
It is usually not possible to get rid of a stye completely overnight. However, several methods can speed up the healing process, such as:
- Avoiding makeup, over-the-counter beauty products, masks, or contact lenses
- Protecting the eyes from dust and pollution
- Warm compression and massaging: This can be done by using a clean washcloth dipped in warm water and gently placing it over the affected eye for 5-15 minutes. This can be repeated several times a day. A warm gel eye mask can also be used instead of a washcloth. Gentle massaging can be combined with a warm compress. Warm compression reduces pain, and swelling moves the pus to the surface, dissolves pus, and removes crusts.
- Applying a warm tea bag: Using a warm tea bag as a warm compress reduces inflammation, infection, and pain. It can be done several times during the day.
- Gentle cleansing: Gentle cleansing of the eyes using a mild antibacterial soap removes crusts, reduces infection, and maintains hygiene.
Medical treatment:
- Painkillers
- Oral antibiotics, antibiotic ointments, or eye drops prescribed by a physician help quick healing
- Injection of steroids into the affected area to reduce inflammation
- Surgical treatment: In case of a chalazion that does not resolve, a small surgery may be needed to drain the lesion and prevent a recurrence.
10 home remedies and treatments
Getting a stye can be a real annoyance; there are many ways to treat them at home:
- Warm compress: This is one of the most effective ways to deal with a stye because the warmth brings the pus to the surface. The warmth may also cause the punctum to open and pus to drain out naturally. It is usually recommended that individuals soak a clean cloth in warm water and hold it against the eye for 5-10 minutes, repeating three or four times a day.
- Clean the eyelids with soap and water: Mix water with mild soap (tear-free baby shampoo is a good idea) and then use a cotton swab or washcloth to wipe off the eyelids with the mixture. This may be continued daily until the stye is gone. Cleaning the eyelids regularly may also prevent future styes.
- Warm tea bags: Individuals may also use a warm teabag such as black tea that has antibacterial properties. Just leave a tea bag in boiling water for a couple of minutes and allow it to cool down enough so that it may be placed on the eye for 5-10 minutes.
- Pre-moistened eyelid-cleansing pads: These are another option to clean the eyes. You can purchase these in many drugstores.
- Repeated splashing of the eyes with clean water: This may also help.
- Colloidal silver: Colloidal silver is known as one of the best anti-bacterial solutions to get rid of infections, skin burns, flu, and colds. This is even used as a treatment for a stye because it reduces the infection and heals the eye.
- Painkillers: Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen (not aspirin for someone under the age of 16 years) may help in reducing pain and swelling.
- Massaging: Encourage drainage by massaging the area using clean hands; this can help the stye drain, but one mustn’t do it if it hurts. Don’t touch the eyes and keep the area clean once it drains.
- Antibiotic ointments: They may be applied inside the eyelids of the affected eyes. Make sure that the product may be used on the eyes and avoid topical steroids that can have negative consequences.
- Saline solution: Use a saline solution to irrigate the eyelids and promote drainage that may also break down the bacterial membranes.

SLIDESHOW
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Symptoms, Causes, Treatments See SlideshowWhat is a stye?
A stye is painful inflammation and swelling of the eyelid with an accumulation of pus. It is caused by infection by the bacteria staphylococcus. With appropriate treatment, it resolves without any complications.
What are the two main types of stye?
There are two main types: hordeolum and chalazion.
They have different causes and treatments, including:
- Hordeolum: It occurs due to blockage of the sweat gland found in the skin of the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes or a small sebaceous gland present at the base of the eyelashes. Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, a waxy, oily substance, that provides moisture and protection to the skin and hair.
- Chalazion: It occurs due to blockage of a meibomian gland, which is a special sebaceous gland present only in the eyelid. It is located inside the eyelid and opens at the rim of the eyelid behind the lashes.
What are the signs and symptoms of a stye?
After symptoms appear, a small pimple will develop in the affected area. Usually, this is accompanied by swollen eyes. Sometimes just the immediate area is swollen; at other times, the entire eyelid swells.
Other symptoms include:
- It appears as a swollen, red bump over the upper or lower eyelid. Multiple swellings may be present
- Puffiness of the eyes
- Pain and tenderness
- Increased warmth over the affected area
- Increased pressure over the eyes
- The heaviness of the eye
- Epiphora (watering of the eyes)
- Crusting around the eyelids and eyelashes
- Crusting may cause the eyelids to stick to each other
- Itching
- Pus discharge that may or may not be mixed with blood
- Fever
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Can you pop a stye?
Because a stye may sometimes be similar in appearance to a pimple, it should not be touched repeatedly or popped. Popping a stye can be very painful, leading to worsening of infection and recurrence or scarring.
How to prevent a stye?
A stye can be prevented by:
- Maintaining hygiene of the eye, eyelids, and eyelashes
- Avoiding harsh face products around the eyes
- Using dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested makeup and beauty products
- Consuming a healthy and nutritious diet
- Protecting the eyes from chemicals and pollution
Do I need to see a doctor for treating a stye?
Usually, styes are short-lived and disappear within a week or two. However, be sure to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- An eyelid that is swollen shut
- Increased pain with home treatment
- Increased swelling after the first 2-3 days
- An eyelid that feels hot
- Thick pus or blood coming from the bump
- Blistering on the eyelids
- Fever or chills
- Vision changes
- Styes that keep coming back
- You are a diabetic with uncontrolled sugar levels

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