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Overview
Styes are painful.
Chalazia are usually painless lumps.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayRedness spreading to the cheek or eye swelling shut.
See a doctor soonLasting more than 2 weeks.
Causes
Caused by blocked or infected oil glands.
OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause painful red bump on the eyelid. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Stye or chalazion (eyelid bump)Often treated at home
A red, sore bump on the edge of the eyelid from a blocked or infected oil gland.
Less likely causes
- Sebaceous carcinomaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
A rare skin cancer of the oil glands, most often on the eyelid.
What you can do at home
- Use warm compresses 3 to 4 times a day.
- Don't squeeze.
Medicines
Antibiotic ointment or drainage if needed.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Duration
The exam
An eyelid exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Prevent styes.
- Clean eyelids
- Remove makeup
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.