Eyelid bump
Key points
- A stye is an inflamed oil gland on the edge of your eyelid, where the lash meets the lid.
- A stye is caused by bacteria from the skin that get into the hair follicle of the eyelash.
- A doctor can diagnose a stye just by looking at it.
- The outcome is generally excellent with simple treatment.
Alternative names
Bump on the eyelid; Stye
Definition
Most bumps on the eyelid are styes. A stye is an inflamed oil gland on the edge of your eyelid, where the lash meets the lid. It appears as a red, swollen bump that looks like a pimple. It is tender, especially to touch.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
A stye is caused by bacteria from the skin that get into the hair follicle of the eyelash. Hair follicles contain oil glands that become inflamed from the bacteria. Styes are similar to common acne pimples that occur elsewhere on the skin. You may have more than one stye at the same time.
Styes usually develop over a few days and may drain and heal on their own. A stye can become a chalazion - this is when an inflamed oil gland becomes fully blocked. If a chalazion gets large enough, it can cause trouble with your vision.
If you have blepharitis (see eye redness), you are more likely to get styes.
Other possible eyelid bumps include:
- Xanthelasma - raised yellow patches on your eyelids that can happen with age. These are harmless, although they are occasionally a sign of high cholesterol.
- Papillomas - pink or skin colored bumps. They are harmless, but can slowly grow, affect your vision, or bother you for cosmetic reasons. If so, they can be surgically removed.
- Cysts - small fluid-filled sacs that can affect your vision.
Symptoms
In addition to the red, swollen bump, other possible symptoms include:
- Tearing of your eye
- A gritty, scratchy sensation as if there is a foreign body
- Sensitivity to light
Signs and tests
A doctor can diagnose a stye just by looking at it. Special tests are usually not necessary.
Treatment
- Styes and chalazions can be treated by applying warm compresses. Apply for 10 minutes. Do this 4 times a day.
- DO NOT attempt to squeeze a stye or any other type of eyelid bump. Let it drain on its own.
- Antibiotic creams may help recurrent or persistent styes. Some large styes need to be lanced to drain the infection.
Expectations (prognosis)
Styes often resolve on their own. However, they may recur. The outcome is generally excellent with simple treatment.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.