A stye is a bacterial infection in the oil-producing glands of the eyelid that usually goes away on its own within one to two weeks. However, there are several things you can do to relieve the pain and speed up the healing process:
-
Use warm compresses: Apply a warm washcloth to the affected eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day. This can help relieve pain and swelling and encourage the stye to drain on its own.
-
Clean your eyelid: Gently wash the affected eyelid with mild soap and water to keep it clean and free of irritants.
-
Leave the stye alone: Dont try to pop the stye or squeeze the pus from it, as this can cause the infection to spread.
-
Avoid wearing contact lenses: Until the stye goes away, its best to go without contact lenses to prevent further irritation.
-
Take pain relievers: If the area is sore, you can take pain relievers like ibuprofen.
If the stye persists or gets worse, you should see a healthcare provider. They may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or a topical antibiotic cream to apply to your eyelid, or recommend a procedure to drain the stye and clean out the infection.
