How to Definitively Get Rid of a Stye (Safe Treatment)

There are cases where an oral antibiotic might be considered:

How Do I Get Rid of a Stye Overnight?

It is usually not possible to get rid of a stye completely overnight. However, several methods can speed up the healing process, such as:

• Avoiding makeup, over-the-counterbeauty products, masks, or contact lenses
• Protecting the eyes from dust and pollution
• Warm compression and massaging: This can be done by using a clean washcloth dipped in warm water and gently placing it over the affected eye for 5-15 minutes. This can be repeated several times a day. A warm gel eye mask can also be used instead of a washcloth. Gentle massaging can be combined with a warm compress. Warm compression reduces pain, and swelling moves the pus to the surface, dissolves pus, and removes crusts.
• Applying a warm tea bag: Using a warm tea bag as a warm compress reduces inflammation, infection, and pain. It can be done several times during the day.
• Gentle cleansing: Gentle cleansing of the eyes using a mild antibacterial soap removes crusts, reduces infection, and maintains hygiene.

• Painkillers
• Oral antibiotics, antibiotic ointments, or eye drops prescribed by a physician help quick healing
• Injection of steroids into the affected area to reduce inflammation
• Surgical treatment: In case of a chalazion that does not resolve, a small surgery may be needed to drain the lesion and prevent a recurrence.

10 home remedies and treatments

Getting a stye can be a real annoyance; there are many ways to treat them at home:

1. Warm compress: This is one of the most effective ways to deal with a stye because the warmth brings the pus to the surface. The warmth may also cause the punctum to open and pus to drain out naturally. It is usually recommended that individuals soak a clean cloth in warm water and hold it against the eye for 5-10 minutes, repeating three or four times a day.
2. Clean the eyelids with soap and water: Mix water with mild soap (tear-free baby shampoo is a good idea) and then use a cotton swab or washcloth to wipe off the eyelids with the mixture. This may be continued daily until the stye is gone. Cleaning the eyelids regularly may also prevent future styes.
3. Warm tea bags: Individuals may also use a warm teabag such as black tea that has antibacterial properties. Just leave a tea bag in boiling water for a couple of minutes and allow it to cool down enough so that it may be placed on the eye for 5-10 minutes.
4. Pre-moistened eyelid-cleansing pads: These are another option to clean the eyes. You can purchase these in many drugstores.
5. Repeated splashing of the eyes with clean water: This may also help.
6. Colloidal silver: Colloidal silver is known as one of the best anti-bacterial solutions to get rid of infections, skin burns, flu, and colds. This is even used as a treatment for a stye because it reduces the infection and heals the eye.
7. Painkillers: Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen (not aspirin for someone under the age of 16 years) may help in reducing pain and swelling.
8. Massaging: Encourage drainage by massaging the area using clean hands; this can help the stye drain, but one mustn’t do it if it hurts. Don’t touch the eyes and keep the area clean once it drains.
9. Antibiotic ointments: They may be applied inside the eyelids of the affected eyes. Make sure that the product may be used on the eyes and avoid topical steroids that can have negative consequences.
10. Saline solution: Use a saline solution to irrigate the eyelids and promote drainage that may also break down the bacterial membranes.

SLIDESHOW

What is a stye?

A stye is painful inflammation and swelling of the eyelid with an accumulation of pus. It is caused by infection by the bacteria staphylococcus. With appropriate treatment, it resolves without any complications.

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What are the two main types of stye?

There are two main types: hordeolum and chalazion.

They have different causes and treatments, including:

• Hordeolum: It occurs due to blockage of the sweat gland found in the skin of the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes or a small sebaceous gland present at the base of the eyelashes. Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, a waxy, oily substance, that provides moisture and protection to the skin and hair.
• Chalazion: It occurs due to blockage of a meibomian gland, which is a special sebaceous gland present only in the eyelid. It is located inside the eyelid and opens at the rim of the eyelid behind the lashes.

