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How to Treat a Stye | NHS
Understanding a Stye
A stye is a painful, red bump that forms on the edge of your eyelid, often resembling a pimple or boil. It is caused by a bacterial infection in an eyelash follicle or oil gland. Most styes will improve on their own within a week or two, but you can take steps to alleviate discomfort and speed up healing.
Self-Care Measures
Most styes can be treated at home without the need to see a doctor. Here are some effective self-care steps you can follow:
Warm Compress
Apply a clean, warm compress to the affected area for 5-10 minutes several times a day. This can help to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and encourage the stye to drain naturally.
Maintain Eye Hygiene
Ensure that your eyes are clean. Gently wash your eyelids with warm water and mild, non-irritating soap. This can help to remove any crusts that develop and reduce the risk of further infection.
Avoid Squeezing the Stye
It might be tempting to squeeze or pop the stye, but doing so can spread the infection and worsen the condition. Allow it to burst and drain on its own.
Avoid Eye Makeup
Refrain from using makeup or contact lenses until the stye has completely healed. This can help prevent further irritation and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Pain Relief
If the stye is particularly painful, you may take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen following the dosage instructions provided.
When to See a Doctor
While most styes will resolve without medical intervention, you should seek medical advice if:
- The stye does not improve after a few days.
- Your eye becomes very painful or swollen.
- You experience vision problems.
- The redness or swelling spreads beyond the eyelid.
A healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotic ointments or, in more severe cases, perform a minor procedure to drain the stye.
Preventing Future Styes
To reduce the risk of developing styes in the future:
- Keep your hands and face clean to avoid transferring bacteria to your eyes.
- Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands.
- Replace eye makeup regularly and avoid sharing it with others.
- Clean your eyelids with a gentle eyelid scrub if you are prone to styes.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage and prevent styes, ensuring the health and comfort of your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a stye?
A stye is a red, painful lump near the edge of your eyelid that may look like a boil or a pimple. Styes are often filled with pus and are caused by bacterial infection.
What are the symptoms of a stye?
Symptoms include a painful red lump on the eyelid, swelling of the eyelid, tenderness, and the eye may water more than usual.
How long does a stye last?
A stye usually lasts for about a week, but it can clear up within a few days with proper care.
Should I see a doctor for a stye?
You usually do not need to see a doctor for a stye as it often clears up on its own. However, if the stye is not improving after a week, if it is extremely painful, if it affects your vision, or if you have recurring styes, you should see a GP.
What can I do at home to treat a stye?
You can treat a stye at home by applying a warm compress to the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day. This can help the stye to drain and heal faster.
Can I pop a stye?
No, you should never try to pop a stye. Popping a stye can spread the infection and make the condition worse.
Is it okay to wear contact lenses with a stye?
It is best to avoid wearing contact lenses until the stye has healed, as they can worsen the irritation and spread the infection.
Can I wear makeup if I have a stye?
It is recommended not to wear makeup until the stye has fully healed. Makeup can irritate the stye and possibly cause more infection.
How do I prevent getting styes?
To prevent styes, maintain good eye hygiene by washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your eyes, and not sharing towels or face cloths.
Can stress cause a stye?
Stress itself does not cause styes, but it can lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, including styes.
Can a stye spread to the other eye?
Yes, a stye can spread to the other eye if you are not careful with hygiene. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
Is a stye contagious?
Styes themselves are not contagious, but the bacteria causing them can be. Practicing good hygiene can help prevent spreading the bacteria.
Do styes always have pus?
Not all styes have visible pus. Some styes may appear as a red, swollen lump without a noticeable head.
Are styes common?
Yes, styes are quite common and can affect people of all ages. Most people will experience at least one in their lifetime.
Can poor hygiene cause a stye?
Poor hygiene can increase the risk of developing a stye. Regularly washing your hands and face and keeping your eye area clean can help prevent styes.
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- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
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- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
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- To turn on Captions, click settings .
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