What should you know about lower lid stye?

A stye can look like a red, sore spot at the eyelid edge, sometimes with a small yellow point. The lid may feel swollen, gritty or tender when blinking. It is different from a deeper, usually less tender blocked-gland lump. Mild watering or crusting can occur, but marked eye discharge, spreading redness, worsening pain or changes in vision need assessment. Do not squeeze the lump: pressure can irritate the tissue and spread infection around the eyelid.

Wash your hands, then hold a clean, comfortably warm compress against the closed eye for several minutes. Repeat regularly with a fresh clean cloth, and gently clean away any crusting. Avoid rubbing the eye, sharing towels, wearing contact lenses, or using eye makeup until it settles. Do not apply leftover antibiotic or steroid drops unless prescribed for this episode. If it does not improve, a clinician can decide whether treatment or drainage is appropriate. See [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) for related symptoms.

Arrange a GP or eye review if the lump keeps returning, fails to improve, or interferes with opening the eye. Seek urgent care for reduced vision, severe eye pain, pain when moving the eye, fever, marked swelling around the eye, or redness spreading beyond the eyelid. A red eye with light sensitivity also needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether the lump is a stye or another eyelid problem, how long to continue warm compresses, and whether recurrent episodes suggest eyelid inflammation or another trigger.