How to Treat a Sty

A sty, also called a hordeolum, is a small, painful bump that can develop on or near the eyelid region. It can produce uncomfortable symptoms such as watery eyes, itching, red eyes and swelling of the eyelid. If left untreated, a sty can take between five and seven days to heal on its own. However, with this simple treatment plan, you can speed up recovery time and reduce the discomfort caused by this eye condition.

Things You'll Need

• Warm water
• Antibacterial soap
• Hot water
• Small bowl
• Clean washcloth
• Antibiotic ointment

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Instructions

• 1

  Know the main causes for a sty formation. MedlinePlus reports that a sty is usually the result of a bacterial infection in glands of the eyelid. People who suffer from a condition called blepharitis may be more prone to getting styes.

• 2

  Cleanse your hands with soap and warm water before starting any treatment of the eye. This can also help to prevent the spread of the infection.

• 3

  Pour some hot water in a the bowl. Soak the washcloth in the water and wring it out. Use the washcloth as a compress.

• 4

  Place the warm compress over the closed eye for approximately 15 minutes. Repeat this procedure three to four times throughout the day until the sty begins to drain or discharge the pus. After drainage, the sty condition should begin to show signs of improvement.

• 5

  Apply an antibiotic ointment if you are prone to recurrent sty problems. The ointment can help to prevent the spread of this condition. You may need to visit your physician for a prescription. In some cases, when the infection spreads, a doctor may also prescribe oral antibiotics.

• 6

  Go to your doctor if the condition gets worse or does not show signs of improvement after a week of self-treatment at home. It may be a more serious problem that requires other treatments. Some very big styes may require lancing.