10 Home Remedies for Styes

A warm compress is one of the most effective ways to treat a stye. The heat helps loosen any blockages in the oil glands, allowing the stye to drain more easily. It also improves blood flow to the area, which helps your body fight the infection. Soak a clean cloth in warm (not hot) water, wring it out, and place it gently over the affected eye for 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times a day.

Dirt, oil, and bacteria around the eye can make a stye worse or slow down healing. Gently wash your face twice a day with mild soap and water, taking care not to rub or irritate the area. Avoid using harsh cleansers near your eyes. Keeping your eyelids clean can also help prevent future styes.

Baby shampoo is gentle enough to clean your eyelids without causing irritation. Mix a few drops with warm water, then use a cotton swab or clean cloth to lightly wipe along your lash line—especially near the stye. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Doing this once or twice a day can help clear away oil and debris that might be blocking your glands.

Wearing eyeliner, mascara, or eye shadow while you have a stye can slow healing—and possibly spread the infection to your other eye. It’s best to go makeup-free until the stye is completely gone. Also, toss any old or shared makeup, and clean your brushes to avoid future flare-ups.

Wearing contact lenses while you have a stye can introduce more bacteria to the area and may slow healing. Switch to glasses until the stye clears up, and make sure to thoroughly clean your contacts and case before using them again.

A small dab of antibiotic eye ointment—available at most pharmacies—can help fight the bacteria causing the infection. Apply a tiny amount to the edge of your eyelid, not inside your eye. Avoid using steroid creams unless directed by a doctor, as they can make the problem worse.

If it’s not too painful, lightly massaging the area around the stye can help unclog the blocked gland. Always wash your hands before and after touching your eye. Use clean fingers or a lid wipe, and stop immediately if you feel sharp pain or the area worsens.

The gel inside an aloe vera leaf has soothing and antibacterial properties. Dab a small amount of fresh aloe gel (or a store-bought aloe-based cream) on the closed eyelid. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse gently with lukewarm water.

Black and green tea both contain natural anti-inflammatory compounds. Steep a tea bag in hot water, let it cool until warm (not hot), then place it over the closed eye for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a fresh tea bag each time to avoid spreading bacteria.

If the stye is causing discomfort, common pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and swelling. Follow the dosage instructions on the label, and consult a doctor if symptoms worsen or last longer than a few days.