads around the eye, the eyelid becomes hard to open, eye movement hurts, vision changes, or you develop marked light sensitivity, severe pain, fever, or feeling unwell. Prompt review is also sensible when redness affects the skin around the eye rather than staying as a small eyelid lump.

Ask whether the lump is a stye or another eyelid condition, how long to continue warm compresses, and whether any medicine is appropriate. If styes recur, ask whether eyelid inflammation, skin conditions, or blocked glands could be contributing.