---
title: "Stye: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "A plain-English guide to styes — painful lumps on the eyelid — and how to treat them at home."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/stye/
robots: noindex
---

# Stye: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

A plain-English guide to styes — painful lumps on the eyelid — and how to treat them at home.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin MBChB, FRCOphth](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/mohamed-mohyudin/) · GMC 7039600 Reviewed 10 June 2026

## Quick answer

What is stye? A stye is a small, painful lump on or inside the eyelid, caused by a minor infection at the base of an eyelash. Styes are common and usually harmless, clearing up by themselves within a week or two. A warm compress several times a day is the main treatment.

## Who is this page for?

This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Stye, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally.

## Who should skip this page?

Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland.

On this page 5 sections

## Key facts about stye

- A stye is a painful lump on the eyelid from a minor infection.
- Most clear up on their own within 1 to 2 weeks.
- A warm compress several times a day is the main treatment.
- Never squeeze or burst a stye.

## What is a stye?

A stye is a small, painful lump on or just inside the eyelid, caused by a minor bacterial infection at the base of an eyelash or in a small eyelid gland. Styes are very common, look worse than they are, and almost always clear up by themselves.

## Symptoms

A stye typically causes:

- a red, tender lump on the edge of the eyelid

- swelling of the lid

- sometimes a small yellow head of pus

- watering or a gritty feeling

Your vision should not be affected — if it is, get checked.

## Treatment at home

The mainstay is warmth: hold a clean, warm compress (a flannel soaked in warm water) gently against the closed eye for 5–10 minutes, three or four times a day. This encourages the stye to drain naturally. Simple pain relief can help with discomfort.

Two important don’ts: **never squeeze or burst a stye**, and avoid eye make-up and contact lenses until it has fully healed.

## Preventing styes

Keep eyelids clean, avoid rubbing your eyes, replace old eye make-up, and wash hands regularly — especially if you are prone to styes or have blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), which makes them more likely.

## When to get help

See a GP if a stye is not improving after a couple of weeks or keeps returning. Get prompt advice if swelling spreads beyond the lid, the eye itself is red or painful, vision changes, or you feel unwell — signs the infection may be spreading.

## ! When to see a GP about stye

See a pharmacist for advice and pain relief. See a GP if a stye does not improve after a couple of weeks, is very painful or swollen, or keeps coming back. Seek **prompt** advice if the swelling spreads beyond the eyelid, the eye itself becomes red or painful, your vision is affected, or you feel unwell with a temperature — these can suggest a spreading infection.

## Common questions about stye

What causes a stye? A stye is usually a small bacterial infection in an eyelash follicle or eyelid gland. They are more likely with eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), rubbing the eyes, or using old eye make-up. How do I get rid of a stye? Hold a clean, warm (not hot) compress against the closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, three or four times a day. This encourages the stye to drain naturally. Pain relief can help. Most clear within a week or two. Should I pop a stye? No — never squeeze or burst a stye, as this can spread the infection. Let it drain on its own with warm compresses. Also avoid eye make-up and contact lenses until it has healed. Are styes contagious? Not in the way colds are, but the bacteria can spread via hands and towels, so wash hands regularly, avoid rubbing your eyes, and don't share towels or face cloths.

## Sources

- [NHS — Stye](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stye/)