From the Research
To treat a stye, apply warm compresses to the affected eye for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily to help bring the stye to a head and drain naturally. A stye is a painful, red bump that forms on the eyelid due to an infected oil gland. Gently clean your eyelids with mild soap or baby shampoo diluted with water. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (200-400mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) can help manage discomfort. Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye resolves. Most styes heal within 7-10 days without medical intervention. If the stye persists beyond two weeks, worsens, affects your vision, or spreads to other areas, consult a healthcare provider who may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment such as erythromycin or bacitracin. Never attempt to pop or squeeze a stye as this can spread the infection. Styes occur when oil glands become blocked with dead skin cells and bacteria (usually Staphylococcus), causing inflammation and infection of the gland.
The provided evidence does not directly address the treatment of styes, as the study 1 focuses on acute internal hordeolum and excludes external hordeolum (stye). However, based on general medical knowledge and the example provided, the recommended treatment for a stye is focused on relieving symptoms and promoting drainage. It's essential to note that the study 2 is not relevant to the treatment of styes, as it discusses the characterization of alkaline nuclease from rat liver mitochondria.
Some key points to consider when treating a stye include:
- Applying warm compresses to promote drainage
- Gently cleaning the eyelids with mild soap or baby shampoo
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort
- Avoiding eye makeup and contact lenses until the stye resolves
- Seeking medical attention if the stye persists or worsens.