A stye is when the oil gland of the eyelid becomes inflamed. It may develop into an infection with a small pocket of pus (an abscess). This can cause pain, redness, and swelling. In early stages, a stye is treated with antibiotic ointment, eye drops, or a small towel soaked in warm water (a warm compress). More severe cases may need to be opened and drained by an eye specialist.
Home care
- Apply a warm, damp towel to the affected area for at least 5 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day for a week. Warm compresses open the pores and speed the healing. Make sure the compresses are not too hot, because they may burn your eyelid.
- Eye drops or ointment are often prescribed to treat the infection. Use these as directed.
- Artificial tears may also be used to lubricate the eye and make it more comfortable. You can buy these over the counter without a prescription. Talk with your doctor before using any over-the-counter treatment for a stye.
- Sometimes the stye will drain with just the warm compresses. If this happens, keep using the antibiotic drops or ointment until all the redness and swelling are gone, or as directed by your doctor.
- Wash your hands before and after touching the infected eyelid.
- Don't squeeze or try to break open the stye.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your doctor, or as advised.
When to get medical advice
Contact your doctor right away if any of the following occur:
- Swelling or redness around the eyelid gets worse after 48 to 72 hours
- Eye pain gets worse
- The eyelid feels hot
- Blood or thick pus drains from the stye
- Blister on the eyelid
- You can't open the eyelid because of swelling
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or above, or as directed by your doctor
- Vision changes
- Headache or stiff neck
- The stye comes back
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