A stye or hordeolum is a red, pimple-like lump on the eyelid. It is the result of an acute infection in the glands that produce oil in the eyelid. This red lump is caused by anything thing that blocks the oil-secreting glands of the eyelids. This includes things like makeup and dirt. When the gland becomes blocked, it becomes prone to bacterial infections. The type of bacteria that is responsible for most of the cases of styes is called Staphylococcus, but other types can cause styes as well. These unfortunate lumps will usually resolve on their own, but these home remedies for styes will speed up the healing process. Whatever you do, avoid popping the stye as this will only spread the infection.

Place a warm compress on the stye

One of the most efficient ways of dealing with a stye is to place a warm compress over it. A stye causes a block in the duct of the glands that produce oil, so the warm cloth can help the stye drain by dissolving any blockage. Sometimes, a stye becomes filled with pus and comes to a head. The heat of the cloth will help dissolve this pus and increase the circulation to the area to help fight this infection. This will speed up the healing process and reduce some of the symptoms like itchiness and swelling.

Soap and water

Dirt can build up on the face and block the oil-secreting glands of the eyelid. It also makes it easy for the eyelid to become infected. An infection of the eyelid is called “blepharitis.” This will lead to inflammation in the hair follicles of your eyelashes. Stress and changes in hormonal levels can also be a major factor that makes it easy for a stye to form. That’s why it’s important to regularly wash your face to keep it clean.

Use baby shampoo

Baby shampoo is an easy way to get rid of any dirt that can cause styes or slow down the healing process. Keeping the affected area clean will remove any dust that might irritate the eyelid. You can mix a few drops of baby shampoo with warm water, then use a cotton ball to wash the eyelids with this solution. Make sure you use mild baby shampoo and that you apply the diluted shampoo solution along the base of the follicles of your eyelashes. The next step is to wash the eyelash with warm water, then dry the area using a clean towel. You can use a warm compress after using the baby shampoo for maximum effectiveness.

Avoid wearing Makeup

We are naturally drawn to finding eyes attractive. Many women believe that their eyes are their best feature. That is part of the reason why eye makeup is so popular. Eyeliner, eye shadow, and mascara can make you look younger and more beautiful. However, if you have a stye in one of your eyes, using a brush or any other tool to apply makeup to both eyes can spread the infection, causing a stye in the healthy eye too. This is why it’s better to avoid using eye makeup, and to wash your brushes regularly if you do.

Avoid wearing contact lenses

You may want to try out a new and different eye color that looks flattering on you, or just find glasses completely uncomfortable. Contact lenses can make your eyes pop, and they are super light. However, if you have a stye in one of your eyes and wear contact lenses, the bacteria can get onto the contact lenses and spread to different areas. That’s why it’s better to use glasses instead of contact lenses until the infection is over.

Apply antibiotic ointments

Because styes are mainly caused by a bacterial infection from the staphylococcus bacteria, one of the best ways to deal with it would be to apply an antibiotic ointment on the affected area. Styes usually heal on their own within two weeks, but an antibiotic ointment will help fight the bacteria causing the stye which speeds up the healing process. You can buy them at any pharmacy without a prescription. Simply apply a bit of ointment on the lid of the affected eye. It’s important to avoid topical steroids because they can have different side effects. Also, make sure you use an antibiotic ointment rather than antibiotic eye drops.

Massage

Massage is one of the simplest ways to deal with styes. Don’t massage the affected eye if it hurts but if you don’t feel pain doing so, then massage can help you get rid of styes quicker. Simply wash your hand, then massage the affected area gently. It is better to use lid wipes as well to help the oil glands to drain and remove anything clogging them. After massaging the affected eye, avoid touching the healthy eye with your hands before washing them to avoid spreading infection.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has many different useful compounds. You can use aloe vera to treat mild pain and inflammation. It also contains active components that help the fight staphylococcus and different types of bacteria. You can cut a small piece of the plant and apply the gel that comes out of it directly on the affected area. If you have a cream that contains aloe vera, you can also use it instead of cutting an actual plant.

Tea Bags

This is a little-known trick, but applying tea bags on a stye can help you feel less pain. This is because black tea contains tannic acid and green tea contains many different anti-inflammatory components. You can simply take a wet tea bag and apply it to the affected area. Make sure the tea bag is cold. If you don’t want to apply it directly, you can also let it steep in warm water, then cool until it’s cold enough, then soak a cloth in that solution and apply it to the affected area.

Painkillers

If you feel a mild throbbing pain that is caused by your stye, you can use pain medication. We all have certain medications we keep at home to use when we have a headache. If the pain you feel is severe and interferes with your everyday life, then you should visit your doctor. If the stye starts to get bigger, makes you unable to see clearly, doesn’t clear up or becomes more painful, contact your doctor and seek medical advice.