What should you know about a stye inside the lower lid?

Because the bump is on the inner side of the lower lid, you may notice rubbing when you blink rather than an obvious head on the skin. The lower lid can appear puffy, red or tender. Watering and a mild gritty feeling are possible. A stye is different from a painless, firm blocked-gland lump that remains after inflammation fades, although only an examination can distinguish them reliably.

Keep fingers away from the inner lid and do not turn the lid repeatedly to inspect it. Frequent handling can increase swelling and introduce more bacteria.

Start with clean hands and a warm, clean compress over the closed lower lid. Keep it comfortably warm, never hot enough to burn, and hold it in place for several minutes. Repeat regularly during the day. You can then lightly massage the lower lid toward the lashes if this is comfortable. Stop if pain or redness increases.

Pause contact lenses, eyeliner and mascara while the lid is sore. Do not share face towels or cosmetics, and replace eye products used during an active eye infection. Wipe any fluid with clean water and a clean pad, using a new pad for the other eye.

Seek prompt care for worsening pain, rapidly increasing swelling, fever, swelling of the skin around the eye, difficulty moving the eye, light sensitivity or any change in sight. Urgent assessment is needed after a penetrating injury or chemical splash. Arrange a GP Consultation if the lower-lid lump persists, returns often or produces continuing discharge, because another eyelid condition may need different treatment.

You could ask whether the lump is an inner stye, a blocked gland or another cause of eyelid swelling; how long to continue warm compresses; whether your contact lenses or cosmetics should be replaced; and whether persistent discharge or redness calls for further eye review. Describe the exact lid, the onset and any vision change.