A stye is a common, often uncomfortable, red bump that develops on the eyelid. It forms when an oil gland or hair follicle along the edge of the eyelid becomes infected or inflamed. While generally harmless, understanding its appearance and associated symptoms can help you identify it.
How a Stye Appears
A stye presents as a small, red, painful, pea-sized or smaller lump on the eyelid. It often resembles a pimple or a boil and can be found along the edge of the eyelid, near the base of an eyelash. This bump may feel tender to the touch, and in some cases, a yellowish center indicating pus formation might be visible.
Styes can develop on the outer surface of the eyelid (external stye) or deeper inside (internal stye). An external stye appears on the outer eyelid margin, often from an infected eyelash follicle. An internal stye forms on the inner side of the eyelid from an infected oil-producing gland. While an internal stye may not show a distinct bump, it can cause more generalized swelling and redness of the entire eyelid.
Accompanying Symptoms
Beyond the visible bump, a stye brings a range of physical sensations. Pain or tenderness in the affected eyelid is common, particularly when touched or during blinking. The eyelid often becomes swollen and red, sometimes affecting the entire eyelid.
Other symptoms include itching, a gritty feeling, and increased tearing. The eye might also become sensitive to light, and crusting along the eyelid or eyelashes can occur. These symptoms usually develop alongside the visible lump.
Telling Styes Apart from Other Eyelid Bumps
A chalazion is another type of eyelid lump that often starts as a blocked oil gland. Unlike a stye, a chalazion is painless and feels like a hard nodule, forming slower and further from the eyelid edge. It does not involve an active bacterial infection.
Blepharitis is a general inflammation of the eyelid margins, which can cause symptoms like redness, irritation, and crusty eyelashes. However, blepharitis does not present as a single, localized lump like a stye.
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” primarily affects the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids, causing redness and discharge. It does not involve a distinct bump on the eyelid itself, unlike a stye.
When Professional Help is Needed
While most styes resolve on their own, seek professional medical attention if a stye does not improve after a few days, grows larger, or becomes more painful. Also consult a doctor if swelling spreads beyond the eyelid to other parts of the face, such as the cheek.
Vision changes, like blurriness or obstruction, or frequent stye recurrence, are reasons to seek medical evaluation. If there are signs of a spreading infection, such as fever, chills, or blisters on the eyelid, consult a healthcare provider.