What is a common characteristic of a stye?

A common characteristic of a stye is that it appears as a small bump on the eyelid that is often red and painful. This bump is typically caused by an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Styes are often noticed as swollen, tender areas, and they may produce pus, creating a noticeable appearance that can be alarming to those experiencing it. Recognizing this common symptom is essential in distinguishing a stye from other types of eyelid conditions, which may require different treatments or management strategies.

Other choices describe different conditions or reactions. A lesion on the cornea would indicate a different eye issue, while an allergic reaction to eyelash extensions involves a response to the materials used rather than an infection. Lastly, an infection resulting in the loss of eyelash hair does not accurately encapsulate what a stye is, as styes typically do not lead to hair loss but rather localized irritation and infection around the eyelid area.