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Stye

5-minute read

Key facts

  • A stye is a small, painful lump on your eyelid, sometimes filled with pus.
  • Styes are generally caused by bacterial infections of eyelash follicles.
  • They usually clear up on their own, but it may take up to 6 months for the lump to disappear completely.
  • You can help the healing process by applying warm compresses; antibiotics may be needed if the skin becomes red and swollen.
  • You should see your doctor right away if you have signs of cellulitis, a rare but serious complication.

What is a stye?

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a small, painful lump on the outside or inside of your eyelid. It may have a different colour than your skin, due to swelling. A white spot in the middle may mean that there is pus inside.

What causes a stye?

Styes are caused by a bacterial infection affecting the eyelash follicle.

A stye is a small red lump on your eyelid, the glands become blocked and get infected.

What are the symptoms of a stye?

A stye may make your eye feel irritated and watery, or that there’s something ‘stuck’ in your eye (foreign body sensation), like when you get an eyelash stuck on the surface of your eye.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is a stye treated?

Styes usually clear up by themselves. It might take around 6 months for the lump or to completely disappear.

Here are some things you can do to help a stye heal:

Sometimes, antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics may be needed if the skin surrounding the stye becomes infected (cellulitic). This means the skin around the stye gets red, warm, and swollen.

If a stye doesn't go away by itself, a doctor might need to drain it with a needle.

Can styes be prevented?

Ways to prevent getting styes or spreading infections:

Some skin conditions, for example, blepharitis, can also increase your risk of getting styes. Ask your doctor for advice.

Complications of a stye

If the infection from the stye spreads to the surrounding skin, this is called cellulitis. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment.

Cellulitis may case red, swollen, or painful skin on your eyelid or the eye itself. If the infection spreads to your blood, it can cause other symptoms including fever and feeling generally unwell.

Cellulitis is a rare but serious complication that can harm your eyesight and may then be life-threatening.

You should see your doctor straight away if you notice complications or treatment isn’t working.

Resources and support

Speak to your doctor. If you need to find a GP or health service, use the healthdirect Service Finder.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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