Sty Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Most styes go away on their own in 5-7 days.

• Apply warm compresses 4-6 times a day for about 15 minutes at a time to help the drainage. Keep your eyes closed.
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• Gently scrub the eyelid with tap water or with a mild, nonirritating soap or shampoo (such as baby shampoo). This may help with drainage. Close your eyes as you scrub so you do not injure your eyes.
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• Do not squeeze or puncture the sty. A more serious infection may occur as a result.
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• Discontinue the use of eye makeup as well as eye lotions and creams because they may be infected.
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• Discontinue wearing your contact lenses because the sty may cause an infection to spread to your cornea with the continued use of your contact lenses.