What should you know about a stye on the cheek?

Styes arise at the eyelid margin or within the eyelid. A swelling on the cheek, under the eye or near the nose is outside that typical location. It could be a skin blemish, an irritated hair follicle, a cyst, a bite, or swelling related to nearby tissues. The appearance alone cannot establish which one it is.

Look for a tender spot at the lash line, a blocked eyelid gland, crusting, or a small head on the eyelid. Redness of the eye or discharge may point to an eye problem, while warmth, spreading skin redness or facial swelling needs medical attention.

Do not press, lance or pop a cheek lump, and avoid putting stye ointment or other products near the eye unless a clinician advises it. Wash the skin gently, keep hands away, and use a clean warm compress only if it feels soothing and the skin is intact. Avoid sharing towels or eye make-up.

Take a clear note of when it appeared, whether it is growing, and whether it is connected to the eyelid edge. A GP consultation can identify whether the problem is ocular, skin-related or another type of facial swelling.

Get prompt care for rapidly increasing facial swelling, severe pain, fever, spreading redness, pus, difficulty opening the eye, vision change, or painful eye movement. Book an assessment for a lump that remains, recurs, becomes hard or changes the skin. Do not assume a cheek lump is a stye because it is close to the eye.

Ask where the swelling appears to start, whether it involves the eyelid or skin, and whether a warm compress is suitable. Tell the clinician about discharge, red eye, dental symptoms, recent bites, shaving, skin products, contact lenses and any change in vision.