Over-the-counter medicine for a stye

Over-the-counter medicine is not usually the main treatment for a stye; warm compresses and eyelid hygiene are often more useful. Do not squeeze or puncture the lump. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an ointment is appropriate, because not every red or painful eye is a stye.

A stye is a tender, localised lump near an eyelash or eyelid gland. It may cause swelling, soreness, crusting, or mild redness. Eye discharge or redness spreading beyond the eyelid can point to another problem, so those symptoms deserve separate assessment.

Hold a clean, comfortably warm cloth against the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeating this through the day. Wash your hands before touching the area, keep the eyelid clean, and pause eye makeup and contact lenses until it settles. Avoid sharing towels. Do not put steroid, antibiotic, or other eye products in the eye unless a professional has recommended them.

Seek urgent care for reduced or blurred vision, severe eye pain, marked light sensitivity, fever, swelling around the eye, or pain when moving the eye. Arrange a GP Consultation if the lump is worsening, keeps returning, affects vision, or is not improving with simple care.

Does this look like a stye or another eye condition? Do I need a prescription product? When can I restart contact lenses or eye makeup? What should I do if the swelling spreads?