What should you know about popping a boil with a needle?

A tender lump at the eyelid edge may be a stye, also called a hordeolum. It can form when an eyelid gland or nearby follicle becomes blocked and inflamed. A stye may cause local swelling, soreness, redness and sometimes eye discharge; it is not the same as a deep infection around the eye.

A needle can introduce bacteria, cause bleeding or push inflammation deeper. Sharing towels, rubbing the eye and squeezing the lump can also spread irritation to nearby skin.

Wash your hands before touching the eyelid. Hold a clean, comfortably warm compress over the closed eye for several minutes, repeating this through the day. Keep the eyelid clean, avoid contact lenses and pause eye makeup until the area has settled.

Do not lance, squeeze or scrape the lump at home. If it opens on its own, let it drain gently, clean the surrounding skin and avoid pressing on it. A clinician can decide whether treatment or drainage is appropriate after examining the eye.

Arrange a GP Consultation if the swelling is not improving, keeps returning, affects vision or is difficult to distinguish from another eye problem. Seek urgent assessment for severe eye pain, worsening swelling around the eye, fever, pain when moving the eye, light sensitivity or any change in vision.

Ask whether the lump is a stye, how to clean the eyelid, whether any prescribed treatment is needed and which symptoms would mean the infection is spreading.