My daughter just woke up screaming with this giant lump on her eyelid. It looks infected. We are hours from an ER. What is this?

Styes usually measure between 1-2 cm in diameter and may have a visible yellowish spot at the center, indicating pus accumulation. They can occur on either the upper or lower eyelid and are more prevalent in children who frequently touch their eyes with unwashed hands.

While styes are common, not every eyelid lump is a stye. Chalazia, for instance, are another type of eyelid lump caused by a blocked oil gland, but they are usually not painful and develop more slowly. Unlike styes, chalazia tend to be larger and less red.

Another possibility is a cyst or abscess, which can also cause swelling and redness but may require different treatments. Identifying the characteristics of the lump—such as its location, size, pain level, and color—can help differentiate between these conditions.