8 ways to help your stye heal faster

Katie Schill, FNP

Family Medicine

If you’ve ever had a sore, red bump on the outside edge of your eyelid, you’ve probably had a stye. Nurse practitioner Katie Schill offered some advice on what to do when this happens.

“Contrary to popular belief, most styes can be treated at home and do not need to be seen in a clinic,” she said.

Schill recommends the following steps:        

1. Use a clean washcloth and gentle, tear-free baby shampoo to keep the eye clean. “Make sure to wash all the soap off,” she said. “You can use over-the-counter eye cleaning pads, but it will be more expensive.”
2. Avoid wearing makeup for at least a week.
3. Throw out and replace your eye makeup, including mascara.
4. Wash all makeup brushes well.
5. Avoid wearing contacts for at least a week. “Time to wear those glasses!”
6. Use a warm compress for 10–15 minutes at a time. Make sure you use a clean washcloth each time so you don’t re-infect the eye.
7. Do not “pop” the stye.
8. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed for pain.

“If symptoms persist for a week, or if they dramatically worsen, it is time to be seen by a doctor,” Schill said.