What are the signs and symptoms of a stye?

After symptoms appear, a small pimple will develop in the affected area. Usually, this is accompanied by swollen eyes. Sometimes just the immediate area is swollen; at other times, the entire eyelid swells.

Other symptoms include:

• It appears as a swollen, red bump over the upper or lower eyelid. Multiple swellings may be present
• Puffiness of the eyes
• Pain and tenderness
• Increased warmth over the affected area
• Increased pressure over the eyes
• The heaviness of the eye
• Epiphora (watering of the eyes)
• Crusting around the eyelids and eyelashes
• Crusting may cause the eyelids to stick to each other
• Itching
• Pus discharge that may or may not be mixed with blood
• Fever

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Can you pop a stye?

Because a stye may sometimes be similar in appearance to a pimple, it should not be touched repeatedly or popped. Popping a stye can be very painful, leading to worsening of infection and recurrence or scarring.

How to prevent a stye?

A stye can be prevented by:

• Maintaining hygiene of the eye, eyelids, and eyelashes
• Avoiding harsh face products around the eyes
• Using dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested makeup and beauty products
• Consuming a healthy and nutritious diet
• Protecting the eyes from chemicals and pollution

Do I need to see a doctor for treating a stye?

Usually, styes are short-lived and disappear within a week or two. However, be sure to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

• An eyelid that is swollen shut
• Increased pain with home treatment
• Increased swelling after the first 2-3 days
• An eyelid that feels hot
• Thick pus or blood coming from the bump
• Blistering on the eyelids
• Fever or chills
• Vision changes
• Styes that keep coming back
• You are a diabetic with uncontrolled sugar levels

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Medically Reviewed on 7/21/2022
References

Stye (Definition, Causes, Pictures, and Treatment): https://www.uptodate.com/contents/stye-hordeolum-the-basics?search=stye&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~28&usage_type=default&display_rank=2#H6578474

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Your eyelids might swell due to local infection, trauma, or any other illness, where fluid builds up in the entire body. Depending on the cause, one or both eyelids may become swollen.

How Long Does It Take for a Stye to Go Away?

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a red, painful bump that forms either inside or outside the eyelid. An eye stye is mainly caused by a bacterial infection. A stye usually resolves in about seven days. However, some cases of stye require medical help. A stye may be sometimes confused with a chalazion. A chalazion is a painless bump that is on the eyelid. A chalazion, unlike a stye, is not caused by a bacterial infection.

Sty (Stye)

A sty is a bump that forms on the eyelid as a result of a blocked gland. Styes may be caused by infections, burns, or trauma to the eyelid. Most styes resolve on their own. The application of warm compresses can speed healing. In some cases, steroid injection or incision and drainage may be necessary. Keeping the area clean and consuming a diet high in omega-3-fatty acids may help prevent the formation of styes.

Sty (Stye) Picture

A sty (sometimes spelled stye) is a tender, painful red bump located at the base of an eyelash or inside the eyelid. See a picture of Sty (Stye) and learn more about the health topic.

What Can Cause a Swollen Eyelid?

Patients generally present with a swollen eyelid due to allergy, infection, fluid accumulation, or sometimes severe eye injuries. Below are a few important conditions, which can usually cause a swollen eyelid.

What Causes a Stye in Your Eye?

A stye is caused when bacteria infect these glands and can occur without an identifiable initiating event. It is a red, painful bump that might appear like a pimple. An external stye, the one appearing on the outside of the upper or lower eyelid, is more common than an internal stye that appears on the inside of the upper or lower eyelid.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of a Chalazion?

Stye is painful inflammation and swelling on the eyelid with the accumulation of pus. It is an infection commonly caused by the bacterium, Staphylococcus. It is usually not possible to get rid of a chalazion completely overnight or “fast” because there are no shortcuts to the treatment. You can use warm compresses, gentle cleansers and painkillers to treat a chalazion or see your doctor for medical intervention or surgery.

