Stye at the corner of the eye: what to know

A stye, also called a hordeolum, starts around an eyelash follicle or an oil gland in the eyelid. At the corner, the swelling can rub against the eye or make blinking feel scratchy. The skin may look red, and a small spot of pus can appear. The position alone does not show whether the problem is inside the eye; a stye is usually in the eyelid tissue.

Watery eyes or a small amount of discharge can occur because the surface is irritated. These symptoms can also have other causes, so notice whether the lump is on the lid, whether vision is clear, and whether pain is limited to the swollen area.

Place a clean, comfortably warm cloth over the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeating this through the day. Re-warm the cloth as needed without making it hot enough to burn. Wash your hands before and after touching the area, and gently clean away crusting with clean water.

Do not squeeze, pierce, or rub the lump. Pause eye makeup and contact lenses until the eyelid feels settled, and do not share towels, flannels, or cosmetics. If the swelling keeps returning, arrange a clinical assessment to look for eyelid-gland irritation or another cause.

Seek prompt medical advice if pain is severe, swelling spreads beyond the eyelid, the eye itself becomes very red, or vision changes. Urgent assessment is also sensible when light is painful, moving the eye hurts, fever develops, or you feel generally unwell.

Arrange a GP consultation if the lump is not settling, keeps coming back, or makes it difficult to open the eye. A clinician can distinguish a stye from another eyelid lump and decide whether any prescription treatment is appropriate.

Ask: Is the swelling definitely in the eyelid? Could the discharge or redness suggest another problem? Which symptoms should make me seek urgent help? When can I restart contact lenses or eye makeup? If this has happened before, ask whether your eyelid-cleaning routine or another condition needs review.