Treating Stye Naturally With These Home Remedies

Updated on February 3rd, 2020
Home remedies for stye

A stye is a painful red swollen inflammation that appears like a pimple, that is mostly seen on the outer edges of the eyelids. A stye is caused due to bacterial infection and there are chances that both of your eyelids and even both of your eyes could be infected. 

In our body, the eyelids are lined with glands around it, in some case scenarios, these gland pores could get clogged with dirt, oil and dead skin. This makes an ideal and viable environment for bacteria to grow and infect the eyelids. In some rare occasions, this is known to affect the inner eyelid as well. It is to be noted that stye is generally filled with pus.

Most people would think styes are a symptom of an underlying issue, however, that is not the case. This condition is quite common, especially among individuals who suffer from dry eye syndrome. Stye mostly has a span of 7-10 days, during which they appear and the body naturally fights the infection.

However, there are cases where they tend to get painful and irritating and the best option is to use inexpensive yet effective home remedies to get rid of them.

Note: Since styes are filled with pus, it is recommended to not break or press too hard on the pimple or boil. Sometimes aggressively disturbed pus may harden and form like a bulb on your eyelid.

You need to consult an ophthalmologist if the stye keeps appearing every other week or if it’s formed inside the eyelid.

5 Effective Natural and Home Remedies for Stye

1. Warm Compress

Warm Compress
Image:ShutterStock

It is one of the most common and effective treatments for stye in the eye.

Why does it work?

Warm compress(1) on the effected eyelid soothes the pain and reduces inflammation. It is one of the most common and effective treatments for stye in eye. The warmth will dissolve oil and drain the pus naturally.

How to use?

  • Take a clean cotton ball or wash cloth and damp it in warm water.
  • Make sure the water isn’t too hot. Gently place it over on the effected eyelid for 5 -1 0 minutes or until the wash cloth is cold.
  • Do not press hard, squeeze or puncture the pimple.

How much to use?

  • Repeat 3 – 4 times a day.

[ Read: Natural Remedies to Cure Stye ]

2. Warm Tea Bag

You can treat your Stye(2) with a black tea bag. It is one of the most effective remedies to treat your stye as it is most inexpensive and effective

Why does it work?

Tea contains antibacterial properties, especially black tea. Hence it is widely used for many home treatments. It will fight the bacteria and reduce swelling.

How to use?

  • Boil water and drop in a tea bag. Let it seep in the water for 1 minute.
  • Remove and drain excess water. Wait until the tea bag is warm.
  • Place it on the eyelid for 5 – 10 minutes. Repeat 3 – 4 times a day.
  • Use separate tea bags for each eye.

How much to use?

Repeat the procedure at least twice a day for 2 weeks.

[Read: How to Cure Eye Infection Naturally]

3. Washing Eye With Mild Soap

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Image:ShutterStock

It is often found that when eyelids are not washed and cleaned regularly after being outdoors for too long or after heavy makeup sessions, it may trigger the formation of styes.

Why does it work?

Therefore cleaning with mild soap is one of the most effective home remedies for stye. The soap will disinfect the bacteria and keep the area oil and dust-free to avoid the aggravation of the infection.

How to use?

  • Use mild baby shampoo and mix some portion with warm water.
  • Dip a cotton swab or washcloth and gently wipe the Stye
  • Cleanse the remaining eye with this solution
  • Repeat every day until symptoms go away

[ Read: Dry Eye Remedies to Cure ]

4. Avoid Make Up and Contact Lenses

Makeup contains chemicals in them which may worsen the stye and could further the infection.

Why does it work?

You can transfer the bacteria into your makeup products and tools and may spread the infection to the other eye or another person.

How to avoid it?

  • Wash all your makeup brushes and tools regularly. Keep your make up products clean.
  • Stick to glasses until the stye disappears.
  • Wearing contact lens may aggravate the itchiness and spread the infection to your other eye.

[Read: How to Treat a Swollen Eye at Home]

5. Cucumber or Potatoes

Image: Shutterstock

Cucumber and potatoes have cooling properties. This provides a sense of refreshment and cooling and rejuvenates the eyes.

Why does it work?

When you have a stye, putting something refreshing may reduce the symptoms and itching. Cucumbers provide moisture and have cooling therapy that helps reduce inflammation and pain.

How to use?

  • Place a cool cucumber slice on the affected area for 10 minutes.
  • You can also place a slice of potato or crushed potato for similar outcome.

[ Read: Natural Remedies to Cure Stye at Home ]

Are Styes Contagious?

No,styes are not contagious. They are similar to pimples and are considered localised inflammation.

When Should We Consult A Doctor?

Staying cautious is always better than being sick. Therefore, you should seek medical help if you experience any of the following:

  • Inflammation hasn’t started to reduce even after 4 – 5 days
  • Your stye has worsened after a week
  • If the stye recurrence is frequent
  • If you experience pain in your eye instead of the eyelid
  • If the swelling has deepened in colour and you are unable to open your eyes
  • If the swelling and redness has spread beyond your effected eyelid, to the cheek and other parts of face
  • If you have blurred vision

[ Read: How to Treat Eye Pain naturally ]

In such a scenario, doctors will treat the patient with antibiotic tablets and eye drops for 5 – 7 days. In case of hardened sty, doctors may remove the pus through a small procedure.

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