How to Definitively Get Rid of a Stye (Safe Treatment)

Medically Reviewed by Tom Tooma, M.D., Founder/Medical Director

Fact Checked

Last Updated Dec 12, 2022

Most styes heal with minimal intervention. Knowing the right methods to use, what to avoid doing, and when to seek help from a doctor is imperative to get rid of a stye.

A stye is a common infection affecting the eyelid. Some styes can affect the whole eyelid, and they tend to be very painful.

Table of Contents

• What Are Styes?
• Causes
• Stye vs. Chalzion
• Treatments
• Home Remedies
• Medical Treatments
• Other Treatments
• Prevention
• Frequently Asked Questions

A stye is caused by bacteria building up. There are several potential causes, such as meibomian gland dysfunction or chronic blepharitis.

Once a stye is present, the pain and discomfort encourage people to start treating it. There are many old wives’ tales that can do more harm than good. It is important to only use approved treatments and methods to alleviate the symptoms.

For many styes, conservative methods that you use at home are enough to treat the problem. However, there are cases where you may need to seek treatment from a doctor to reduce your discomfort and to encourage your stye to heal.

What Are Styes?

A stye is a lump that develops under the eyelid or at the eyelash base. It is red and painful. In most cases, a bacterial infection causes styes. There are two types of styes.

• Internal: This stye develops inside the eyelid. When an oil-producing gland gets infected, this type of stye can result.
• External: This stye develops at the eyelash base. It sometimes resembles a pimple. When a hair follicle gets infected, this type of stye can occur.

When a stye first starts to develop, the eyelid can be tender when someone touches it and red. The eye may be scratchy and sore. Other stye symptoms may include:

• A small pus spot at the center of the stye bump.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Tearing of the eye.
• The sensation of something being stuck in the eye.
• Crust along the eyelid margin.

Causes of Styes

Everyone is at risk for styes. The following can increase the risk of developing a stye:

• Blepharitis, a condition characterized by oily flakes and bacteria at the eyelash base causing swelling, redness, and a burning sensation of the eyelid
• Seborrheic dermatitis, acne rosacea, or a similar skin condition
• A history of styes
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes

Treating a Stye Versus a Chalzion

It is important to distinguish between a chalazion and a stye before starting treatment. In some cases, they can look similar.

When an oil gland in the eyelid gets clogged, a chalazion can develop. It takes the form of an eyelid bump.

A chalazion can begin as an internal stye. A chalazion might not be apparent at first since it is often painless, or the pain is minimal. But as it gets bigger, the affected eyelid can become swollen, red, and tender when someone touches it.

Once a chalazion gets big, blurry vision can occur if someone presses on the eye. In rare cases, the entire eyelid can become swollen.

Telling the difference between a stye and a chalazion comes down to two factors:

• The pain of a stye is typically significant, while the pain of a chalazion is minimal, if felt at all.
• With a stye, the whole eyelid can sometimes be affected. With a chalazion, it is rare that the whole eyelid swells.

Home Treatments

recommend saline solution to break down bacterial membranes and promote drainage.

Before using any home remedy, it is important to consult a doctor. They can advise on how to properly use these methods. They will also accurately diagnose a stye and instruct on the best treatments for the particular situation.

In some instances, home remedies will not be enough, and medical treatment may be necessary.

Medical Treatments

Antibiotics

These are usually either an eye drop or an ointment. The eye drops are applied directly to the eye, and the ointment is applied directly to the affected area.

There are cases where an oral antibiotic might be considered:

• The infection has spread to other areas of the eye.
• The doctor had to surgically drain an internal stye.

Steroid Shots

Inflammation and swelling can occur when someone has a stye. If these are significant, the doctor might recommend an injection to reduce both the inflammation and swelling. The injections use corticosteroids.

The doctor uses a small needle for this to reduce the risk of discomfort. The total procedure only takes a few minutes. Before administering the injection, the doctor may numb the area to further reduce discomfort.

