Stye or pimple near the eye

A stye tends to sit on the eyelid margin or just inside it, close to an eyelash, and is often tender when you blink or touch the lid. It may cause local redness, watering, or a scratchy feeling. A skin pimple is more likely to sit on surrounding facial skin and may have a different pattern of spots.

Looks alone cannot always identify the cause. Eye discharge or broad eye redness may need separate attention; see Eye Discharge and Red Eye for related symptoms.

Wash your hands before caring for the area. Apply a clean, comfortably warm compress to the closed eye for several minutes and repeat during the day. This can soften material in a blocked gland and ease lid discomfort.

Do not use acne treatments, alcohol, antiseptic products, or household remedies beside the eye unless a clinician has advised them. Avoid makeup and contact lenses until the irritation has settled. Never squeeze or lance the bump.

Arrange a GP Consultation if the bump persists, keeps coming back, or leaves a firm lump after the tenderness settles. Seek urgent care for fever, rapidly spreading lid or facial swelling, severe pain, pain with eye movement, light sensitivity, or reduced vision.

Ask whether the location and tenderness fit a stye, whether an underlying eyelid problem is contributing to repeats, and which treatment is safe near the eye. Mention any new cosmetics, contact lens use, skin conditions, discharge, or vision symptoms.