Effective Home Remedies for Eye Stye: Natural Treatments and Precautions

How To Get Rid Of A Stye: 26 Home Remedies, Tips, and Precautions

An eye stye is a painful, red bump that forms on the eyelid, typically caused by infected oil glands. Though common, styes can cause discomfort, irritation, and aesthetic concerns. Proper home treatment can accelerate recovery, reduce symptoms, and prevent future occurrences. This article explores 26 effective home remedies, answers common questions, and highlights precautions for managing styes safely at home.

Table of Contents

• What Is A Stye?
• Causes and Symptoms
• 26 Home Remedies For Eye Stye
• Tips To Prevent Eye Styes
• When To See A Doctor
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Stye?

A stye (also known as a hordeolum) is a small, red, and often painful lump that usually develops on the outside or inside edge of the eyelid. It is typically filled with pus and caused by acute bacterial infection, commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis. Styes look like small pimples or boils and can result in tenderness, swelling, and watering of the affected eye.

Causes And Symptoms of Eye Stye

Styes emerge when oil glands on the eyelid become blocked by:

• Dead skin or cellular debris
• Excess oil production
• Bacterial infection, most often by Staphylococcus species

Common symptoms include:

• Red, tender bump on the eyelid (may occur inside or outside the lid)
• Swelling and pain in the affected area
• Increased tear production
• Sensation of a foreign body in the eye
• Crusting along the eyelid margin
• Potential blurring of vision if swelling is significant

26 Home Remedies For Eye Stye

The majority of styes resolve naturally within 710 days. However, these natural and home-based remedies can provide relief, reduce inflammation, and potentially accelerate healing.

1. Warm Compress

This is the most effective and widely recommended home remedy for styes. Heat from the compress helps bring pus to the surface, allowing the stye to drain naturally and reducing pain and swelling.

• Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water and wring out excess.
• Place gently over closed eyelid for 1015 minutes.
• Repeat 34 times daily; rewarm as needed.
• Alternate: A warm (not hot) boiled egg wrapped in a cloth can be used for similar effect.

2. Coriander Seed Water Wash

Coriander seeds are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Washing your eyes with water infused with coriander seeds may alleviate pain and swelling.

• Boil 1 tsp coriander seeds in 1 cup of water.
• Let cool, strain, and use as an eyelid wash 23 times per day.

3. Warm Black Tea Bag Compress

Black tea’s natural antibacterial and astringent compounds can help reduce swelling and fight infection while acting as a warm compress.

• Brew a black tea bag in hot water for 1 minute.
• Cool the tea bag until warm and apply over closed eyelid for 510 minutes.
• Use a fresh tea bag for each eye if both are affected.

4. Green Tea Bag Compress

Green tea contains polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, making its use as a compress helpful for soothing the stye.

• Steep a green tea bag in hot water for a minute.
• Allow to cool to a warm temperature, then place over closed eyelid for 510 minutes.

5. Turmeric Wash

Turmeric has potent natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. As a rinse, it may help reduce swelling and infection risk.

• Boil 1 tsp turmeric powder in 2 cups water until reduced by half; strain through a fine cloth.
• Once cooled, use as an eye rinse 23 times daily.

6. Saline Solution Eyelid Wash

Saline solution can help keep the area clean, promote drainage, and break down bacteria.

• Make a mild saline solution (or use over-the-counter sterile saline).
• Gently cleanse affected eyelid using cotton or a clean cloth.

7. Baby Shampoo Eyelid Scrub

Baby shampoo is gentle, hypoallergenic, and non-irritating, making it suitable for cleaning eyelids and removing crusts.

• Mix a small amount of tear-free baby shampoo with warm water.
• Dip a cotton swab or pad into the solution and gently wipe the eyelid margin.
• Rinse thoroughly with plain water.

8. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is soothing and contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds.

• Apply a small amount of fresh aloe vera gel to the closed lid.
• Leave for 1520 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Repeat 23 times daily.

9. Warm Bread Poultice

When heated, bread retains warmth and draws out pus, easing pain and encouraging drainage.

• Warm a slice of bread, place in clean cloth, and apply over the stye for 10 minutes.
• Repeat twice daily.

10. Guava Leaves Compress

Guava leaves are rich in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial phytochemicals.

• Slightly crush and warm several fresh guava leaves.
• Place on a warm cloth and apply to affected eyelid for 10 minutes.

11. Potatoes Paste

Potato is traditionally used to reduce inflammation and absorb excess moisture.

• Grate a raw potato and wrap in clean muslin or cloth.
• Apply as a poultice over the closed eyelid for 10 minutes.

