Stye treatment: ointments, homemade options and care

In most cases, a stye can be easily treated by using warm compresses at least 4 times a day for 10 to 20 minutes, as this helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of a stye. However, if the stye does not go away within 8 days or increases in size, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist to begin the most appropriate treatment, which can be done with ophthalmic ointments, antibiotics or a small surgery to drain the pus.

During treatment, it is recommended not to use eye makeup, avoid frequent scratching of the affected eye and not wear contact lenses to avoid blocking the stye and increasing the infection, for example.

1. Stye ointments

Stye ointments generally include a combination of an antibiotic substance, such as Terramycin, and a corticosteroid, such as Prednisone, for example. This type of ointment helps to eliminate any infection that is developing in the area and that does not allow the body to heal naturally.

These ointments should generally be applied 4 to 6 times a day after washing the eye with warm water, or as directed by a doctor, as they cannot be purchased without a prescription and without adequate evaluation. In cases that are more difficult to treat, as can happen in some elderly people, the ophthalmologist may even prescribe an antibiotic tablet to treat the infection more easily.

2. Home treatment

A good home treatment for a stye can be done in the first 8 days by applying warm chamomile compresses to the eye to relieve inflammation, pain and help drain the pus. The use of boric acid water in the treatment of styes, although it is widely used, should be avoided, as it is a non-sterilized substance that can facilitate infection.

To make a warm chamomile compress, it is recommended to place the chamomile sachet in 200 mL of boiling water and let it rest for around 10 minutes. Then, dip a clean compress in the tea and apply it to the stye for about 5 minutes, repeating the process up to 3 times a day.

See other natural ways to treat stye at home.

3. Surgery

In some cases, the stye can cause an excessive accumulation of pus and, in these situations, it is common for the doctor to recommend a small surgery, which is carried out in the office, and which consists of draining the pus with a needle, so that the infection can be eliminated. more easily treated and discomfort lessens.

Depending on pain tolerance, this technique can be done with local anesthesia, however, it is common for it to be done without anesthesia, as the pain is often compared to that of a pimple being squeezed.

Care during treatment

In addition to applying warm compresses or medications prescribed by your doctor, there are also some important precautions that help speed up recovery. These precautions include:

• Do not try to squeeze the stye;
• Avoid touching or scratching the stye area;
• Wash your hands before touching the stye or applying any medicine;
• Do not use the same compress more than once;
• Keep your palms clean and without slippers;
• Avoid putting contact lenses in your eyes.

Additionally, people who frequently use makeup should also avoid applying eye makeup during treatment, as it can worsen the infection and increase discomfort.

Signs of improvement and worsening

Signs of improvement in the stye include a reduction in swelling and redness, as well as pain and difficulty opening the eye.

On the other hand, signs of worsening are related to the stye infection and include increased pain and swelling, as well as difficulty opening the eye. Furthermore, the appearance of pus, the fact that the stye does not go away within 8 days and that the infection spreads to other areas of the eye are also part of this type of signs.