How to Pop a Sty

A sty is a swollen, tender red bump that forms along the eyelid when a local oil gland becomes infected. According to Dr. Kenneth Kauvar of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, popping a sty can cause bacteria to enter your bloodstream and infect your brain. Instead of forcefully popping a sty with your fingers or other instruments, drain the sty and let it heal naturally.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cloth
• Cotton swab
• Baby shampoo

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Instructions

• 1

  Wet a clean cloth with warm water and hold it against your closed eye for 10 to 15 minutes, four times a day. The warm compress will promote drainage and healing.

• 2

  Clean along your eye with a cotton swab soaked in a 25-percent solution of baby shampoo and water to eliminate oils around the eye area that could cause future sties.

• 3

  Call your doctor if the sty persists after a week of treatment.