Surgical Draining

If other methods fail to provide relief, the doctor might recommend surgically draining the stye. While rare, superficial cellulitis may develop as a result of a stye. This could lead to an abscess, which is a more serious infection. A mass occurs that is filled with pus and swollen. Draining this is important.

This procedure is done in the doctor’s office. Following the drainage, the doctor might also prescribe antibiotics for up to 10 days to clear the infection.

If a chalazion develops from a stye and does not go away after 30 to 60 days of other treatments, the doctor may recommend surgically draining it. This procedure is also performed in the doctor’s office and takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

The doctor numbs the eyelid before making the small incision to drain it. Within the nodule, any material and fluid are removed and drained. In most cases, people do not need stitches after this surgery.

Following the procedure, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or cream for approximately one week. A pressure eye patch may also be applied.

Other Treatment Options

In addition to these treatments, there are eyelid scrubs that may be beneficial. There are different types of scrubs available. Some are similar to a shampoo. Gently scrub the stye and surrounding area using this type of scrub.

They contain different active ingredients. Some contain melaleuca alternifolia, a tea tree oil active ingredient, and others contain hypochlorous acid, a type of natural chemical. Some scrubs contain 4-terpineol. The scrubs with this active ingredient may be recommended if someone has underlying blepharitis.

Since styes are a type of bacterial infection, don’t just ignore them. Make sure to only used approved treatments. Talk to a doctor if the stye gets worse or does not improve.

Preventing Future Styes

Cleanliness is the best way to prevent future styes. Follow these tips:

• Practice good hygiene. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your eyes.
• Remove eye makeup. Cleanse your face every night, carefully removing all makeup from around your eyes.
• Use clean towels. Never use a dirty towel around your eyes.
• Replace makeup regularly. Bacteria can form on old makeup. Aim to replace all eye makeup every six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Remove a Stye?

While a stye is not technically removed from the eye, it can be surgically drained if other treatment methods fail to provide relief.

While rare, superficial cellulitis may develop as a result of a stye. This could lead to an abscess, which is a more serious infection. A mass occurs that is filled with pus and swollen. Draining this is important.

This procedure is done in the doctor’s office. Following the drainage, the doctor might also prescribe antibiotics for up to 10 days to clear the infection.

If a chalazion develops from a stye and does not go away after 30 to 60 days of other treatments, the doctor may recommend surgically draining it. This procedure is also performed in the doctor’s office and takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

The doctor numbs the eyelid before making the small incision to drain it. Within the nodule, all material and fluid are removed and drained. In most cases, people do not need stitches after this surgery.

Following the procedure, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or cream to be used for approximately one week. A pressure eye patch may also be applied.

Popping & Other Methods: What Not to Do

When a stye develops, there are certain actions to avoid since doing these things could worsen the problem. You may want to get rid of the stye as fast as possible, but ensuring safe treatment should take precedence.

Never pop a stye. This could increase the risk of further infection that could spread into the eye.

Keep the eye area clean. Avoid contact lenses or makeup until the stye heals completely. These could irritate the stye and potentially cause additional issues and more intense discomfort.

Are Styes Contagious?

Styes are not contagious. They are not spread through contact with other people. It is very rare to spread a stye to another person.

Since they develop due to bacteria, you could spread bacteria to your other eye that may lead to a stye there.

References

1. Stye and Chalazia. American Academy of Ophthalmology.
2. Who Is at Risk for Chalazia and Styes? American Academy of Ophthalmology.
3. Is It OK to Pop a Stye? American Academy of Ophthalmology.
4. Treatment and Symptoms of a Stye on the Eyelid. Verywell Health.
5. Sty (Stye): Management and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic.
6. The 8 Best Stye Remedies. Healthline.
7. What Can I Do About a Stye? Medical News Today.
8. Surgery for Style. New York University Langone Health.

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