Patient guide to styes
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About styes
A stye is a small lump or swelling on the eyelid. It develops when a gland by the eyelashes or in the eyelid becomes blocked. The surrounding skin and lining become irritated. A stye will therefore often be red, tender and swollen.
Sometimes an infection also develops in the area, with more widespread redness, tenderness and swelling.
It is a common and harmless eye condition.
Warm compresses can help loosen the blockage in the gland in a stye.
Treatment of styes
In the vast majority of cases, the stye goes away on its own. You can help it along by using warm compresses. The warmth softens the oil that has built up in the gland, allowing it to drain more easily and clear the blockage.
Avoid squeezing or piercing the stye.
If your healthcare professional finds an infection associated with the stye, treatment will also include antibiotic eye ointment.
Warm compresses
Use a clean cloth, for example a flannel, wrung out in warm but not boiling water. You can gently warm the cloth in the microwave after wetting it. It should feel warm against the skin without burning. Test it on your hand first.
- Hold the cloth against the closed eye for 5-10 minutes.
- Reheat the cloth as needed.
- Repeat the treatment 2-4 times daily.
Follow-up
Contact the clinic if there is no improvement within 7 days, or if the condition gets worse.
Clinically updated 6 May 2026
If you are in doubt, call us
Call the clinic on 73 70 81 10