Removing a stye from the eyelid

A stye, also called a hordeolum, is a tender, localised swelling at the edge of an eyelid. It can look like a small red spot or pimple and may make the lid feel sore, gritty, or swollen. The swelling often involves an eyelash follicle or an oil gland. A stye is different from a deeper, usually less tender blocked gland, so an examination can help if the lump does not settle.

A stye may cause watering or a small amount of discharge. Redness affecting the whole eye, marked light sensitivity, or a change in vision is not typical simple stye care and deserves medical advice.

Wash your hands before touching the eyelid. Hold a clean, comfortably warm cloth against the closed eye for several minutes, repeating this through the day with a freshly clean cloth. Afterward, gently clean along the lid margin without rubbing the eye. Do not pop the lump, use a needle, share towels, or apply someone else’s eye medicine. Avoid contact lenses and eye makeup until the eyelid has recovered.

If the swelling opens by itself, keep the area clean and allow it to drain; do not press on it. A clinician may recommend treatment when there is surrounding infection, recurrent disease, or a lump that remains after home care.

Arrange a GP assessment if the eyelid becomes increasingly swollen or painful, the redness spreads beyond the small lump, or the problem keeps returning. Seek prompt medical help for reduced vision, severe eye pain, pain with eye movement, pronounced light sensitivity, fever, or swelling that makes it difficult to open the eye. Eye discharge or a broadly red eye can indicate another problem; you can read about [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) and [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/). A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help determine whether examination or prescription treatment is appropriate.

Ask whether the lump is a stye or another eyelid swelling, how long to continue warm compresses, and whether contact lenses or makeup should remain paused. Mention any discharge, vision change, repeated styes, or skin conditions affecting the eyelids.