How to Soak an Eye Stye

A stye is a swollen, irritated oil gland that develops on the edge of the eyelid. It is often red and painful to the touch. A stye develops when bacteria that occur naturally on the skin invade the oil gland, causing inflammation. Styes usually go away on their own, but sometimes the oil gland can become fully blocked and grow bigger, affecting vision. Soaking a stye can encourage draining, which helps it heal more quickly and prevents a complete blockage.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• Tissue
• Antibiotic ointment

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Instructions

• 1

  Soak a clean washcloth with moderately hot water. Ring out the washcloth so that it is not dripping, but leave enough water so that it is moist.

• 2

  Close the affected eye and place the washcloth over it. Hold it in place for 10 to 15 minutes.

• 3

  Remove the washcloth, keeping the eye closed for an additional four to five minutes. Gently pat the eye with a clean cloth or tissue until it is dry.

• 4

  Repeat this process four to five times a day until the stye drains. Use a new, clean washcloth each time.

• 5

  Continue soaking the stye after it drains, reducing the number of soaks to two a day. Apply antibiotic ointment to the stye after you're finished soaking it.