What should you know about a stye underneath your eye?

A stye forms when a follicle or oil gland at the eyelid margin becomes inflamed. In the lower lid, swelling may sit close to the lashes or on the inner lid, creating pressure beneath the eye. You may notice soreness, watering, a gritty sensation, crusting, or a small red bump. The swelling is limited to the eyelid in many cases, but the surrounding skin can look puffy.

A tender lower-lid lump fits a stye, while a firm lump that is not sore may be a different blocked gland. A [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/) or [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) can occur with other eye conditions, so the pattern matters.

Clean your hands, close the affected eye, and apply a clean warm compress for several minutes. Repeat at intervals during the day while the area is tender. Keep the cloth comfortably warm rather than hot, and do not place it directly on an open sore.

Do not try to drain the swelling with a needle or by squeezing. Avoid contact lenses and eye makeup until irritation has cleared, and do not share towels. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can clarify the diagnosis if the swelling is persistent or troublesome.

Get prompt help for rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, fever, skin redness spreading beyond the lid, reduced vision, or pain when moving the eye. These features need assessment because they can signal inflammation beyond a simple eyelid stye.

Book an assessment when the lump repeatedly returns, interferes with vision, or fails to improve with gentle care. Do not assume every swelling beneath the eye is an eyelid stye, especially after injury or with marked light sensitivity.

Ask whether the swelling is in the eyelid, whether a blocked gland or another eye problem could be responsible, and how long to continue warm compresses. Tell the clinician about discharge, contact lenses, skin irritation, and previous episodes.