Remedies for a Stye in the Eye

A stye is an infection at the root of an eyelash. This infection is usually caused by a staphylococcus bacteria moving from the skin of the eyelid into the eyelash follicle. This turns into a bump that causes tearing, sensitivity to light and the sensation that something is in the eye. Because styes are infectious, a person can have more than one at a time. A stye will go away on its own, but there are remedies to encourage this natural process to occur quicker than it normally would.

Home Remedy

• Do not squeeze or pop a stye even if it looks like it has a head on it. Breaking open a stye increases the risk of spreading the infection to the other lashes and even into the eye itself. Your first treatment option is to try hydrotherapy. Fold a soft cloth into several layers and dip it into warm water. Do not use hot water since that could cause a burn to the eyelid. Apply the warm compress to the stye for 10 minutes four times a day until the stye drains. The heat from the compress pulls the toxic substance to the surface of the stye. It also dilates blood vessels in the eyelid, which promotes healing.

Medical Treatment

• Antibiotic cream or ointment may be prescribed if your stye does not disappear or if it reappears. This is to treat an underlying infection. Lancing the stye may be an option if the medications do not work or if the stye is overly large. The doctor lances the stye, drains the fluid and eliminates the infection.

Prevention

• Preventing a stye is dependent on good hygiene. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes. Clean excess oils and discharge from your eyelids. Remove your eye makeup every day. Do not share eye makeup or applicators with anyone. If you rub your eyes with a tissue, throw it away immediately.