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If you've ever had a stye on your eyelid, you know they can be quite painful. Styes will usually heal on their own in time, but there are things you can do that may speed up the process and relieve some of the discomfort. Read on for more information on how to get rid of styes.
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Introduction
- A stye forms as the result of a bacterial infection, often in an oil gland along the edge of the upper or lower eyelid. The resulting red, swollen bump can be painful. Styes typically swell for about three days before they burst, drain and then heal.
Step 1: At Home Treatment
- A majority of styes can be treated at home. Among the recommendations:
- Apply warm, wet compresses several times a day to the affected area
- Apply an over-the-counter ointment or solution on the stye
- Keep the area clean by washing with a mild soap
- Do not:
- Wear eye makeup while you have a stye
- Wear contact lenses while you have a stye
- Attempt to squeeze the stye; this could lead to further complications
Step 2: When to See a Doctor
- If your stye has not drained and healed within one week, you should make an appointment to see an eye doctor. Often, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic ointment or cream that will promote healing. In some cases, the doctor will need to lance the stye to help it drain.
