From the Research
A stye can be effectively treated at home with warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily, as this helps bring the stye to a head and promotes drainage, with a significant increase in tear film lipid layer thickness following treatment with warm compresses, as shown in a study published in 2003 1. The treatment of a hordeolum (stye) typically involves a combination of home care and medical management. Some key points to consider include:
- Applying warm compresses to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily, to help bring the stye to a head and promote drainage
- Gently cleaning the eyelid with mild soap and water or eyelid wipes
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (200-400mg every 4-6 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 4-6 hours) to manage discomfort
- Avoiding wearing contact lenses and eye makeup until the stye heals
- Never squeezing or popping a stye, as this can spread infection If the stye does not improve within a week, worsens, affects vision, or spreads to other areas, it is recommended to see a doctor, who may prescribe antibiotic ointments like erythromycin or bacitracin, or oral antibiotics for severe cases, as supported by a study published in 2006 2. It is also worth noting that subcutaneous extralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection has been shown to be effective in the treatment of chalazion, with a success rate of 93.8% compared to 58.3% for conservative treatment, as reported in a study published in 2006 2. However, the most recent and highest quality study on the treatment of external sty with ear-apex blood-letting, published in 2013 3, found that ear-apex blood-letting therapy was effective in relieving external sty, with a cure rate of 94.1% on day 7 after treatment, and was significantly superior to medication treatment in relieving external sty. Therefore, the most effective treatment for a stye is warm compresses, and if the stye does not improve, ear-apex blood-letting therapy may be considered, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 3.