Red stye: symptoms, care, and warning signs

A red stye is a tender inflamed lump at the eyelid edge; warm compresses may help, while spreading swelling or vision change needs review. It can make the surrounding eye look red and may produce a small amount of discharge.

A stye develops when a small eyelid gland or lash follicle becomes blocked and inflamed. The lump is often painful to touch and may sit on the outer lid or beneath it. It is different from a painless, firm lump that persists after inflammation settles. General eye redness or discharge can have other causes, including conjunctivitis, so symptoms beyond the local eyelid lump are useful to record.

Apply a comfortably warm, clean compress to the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeating it through the day with a freshly washed cloth. Keep hands and eyelids clean, and do not squeeze, pierce, or attempt to drain the lump. Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until the eyelid has recovered. Replace old eye cosmetics after the episode and avoid sharing them.

Arrange prompt medical review if swelling spreads around the eye, the eye becomes very painful, vision changes, eye movement hurts, or fever develops. Seek urgent help after an injury or chemical exposure. A stye that keeps returning, does not improve with gentle care, or interferes with sight may need examination and treatment through a GP consultation.

Ask whether the lump is a stye or another eyelid problem, how long to continue warm compresses, whether treatment is needed, and how to reduce recurrence if similar lumps keep appearing.