What Is the Best Treatment for Stye in the Eye?

Treatment for stye in the eye typically includes the application of over-the-counter medications or following certain home remedies, which help reduce swelling and pain and also prevent it from coming back.

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is basically a red, painful, and pus-filled bump that develops at the base of the eyelashes or on the eyelids. It forms when the oil gland near the eyelashes gets blocked and leads to a bacterial infection.

Most cases of styes don’t require any medical attention, as they disappear on their own within a week or two, but some cases may require treatment by an eyecare provider.

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What are the causes and symptoms of stye in eye?

Swelling in the eye is a symptom of stye. (Photo via Pexels/Subin)

Causes of stye eye

A bacterial infection is one of the most common causes of styes. Medical conditions like rosacea, diabetes, and unhygienic practices such as touching your eyes with dirty hands or rubbing your eyes harshly can also increase your chances of getting one.

Symptoms of stye in the eye

Major signs and symptoms of a stye include:

• A red bump near the eyelashes and along the eyelid edge
• Light sensitivity
• Pain and swelling in the eyelid
• Eye tearing
• Itching
• Soreness
• A continuous feeling that there is something in the eye

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What is the best treatment for stye in the eye?

While the stye disappears on its own after a few days without requiring any medical assistance, there are some things you can do to ease the pain and swelling.

Most of these things are home-based and can be used as a self-care plan to manage your condition at home. Here’s a look at a few of the most effective home remedies for stye:

Warm compress

A warm compress is the best treatment for stye in the eye. The warmth eases the pain, brings the pus above the surface and helps dissolve it so that the infection can reduce naturally.

For a warm compress, wet a cloth with warm water, and place the cloth over your affected eye for about five minutes. Do not rub or puncture the stye. Use a warm compress three times a day to relieve pain and swelling.

Coconut oil

Applying coconut oil is the best treatment for stye in the eye. (Photo via Pexels/Towfiqu barbhuiya)

Applying coconut oil is another good treatment for stye in the eye. This is a very effective treatment that works well when the stye is inside the eyelids.

Coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects that reduce inflammation and work wonders on wounds. Moreover, it's completely safe to use it around the eyelids.

To use coconut oil, dab cotton in the oil, and gently rub it on your affected eyelid. Wait for a few minutes, and rinse it off with warm water. Repeat this remedy at least thrice a day to see great improvements.

Keep your eyes clean

Keeping the eyes clean is very important to prevent the spread of infection further.

Styes are contagious, meaning the bacteria can easily spread to other parts of the eye and spread to other people too. That can exacerbate your condition and also slow down the healing process. Hence, it's important to follow good eye hygiene and take all measures to promote good eye health.

One of the best things you can do is wash your eyes with mild soap and water, or you may simply use baby shampoo. Baby shampoos are gentle and safe and won’t cause any itching or burning sensations.

To use this home-based remedy, just mix a few drops of baby shampoo into the water, and apply the solution to your affected eye using a cotton swab. Doing this a few times a day is sure to reduce swelling and prevent further infections.

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Maintaining good eye hygiene is also the best treatment for stye in the eye. (Photo via Pexels/Josué Rodríguez)

The best treatment for stye in the eye depends on its causes and the severity of the symptoms, but the aforementioned remedies are some of the most effective ones you can try to manage your condition. Apart from them, there are also certain things you should never do if you have a stye in your eye, including:

• Popping or squeezing a stye
• Touching the eyes with dirty hands
• Rubbing the eyes
• Wearing contact lenses or make-up on the affected eye

Most styes are harmless and home treatment for stye in the eye is good enough to treat them.

However, if your condition doesn’t show any signs of improvement after two days, or if the itching or swelling extends to the entire eye or other parts of the face, it's best to contact a healthcare provider.