12. Clove Water Rinse

Cloves offer strong antimicrobial and anesthetic properties.

• Boil 45 cloves in a cup of water for 10 minutes, cool and strain.
• Use the cooled solution as an eye rinse twice daily.

13. Castor Oil Application

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, known for pain relief and anti-inflammation.

• With clean hands or a cotton swab, apply a drop to the closed eyelid after warm compresses.

14. Aloe Vera Leaf Compress

• Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf, cool in fridge, and place the cold gel side on the stye for a soothing effect.

15. Cucumber Slices

Cucumber is cooling and may relieve irritation.

• Place cool cucumber slices on the closed lid for 1015 minutes.

16. Garlic Juice Application

Garlic’s potent antibacterial effects may help against stye-causing bacteria. Use with caution to avoid irritation.

• Crush fresh garlic, dilute juice with distilled water, and gently apply around (never inside) the stye using a cotton swab.

17. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Compress

• Mix 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with 1 cup warm water, soak a cotton pad, and apply externally for several minutes. Do not get ACV in the eye.

18. Warm Milk and Bread Poultice

• Soak a slice of bread in warm milk, place over the affected eyelid for 1015 minutes.

19. Chamomile Tea Bags

Chamomile soothes irritation and reduces swelling.

• Steep a chamomile tea bag, cool to warm, and apply over the stye for 10 minutes.

20. Goldenseal Wash

Goldenseal is believed to have strong antibacterial effects.

• Dissolve a pinch of powdered goldenseal in a cup of warm water, strain, and use as a wash.

21. Parsley Infusion

Parsley can draw out toxins and reduce swelling.

• Steep a handful of fresh parsley in boiling water for 10 minutes, cool, and use as an eyelid compress.

22. Calendula Compress

Calendula is thought to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Brew calendula flowers in hot water, cool, and use as a warm compress.

23. Mint Leaves

Mint is naturally cooling and may bring temporary relief.

• Crush fresh mint leaves, place on closed eye for a few minutes.

24. Warm Rice Pack

Warm (not hot) rice in a clean cloth can be used similarly to a compress.

• Place a few tablespoons of uncooked rice in a clean sock, microwave briefly (20 seconds), and apply to the stye for warmth therapy.

25. Maintain Eyelid Hygiene

• Keep eyelids clean using gentle soap or OTC cleansers such as OCuSOFT pads.
• Wash hands thoroughly before touching or treating eyes.

26. Over-the-Counter Solutions

• OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can relieve discomfort.
• Lubricating eye drops may ease irritation.

Tips To Prevent Eye Styes

• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with dirty hands.
• Remove eye makeup thoroughly every night to prevent debris buildup.
• Dispose of old makeup, especially mascara and eyeliners, every 36 months.
• Wash pillowcases and towels frequently to minimize bacteria exposure.
• Never share makeup or personal eye care items.
• For frequent styes, consult a physician about possible underlying eye conditions.

When To See a Doctor

• If the stye does not improve after 710 days or worsens.
• Severe pain, changes in vision, or if swelling spreads beyond the eyelid.
• Recurring st yes or additional symptoms such as fever.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can you pop or squeeze a stye?

A: No. Squeezing a stye can worsen infection, push bacteria deeper, and lead to complications. Let it drain naturally with warm compresses.

Q: How long do styes typically last?

A: Most styes resolve on their own in 710 days with proper home care.

Q: Are styes contagious?

A: Styes themselves are not directly contagious, but the bacteria causing them can spread. Always practice proper hygiene.

Q: Should I wear contact lenses or makeup during an active stye?

A: Avoid wearing contact lenses and makeup on the affected eye until the stye heals to prevent further irritation or infection spread.

Q: When is antibiotic treatment necessary?

A: Most styes heal without prescription medications. Antibiotics may be required in cases of persistent, recurrent, or complicated styes as determined by a doctor.

Safety And Precautions

• Do not attempt to puncture, lance, or squeeze the stye.
• Discontinue any home remedy if irritation worsens.
• Maintain strict hygiene during all treatments.
• Always use clean towels, compresses, and applicators for each session.
• Seek medical attention if stye persists or if any signs of spreading infection appear.

Key Takeaways

• Warm compresses are the cornerstone of stye care for comfort and quicker resolution.
• Avoid squeezing or applying pressure to styes.
• Keep eyelids clean using saline or gentle solutions.
• Consult a healthcare provider if there is no improvement or if secondary symptoms develop.

Author

Medha DebCommerce Editor

 

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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