What should you know about a stye on the eyebrow?

A stye affects a lash follicle or oil gland in the eyelid. A bump within the eyebrow hair may instead involve the skin or a hair follicle, such as an irritated follicle, cyst or bite. A lump just below the brow can also be related to the eyelid, making the precise starting point useful.

Note whether the skin is itchy, warm, scaly or tender, and whether the eyelid itself is swollen. Eye redness, discharge, reduced vision or light sensitivity are separate symptoms that should be reported.

Clean the area gently with water and keep your hands, tweezers and cosmetic products away from it. A comfortably warm, clean cloth may soothe an intact superficial lump; do not use heat that burns, and do not pop or pierce the swelling. Avoid applying eye medicines to eyebrow skin unless prescribed.

Arrange a GP consultation if the lump does not settle, gets larger or keeps returning. A clinician can examine both the skin and eyelid and advise whether a different treatment is needed.

Seek prompt care if swelling spreads toward the eye, the eyelid closes, pain is severe, fever develops, vision changes, or moving the eye hurts. Have a persistent, bleeding, crusted or changing eyebrow lump assessed, even when it is not painful.

Ask whether the lump begins in the eyebrow skin or eyelid, what signs would show infection, and which compress or cleanser is safe. Mention recent plucking or shaving, bites, new cosmetics, eye discharge, red eye and any vision change.