A Home Remedy for a Sty

A sty is a bacterial infection on the lid of your eye that looks like a pimple. Sties can be painful and annoying. If they swell up large enough, it can be difficult to open the eye. If the sty interferes with your vision or the swelling and redness spreads to any other part of your face, see your doctor. Otherwise, sties usually disappear on their own, especially with a few simple home remedies. Never try to pop and drain a sty on your own, as you risk reinfection.

Compresses

• Dip a clean cloth in warm (not hot) water. Wring the excess water from the cloth and place it on the area for up to 10 minutes. Try doing this four times per day. This will help the sty ripen and drain on its own. You can also dip a tea bag (preferably black tea) in warm water and apply to the area. Another option is a potato. Gather a small amount of potato scrapings (the white part, not the peel) and wrap them in a cheesecloth. Place this on your eye for about five to 10 minutes and repeat a few times throughout the day.

Over-the-counter remedies

• Because a sty is a bacterial infection, applying an anti-bacterial ointment such as Neosporin can help to heal it. Apply the ointment directly to the sty; be careful not to get it in your eye. You can also look for eye drops, such as VIVA-drops, to help heal the eye.

Prevention

• Once you have a sty, you are susceptible to reinfection, especially if the sty has been popped and drained. But there are precautionary measures you can take to prevent reinfection. Wash your hands well and frequently, especially before touching your facial area. Avoid sharing cosmetics or using old cosmetics that may contain bacteria. Always wash your hands before putting in contact lenses, and after use, disinfect them thoroughly.