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Stye (Hordeolum)
A stye is a small, painful red lump on the edge of the eyelid caused by a blocked, infected oil gland. Most settle on their own within a week or so.
Causes & risk factors
- Blocked and infected eyelid oil gland
- Bacteria on the skin
- Rubbing the eyes with unclean hands
- Old or shared eye make-up
- Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
Common symptoms
- A painful red lump on the eyelid
- Swelling of the eyelid
- Watery eye
- Tenderness or itching
- A gritty feeling in the eye
Tests & diagnosis
- Eye and eyelid examination
Treatment & management
- Warm compresses several times a day
- Gentle eyelid cleaning
- Avoid squeezing or popping the stye
- Avoid eye make-up and contact lenses until it heals
- Antibiotic ointment only if a doctor advises
When to see a doctor urgently
- A stye that does not improve in 1–2 weeks
- Swelling spreading to the whole eyelid or face
- Vision changes or severe pain
- Recurrent styes
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about stye (hordeolum). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pop a stye?
No. Squeezing a stye can spread the infection. Warm compresses help it drain naturally and settle faster.
Why do I keep getting styes?
Recurrent styes can be linked to blepharitis or poor eyelid hygiene. Regular warm compresses and lid cleaning can help prevent them.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.