What should you know about a stye above the eye?

A stye above the eye is a tender, localised eyelid lump caused by inflammation around an eyelash follicle or eyelid gland. It may look like a small red swelling near the eyelid edge and can cause soreness, watering, or a gritty feeling. A stye is usually limited to one area, but swelling can make part of the eyelid look puffy.

A stye, also called a hordeolum, develops when a follicle or gland at the eyelid becomes inflamed. The lump can form on the outer lid or within the lid, so it may feel deeper than it looks. It is different from a chalazion, which is often a firmer, less tender blockage. Avoid squeezing or piercing the lump because this can irritate the eyelid and spread inflammation. Do not share towels, face cloths, eye makeup, or eye products while the eyelid is irritated.

Place a clean, comfortably warm compress over the closed eye for around ten minutes, several times through the day. Re-warm the cloth as needed, and use a clean section each time. Wash your hands before and after touching the eyelid, gently clean away any crusting, and pause contact lenses and eye makeup until the area settles. Ordinary pain relief may help if you can take it safely; follow the product directions and ask a pharmacist if you have a health condition or take other medicines.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if redness or swelling spreads beyond the eyelid, the eyelid becomes very swollen, or the pain is worsening. Seek urgent care for vision changes, pain when moving the eye, difficulty moving the eye, marked light sensitivity, fever, or feeling significantly unwell. An eye discharge or a very red eye can have causes other than a stye; see the guidance on [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) and [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/). If the lump keeps returning, does not settle, or you are unsure what it is, a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help determine whether another eyelid problem is present.

You could ask: Does this look like a stye or another eyelid lump? Are the redness and swelling confined to the eyelid? Should I stop using a particular eye product or contact lenses? What symptoms would mean I need urgent review? If styes recur, could an eyelid-cleaning routine or another treatment reduce irritation?