How can I treat a stye on my eyelid?

A stye is a small, red, tender lump on the inside or outside of the eyelid. It is caused by an infection of the eyelid glands. External styes may turn yellow and release pus after three to four days.

The eye may be watery and uncomfortable. Internal styes are more painful and may last slightly longer. “Often styes can get better on their own within a few days or weeks,” says Dr Blakeney.

“A warm compress held against the eye for five to 10 minutes, three or four times a day, will encourage the stye to release pus and heal quicker. Further treatment is not usually needed unless the stye is very painful and is not getting better – in which case a GP may decide to drain it. Customers should never attempt to burst a stye themselves.”