Stye self-care: Home remedies & treatment
Written by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist.

Contents

The dreaded stye: What is it, really?
Essentially, a stye (or hordeolum, it’s medical name) is like a tiny pimple on your eyelid. It happens when bacteria decide to infect the oil glands around your eyelashes. Imagine your eyelid's oil glands are like tiny pipes. When these pipes get clogged, bacteria move in and cause inflammation, leading to the painful red bump. There are two main types of styes:- External hordeolum: This is the most common type, forming on the outer edge of your eyelid. It's basically a blocked eyelash follicle or oil gland.
- Internal hordeolum: This type forms on the inner part of your eyelid due to an infected oil gland in the eyelid's inner lining.
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Spotting the signs: symptoms and causes
Styes are usually pretty hard to miss. They often start with a tender, slightly swollen area on your eyelid. You might also notice:- Redness
- Pain or discomfort
- A yellowish pus-filled head (like a pimple)
- Tearing
- A feeling of something in your eye
Are styes contagious?
The good news is that styes aren't directly contagious like a cold. You can't catch one from someone else. However, the bacteria that cause them can be spread through contact. So, avoid sharing towels, makeup, or anything else that touches your eyes, especially when you have a stye.Home remedies for styes
While styes often clear up on their own, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process:Warm compress:
This is your go-to remedy. Think of it as a soothing spa treatment for your eyelid. Simply soak a clean washcloth in warm water (not too hot), wring it out, and hold it against your closed eye for 10-15 minutes, several times a day. The warmth helps to draw out the pus and encourages the stye to drain naturally.Tea bag compress:
Some people find that using a warm, damp tea bag (black or green tea) works even better. The tannins in tea have anti-inflammatory properties. Just make sure the tea bag isn't too hot!Gentle massage:
After applying a warm compress, you can gently massage the area around the stye to help with drainage. But remember, be gentle – you don't want to cause any further irritation.Keep it clean:
This might seem obvious, but keeping the area around your eye clean is crucial. Avoid touching your eye, and gently clean your eyelids with a mild, fragrance-free soap and water.Hands off!:
Resist the urge to squeeze or pop the stye. It's tempting for sure, but it can actually push the infection deeper and make things worse.Is it OK to leave a stye alone?
While most styes will resolve on their own within a week or two with some conservative treatment as discussed, leaving it completely alone might prolong the healing process. Those warm compresses and good hygiene practices can really make a difference.When to seek professional help?
Sometimes, a stye can be a bit more stubborn or lead to complications. It's time to call your doctor if:- The stye is very painful or doesn't improve after a week of home care.
- Your vision is affected.
- The redness and swelling spread beyond your eyelid.
- You have recurring styes.
Telehealth
In today's digital age, you are able to get advice from a healthcare professional without leaving your home. Many clinics offer telehealth appointments for minor eye conditions like styes. This can be a convenient option for an initial assessment and advice. Get an online doctor appointment with Hola in under 15 minutes, available 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. Request medical certificates, instant scripts or specialist referral via telehealth in four easy steps:- Head to telehealth consult
- Choose your appointment type and fill in the details
- Add payment information
- Talk to a doctor within 15 minutes
- If approved, receive your referrals, doctor’s certificate, scripts instantly via email
Prepping for your appointment
If you do need to see a doctor in person, here are a few things to keep in mind:- Be prepared to describe your symptoms: When did the stye start? What have you tried at home?
- Make a list of any medications you're taking: This includes any over-the-counter medications or supplements.
- Remove your eye makeup: This will make it easier for the doctor to examine your eye.
Questions to ask your doctor
Don't be shy about asking questions – Here are a few to get you started:- What is the best treatment for my stye?
- Are there any over-the-counter medications that can help?
- Should I avoid wearing makeup or contact lenses?
- What can I do to prevent styes in the future?
The bottom line
Styes are annoying, but they're usually nothing to worry about. With a bit of self-care and patience, you'll be back to your bright-eyed self in no time. Remember those warm compresses, keep things clean, and resist the urge to squeeze! And if you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.Need time off to recover? Get your medical certificate online within 15 minutes.
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
For urgent medical help & in case of emergency,
call 000.
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Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
For urgent medical help & in case of emergency,
call 000.
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