A sty is a red, painful lump near the edge of your eyelid that may look like a boil or a pimple. Sties are often filled with pus. A sty usually forms on the outside of your eyelid, but sometimes it can form on the inner part of your eyelid.

In most cases, a sty will begin to disappear on its own in a couple days. In the meantime, you may be able to relieve the pain or discomfort of a sty by applying a warm washcloth to your eyelid.

Another condition that causes inflammation of the eyelid is a chalazion. A chalazion occurs when there's a blockage in one of the small oil glands near the eyelashes. Unlike a sty, a chalazion usually isn't painful and tends to be most prominent on the inner side of the eyelid. Treatment for both conditions is similar.

猪圈和肿的症状

Signs and symptoms of a sty or chalazion include:

• A red lump on your eyelid that is similar to a boil or a pimple
• Eyelid pain
• Eyelid swelling
• Tearing

Risk factors for sties and chalazions

You are at increased risk of a sty or chalazion if you:

• Touch your eyes with unwashed hands
• Insert your contact lenses without thoroughly disinfecting them or washing your hands first
• Leave on eye makeup overnight
• Use old or expired cosmetics
• Have blepharitis, a chronic inflammation along the edge of the eyelid
• Have rosacea, a skin condition characterized by facial redness

Prevention of sties and chalazions

To prevent eye infections:

• Wash your hands.
  Wash your hands with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer several times each day. Keep your hands away from your eyes.
• Take care with cosmetics.
  Reduce your risk of recurrent eye infections by throwing away old cosmetics. Don't share your cosmetics with others. Don't wear eye makeup overnight.
• Make sure your contact lenses are clean.
  If you wear contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts and follow your doctor's advice on disinfecting them.
• Apply warm compresses.
  If you've had a sty before, using a warm compress regularly may help prevent it from coming back.
• Manage blepharitis.
  If you have blepharitis, follow your doctor's instructions for caring for your eyes.