What should you know about an inside stye?

An inside stye, also called an internal hordeolum, forms when an oil-producing gland within the eyelid becomes blocked and inflamed. The swelling may be felt more than seen, and the eyelid can look puffy, red, or sore. Blinking may hurt, and the eye can water or feel gritty. It is different from a deeper, painless eyelid lump that can remain after inflammation settles.

Avoid squeezing or trying to drain the lump yourself. Touching the eyelid with unwashed hands can irritate it and move germs toward the eye. A stye does not normally change vision; blurred vision, marked light sensitivity, or pain with eye movement needs prompt assessment.

Hold a clean, comfortably warm washcloth over the closed eye for about ten minutes, repeating this several times through the day. Re-warm the cloth as needed, but do not use heat that could burn the skin. Afterward, gentle eyelid massage toward the lash line may help the gland open; stop if it increases pain.

Keep the eyelid clean, pause eye makeup and contact lenses until it feels normal, and use a separate face towel. Do not put leftover antibiotic or steroid drops in the eye unless a clinician prescribed them for this episode. A GP can check whether treatment is needed if the swelling persists or keeps returning.

Arrange medical advice if swelling spreads beyond the eyelid, the eyelid becomes difficult to open, or the pain is getting worse. Seek urgent care for reduced vision, severe eye pain, fever, pain when moving the eye, or a red, swollen area around the eye. These features can indicate a problem beyond a simple stye.

A [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/) or [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) may occur with several eye conditions, so new or heavy discharge deserves assessment rather than self-treatment.

Ask: Could this be an internal stye or another eyelid lump? Should I continue warm compresses, and for how long? Are contact lenses or makeup safe yet? What symptoms would mean I need same-day review? A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can provide an examination and treatment plan.