A stye, which is also referred to as a hordeolum, is an uncomfortable, red, and swollen bump that forms on an eyelid or at the base of the eyelashes. It results from a blockage of an oil gland within the eyelid. Bacteria can then increase in the blockage, leading to an infection. A stye may lead to discomfort, redness, and swelling and might resemble an acne pimple.
Generally, a stye will heal on its own within a couple of weeks. However, multiple home remedies can hasten the healing process. Typically, this involves applying a warm compress to promote faster healing of the stye. In more severe cases, medical treatment might be required. Here in this blog post, we will discuss how to get rid of a stye on the eyelid fast.
How to Treat a Stye at Home
Styes typically resolve on their own within a few days and generally do not impact your vision. However, there are home remedies you can try to relieve the pain & discomfort. If you want to know how to get rid of a stye overnight, these remedies may be helpful.
Warm Compress
The fastest, safest, and most effective method to eliminate a stye at home is by using a warm compress. Simply heat filtered water, soak a clean cloth in it, and place it over your closed eye. For optimal results, keep the compress on your eye for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat this 2 to 4 times daily for several days.
Following the application of the compress, you can gently massage the stye with your clean finger to help unclog the oil gland. This not only can speed up the stye’s resolution but may also reduce some discomfort and swelling. Some people recommend using a tea bag soaked in warm water as a compress rather than a cloth.
Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses
While contact lenses don’t directly cause styes, it’s best to stop wearing them and switch to glasses until the infection clears. Styes carry bacteria, which can contaminate your lenses and potentially lead to another eye infection.
If you have an internal stye, it might rub against your contact lens, causing discomfort, irritation, or even a scratch on your eye’s surface. To avoid these issues, give your eyes a break and use glasses temporarily.
Avoid Wearing Makeup
Avoid using makeup if you have a stye. Makeup can further irritate the eye and slow the healing process. Also, you may introduce more bacteria to your makeup, which increases the risk of a new infection with the stye. Regularly clean your reusable brushes. Dispose of any eye products, like mascara and eyeliner, that are older than three months. Also, get rid of any items you’ve used while having a stye, as they might have bacteria.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Over-the-counter treatments are convenient and effective for styes. Antibiotic eye ointments or drops, such as those containing erythromycin, can help fight the bacterial infection causing the stye. Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help manage pain and reduce swelling. Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can soothe irritation and keep the area hydrated. Although these treatments are accessible, it’s wise to consult your doctor before using them, particularly if you have additional eye disorders.
Maintain Proper Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes to avoid spreading bacteria. Use a mild, tear-free baby shampoo diluted in warm water to gently cleanse your eyelids. Avoid rubbing your eyes or sharing personal items like towels, which can transfer bacteria. If you wear makeup, stop using it until the stye heals, and replace any old or contaminated products. Keeping your eyelid area clean and free from irritants will help your stye heal faster and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Don’t pop a stye
Resist the urge to pop or squeeze a stye, no matter how tempting it might be. Doing so can worsen the infection, spread bacteria to other parts of your eye, and even cause scarring. Instead, allow the stye to drain naturally, which typically happens within a few days. To help the process, you can apply a warm compress to the affected area several times a day. If the stye doesn’t improve or worsens after a week, consult a doctor for professional treatment.
Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known for its numerous health benefits including improved eye health. Due to its ability to relieve inflammation, it is particularly beneficial for styes. It also contains antifungal & antibacterial qualities, which make it a natural treatment for the condition. Coconut oil is gentle and safe to use around the eyes.
To try this remedy, take a small amount of coconut oil on a cotton swab or clean finger and gently apply it to the affected eyelid. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. For the best results, repeat this process 3 to 5 times a day.
How to Get Rid of Stye Fast with Medical Treatments?
If a stye doesn’t heal or turns into a chalazion, a doctor might suggest surgery. A chalazion looks similar to a stye but forms for different reasons. While styes are caused by infections in the roots of eyelashes, chalazions usually develop deeper in the eyelid because of a clogged oil gland.
Chalazion Treatment (Stye Removal)
Chalazion Removal treatment is done to remove the eyelid bump, ease discomfort, and prevent any future issues. The procedure is typically quick and effective, which helps restore both the eyelid’s normal function and appearance.
During the treatment, a small incision is made on the inside of the eyelid to avoid visible scarring. The chalazion is then carefully drained or removed, and the area is thoroughly cleaned to lower the risk of it coming back. This procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia and is completed as an outpatient treatment, allowing most people to return home within 30 minutes.
If you’re interested in learning more about chalazion healing stages, you can explore in-depth information about the recovery process.
Steroids
Steroids can speed up the healing process and reduce pain. A doctor might inject a steroid directly into the stye or prescribe a course of steroid antibiotic eye drops, to help it heal faster.
Steroid injections are especially effective for newer chalazions and can be done in the clinic using a topical anaesthetic for comfort. Steroids are also available as creams or eye drops, but it’s important to consult a doctor before using these treatments.
Final Thoughts
A stye can be inconvenient, but with prompt care and hygiene practices, it typically resolves quickly. Following the remedies outlined above can help reduce discomfort and speed up recovery. Remember, if the stye doesn’t improve or worsen, seek medical advice for proper treatment.
By taking preventive measures and maintaining good eye hygiene, you can reduce the likelihood of styes and enjoy healthier & more comfortable eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Can I Get Rid of a Stye Overnight?
It’s unlikely to completely get rid of a stye overnight since they usually take 7–10 days to heal. However, using a warm compress can help speed up the healing process and soothe discomfort. Simply wet a clean washcloth with warm water, squeeze it out so it’s damp but not dripping, and apply it to the affected area.
2. How Can I Make a Stye Heal Faster?
Avoid squeezing or popping a stye or chalazion, as this can worsen the condition. To help it heal more quickly, apply a warm, moist compress to your eye for 5–10 minutes, 3–6 times a day. The heat can encourage the stye to drain naturally.
3. How Long Does a Stye Take to Go Away?
A stye usually clears up on its own within 1–2 weeks. If it doesn’t improve or becomes more severe, an eye doctor may need to drain it or prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Styes are similar to chalazion, but they form for different reasons.
4. How Do I Massage a Stye?
First, wash your hands thoroughly. Then, soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water, place it over the stye for 5–10 minutes, and repeat this a few times a day. Gently massage the stye with a clean finger to help unblock the clogged gland and allow it to drain. Keep the area clean during this process.
5. Can a Chalazion Spread?
No, chalazions are not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another. However, conditions that cause chalazion, such as infections or inflammation of oil glands, can sometimes affect multiple glands at once.
