Styes

A stye is an infection that causes a tender red lump on the eyelid. Most styes occur along the edge of the eyelid. When a stye occurs inside the eyelid, it is called an internal. They may be painful or annoying, but they are rarely serious.

A stye usually starts as a red bump that looks like a pimple along the edge of the eyelid. As the stye grows, the eyelid becomes swollen and painful, and the eye may water. Most styes swell for about 3 days before they break open and drain, and usually heal in about a week.

Home treatment is all that is needed for most styes. Apply warm, compresses 3 to 6 times a day for 10-15 minutes. This usually helps the stye heal faster by opening up the blocked pore so that it can drain and begin to heal. Use an over-the-counter treatment. Try an ointment, a solution, or medicated pads. Do not wear eye makeup or contact lenses until after the stye heals. If the problem persists even after conscientious self-care, consultation with a doctor may be advisable.