Massaging a stye: what to know

A stye is a tender, localised swelling at the edge of the eyelid, often around an eyelash follicle or an oil gland. Warmth softens oily material and may encourage natural drainage. Massage is an optional, gentle measure; it is not a way to squeeze the lump out.

Keep hands clean and avoid contact lenses and eye make-up while the eyelid is inflamed. Watery eyes, crusting or a red eye can occur alongside a stye, but spreading redness or vision change needs assessment.

Apply a comfortably warm, clean cloth to the closed eye for several minutes, refreshing it as it cools. With clean hands, use a very light stroke towards the eyelid edge only if it is comfortable. Stop if pain, bleeding or swelling increases.

Do not pierce, pop or repeatedly press the stye, and do not share towels. A pharmacist or GP can advise on suitable treatment if it does not settle. See more about [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) and [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/).

Arrange prompt medical care for worsening swelling, redness spreading around the eye, fever, marked tenderness, pain when moving the eye, or any change in vision. Seek urgent help if the eye becomes difficult to open or you feel seriously unwell.

A clinician can check whether the swelling is a stye or another eyelid problem and decide whether treatment is needed. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) is appropriate when symptoms keep returning or fail to improve.

Ask: Does this look like a stye or another eyelid swelling? Should I continue warm compresses? Could my contact lenses, make-up or eyelid irritation be contributing? What changes should prompt urgent review?