Styes can be uncomfortable and unsightly. These red, pimple-like bumps on the eyelids result from clogged oil glands and, while they're not medically serious, they do require proper at-home eye care. Taking the right steps will prevent side effects and resolve the stye as quickly as possible.

Do:

Use a Warm Washcloth

Just like a pimple, the pus in a stye needs to rise to the surface and naturally drain. You can help this process along by applying a warm washcloth or compress to the stye for 10 minutes three or four times each day. Don’t apply too much pressure, and make sure you’re using a clean cloth each time to prevent bacteria growth.

Speak With Your Eye Doctor

Styes aren’t medically dangerous and won’t cause long-term damage. However, you should still let your eye care professional know when you have one, especially if it lasts for longer than a week. They may want to schedule an exam to take a closer look, and they can also provide advice on home remedies. Make a list of questions and side effects to discuss with your doctor when you call.

Don’t:

Wear Makeup or Contacts

When you have a stye, you’ll want to keep your fingers and other objects away from your eye as much as possible. Makeup often causes styes, as it can clog the oil glands and cause eye irritation. It can also make an existing stye worse, or spread the infection to your other eye. You’ll additionally want to avoid wearing contacts, as they can trap bacteria or introduce new bacteria to the stye.

Try to Pop It

While it may be tempting to try to pop your stye, this can make the infection last even longer. It may prevent the stye from completely healing, and you may also spread bacteria that causes additional styes or eye infections. Be patient, and let the stye naturally resolve itself throughout the week. 

If you need eye care assistance, turn to the team at Blue Earth Valley Eye Clinic. With locations in Blue Earth and Winnebago, MN, these professionals offer a variety of services to residents of south-central Minnesota, including general eye care and treatment for diseases like glaucoma. You can explore all of their services on their website or call (507) 526-2222 to schedule an eye exam. For more health tips, connect with them on Facebook.