Sty

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis
Treatments and drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

A sty (hordeolum) is a red, painful lump on the edge or inside of your eyelid that may look like a boil or a pimple. Usually a sty is filled with pus. As it swells in size, the sty may make it difficult for you to see clearly because you can't fully open your eye.

More than one sty can occur at a time, leading to a generalized inflammation of your eyelid — a condition known as blepharitis. Fortunately, most sties disappear in just a few days. In the meantime, you may be able to relieve the pain or discomfort of a sty with simple self-care treatments.

Symptoms