Say Goodbye to That Painful Bump with Simple At-Home Remedies
Woke up with a red, painful bump on your eyelid? You may have a stye—a common and annoying eye condition that can feel just as bad as it looks. While styes usually go away on their own, there are safe and effective ways to speed up the healing process and reduce discomfort.
At Byedryeyes.com, we're here to help you treat eye issues with confidence and care. Here's everything you need to know about treating a stye—and how to get rid of it as quickly as possible.
What Is a Stye?
A stye (or hordeolum) is a red, tender bump that appears along the edge or inside of the eyelid. It’s caused by a blocked oil gland or hair follicle that becomes infected with bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus.
There are two types of styes:
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External stye: Appears along the base of the eyelash.
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Internal stye: Forms inside the eyelid due to an infected oil gland.
Both can cause swelling, tenderness, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
Fastest Ways to Get Rid of a Stye
1. Warm Compress – Your #1 Treatment
The most effective and fastest way to get rid of a stye is a warm compress.
How to do it:
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Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water.
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Gently press it on your closed eyelid for 10–15 minutes, 3–5 times a day.
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Re-warm the cloth as needed to keep the heat consistent.
Why it works: The warmth helps soften the clogged oil or pus and encourages it to naturally drain—relieving pain and speeding healing.
2. Keep It Clean
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Gently wash your eyelid with diluted baby shampoo or a lid cleansing wipe.
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Avoid using makeup, creams, or contact lenses while the stye heals.
Keeping the area clean prevents further irritation or infection and promotes faster healing.
3. Avoid Squeezing or Popping
As tempting as it may be, never pop a stye. This can worsen the infection, spread bacteria, or lead to a more serious eyelid issue like a chalazion.
Let it drain on its own—warm compresses will encourage this naturally.
4. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief (if needed)
If your stye is especially painful, an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce swelling and discomfort.
5. Consider Antibiotic Ointment or Drops (if recommended)
In some cases, especially if the stye is persistent or worsening, your eye doctor may prescribe:
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Antibiotic ointment
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Steroid drops
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Oral antibiotics (for internal or more severe styes)
Don't use antibiotic drops or ointments without consulting a professional.
When to See a Doctor
Contact your eye care provider if:
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The stye hasn’t improved after 7 days
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It gets larger, more painful, or begins affecting your vision
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You experience recurrent styes
A persistent stye might need professional drainage or further investigation.
Preventing Future Styes
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Wash your hands before touching your eyes
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Remove makeup thoroughly every night
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Avoid sharing eye makeup or towels
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Keep eyelids clean with gentle lid wipes or daily cleansing
Final Thoughts
While styes can be irritating, they’re usually harmless and treatable at home. The fastest and safest way to get rid of a stye is with consistent warm compresses, proper eyelid hygiene, and a little patience.
Need more help with your eye health? Explore our expert tips and trusted solutions at byedryeyes.com—because your comfort and clarity matter.
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