How to get rid of a stye on the eyelid fast
What is a stye?
Cross-sectional view of eyelid margin with stye (Image source: Manhattan Eye Specialists)
A stye or hordeolum is a red bump, inside (internal) or outside (external) of your eyelid. It looks like a pimple and can be painful. Similar to a pimple forming on our face, a stye occurs when one or more of the meibomian glands (glands along the margin of your eyelid) are clogged. A stye can occur on either the upper or lower eyelid or both eyelids. A stye can also develop on just one eye or both eyes at the same time. A stye may be a one-off occurrence or it may come back. This article will discuss how to get rid of a stye on the eyelid fast.
How to get rid of a stye on my eyelid?
Depending on the cause, a stye can burst and resolve on its own within a few days. Here are some treatment options for a stye.
Warm compress and eyelid scrub
A cleaning regime for your eyelids and eyelid glands will help drain the pus and is a simple home remedy that can help get rid of a stye. Wash your hands before following this regime. Here are some simple steps to follow:
- Soak a clean washcloth in lukewarm water and place it over your eyelids for 10 to 15 minutes at a time and repeat this 3 to 5 times daily. The warm compress opens and drains clogged oil glands.
- Make a mixture of mild baby shampoo and warm water (recommended ratio of mild baby shampoo to water is 1:8). Use a clean cotton swab to gently wipe the mixture along the base of your eyelashes, for about 30 seconds per eye, while keeping your eyes closed.
Alternatively, you may purchase over-the-counter lid scrubs from your pharmacy or drugstore to clean your eyelids.
Warm compress (Image source: The Derm Review)
Antibiotic ointment
If the clogged gland along your eyelid margin becomes infected, your eye care professional may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to help combat bacteria causing the infection.
Surgery
Your eye care professional may recommend surgery if the stye is recurring and/or interfering with your vision. The procedure is performed by an ophthalmologist in their clinic as an outpatient procedure
The ophthalmologist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area. In cases of a recurring stye, a biopsy might be performed to identify the type of bacteria causing the recurring stye and/or if there is any underlying eye disease triggering the recurrence.
Consult an eye care professional
You should seek a consult with an ophthalmologist if:
- The stye does not get better after a few days and/or if it gets worse
- Your eye and/or eyelid is painful, red and/or swollen
- It is interfering with your vision
Stye on the lower eyelid (Image source: Cleveland Clinic)
Subtle changes may go unnoticed and only be picked up by a trained professional, making regular comprehensive eye checks all the more important for timely identification and possible interventions.
Documenting by taking a picture of the stye when it first started and any changes that develop along the way will aid the health and/or eye care professional in tracking progression, diagnosing and selecting the most suitable treatment option for your stye.
Tips to get rid of a stye on the eyelid fast
- To prevent further irritation, avoid using any eye makeup when you have a stye
- Do not wear contact lenses when you have a stye. After it has healed, clean and disinfect your contact lenses thoroughly before inserting them into your eyes again. Alternatively, you may discard the pair and open a fresh one.
- Avoid squeezing the stye, as that could spread the infection into your eyelid.
Tools Designed for Healthier Eyes
Explore our specifically designed products and services backed by eye health professionals to help keep your children safe online and their eyes healthy.