How to Get Rid of a Stye Fast: 8 Home Remedies

A painful, red bump on your eyelid can be alarming, but it’s likely a common condition called a stye.

The fastest and most effective way to get rid of a stye is by applying a warm compress to the affected eye for 10-15 minutes, several times a day.

This simple home remedy helps dissolve the pus and oil clogging the gland, promoting natural drainage and speeding up healing.

Styes, or hordeola, are incredibly common, but their exact incidence is unknown as most cases are managed at home.

However, they are one of the most frequent eye conditions seen by doctors, affecting people of all ages.

While most styes resolve on their own within one to two weeks, understanding the right way to treat them can provide faster relief and prevent complications.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about a stye.

We’ll explore the different types, what causes them, and how to distinguish a stye from a similar-looking bump called a chalazion.

Most importantly, we’ll detail eight effective home remedies, explain which medical treatments are available, and provide expert tips on how to prevent a stye from coming back.

What Is a Stye (Hordeolum)?

A stye, known medically as a hordeolum, is an acute, painful infection of a sebaceous (oil) gland in the eyelid.

It typically appears as a red, swollen lump near the edge of the eyelid that resembles a small boil or pimple.

This infection is most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which are commonly found on the skin.

When an oil gland in the eyelid becomes blocked by dead skin cells, old oil, or debris, bacteria can become trapped inside.

This leads to an infection, causing the gland to become inflamed, swollen and filled with pus.

While uncomfortable, a stye is generally a benign, self-limiting condition.

The Two Types of Styes: Internal vs. External

Styes are classified into two types based on which gland is infected.

Understanding the type can help explain why some styes are more painful or visible than others.

External Hordeolum: This is the most common type of stye. It forms on the outer edge of the eyelid, at the base of an eyelash. It’s an infection in an eyelash follicle or an associated gland (the gland of Zeis or gland of Moll). An external stye often looks like a pimple and will typically come to a “head” with a visible spot of pus.
Internal Hordeolum: This type of stye occurs when the infection is in a meibomian gland, which are larger glands located within the tarsal plate (the connective tissue inside the eyelid). Because it’s deeper within the eyelid, an internal stye can be more painful and may cause more generalized eyelid swelling without a distinct “head” visible on the eyelid margin.

Feature	External Stye (Hordeolum)	Internal Stye (Hordeolum)
Location	On the edge of the eyelid, at the base of an eyelash.	Inside the eyelid, often not visible on the lid margin.
Infected Gland	Gland of Zeis (sebaceous) or Gland of Moll (sweat).	Meibomian gland (sebaceous).
Appearance	Resembles a pimple or small boil, often with a visible pus-filled head.	Causes more generalized swelling, a distinct head is less common.
Pain Level	Tender and painful, but often localized.	Can be more intensely painful due to deeper inflammation.

Stye vs. Chalazion: What’s the Difference?

A stye is often confused with a chalazion (plural: chalazia), another common eyelid lump.

While they can look similar, their causes and symptoms are different.

A stye is an acute bacterial infection, whereas a chalazion is a blocked oil gland without an infection, leading to a granulomatous inflammation.

A chalazion forms when a meibomian gland becomes blocked, and the trapped oil builds up, causing a firm, painless lump.

It tends to develop more slowly than a stye and is often located further from the eyelid edge.

Sometimes, an internal stye that doesn’t fully heal can turn into a chalazion.

Feature	Stye (Hordeolum)	Chalazion
Cause	Acute bacterial infection (usually Staphylococcus).	Blocked meibomian oil gland (non-infectious inflammation).
Onset	Develops quickly over a few days.	Develops slowly over weeks.
Pain	Painful, tender and sore to the touch.	Usually painless, but can cause tenderness if it grows large.
Location	Typically on the very edge of the eyelid.	Usually further back on the eyelid than a stye.
Appearance	Red, sore, pimple-like, often with a pus head.	Firm, rubbery, smooth lump under the eyelid skin.
Treatment	Warm compresses to encourage drainage. Antibiotics may be needed.	Warm compresses. May require steroid injection or surgical removal if persistent.

What Are the Common Symptoms of a Stye?

While the primary sign of a stye is a visible lump, it is often accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms.

The most common symptoms include:

A red, painful lump on the eyelid, similar to a boil or pimple.
Pain and tenderness of the eyelid.
Localized swelling of the eyelid.
A small, yellowish spot of pus at the center of the lump.
A gritty or “something in my eye” sensation (foreign body sensation).
Increased tearing or watery eyes.
Crusting along the eyelid margin, especially upon waking.
Sensitivity to light (photophobia).

It’s important to contact your doctor if these symptoms are severe, affect your vision or don’t begin to improve after a few days of home care.

What Causes a Stye and Who Is at Risk?

The Primary Culprit: Bacterial Infection

The vast majority of styes—around 90-95%—are caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus.

This bacterium normally lives harmlessly on the surface of our skin, including the eyelids.

A stye develops when these bacteria get a chance to multiply within a blocked oil gland.

The process typically unfolds as follows:

Blockage: An oil gland (Zeis, Moll or Meibomian) becomes clogged with dead skin cells, excess oil or makeup residue.
Infection: Bacteria trapped inside the blocked gland begin to multiply rapidly.
Inflammation: The body’s immune system responds to the infection, sending white blood cells to fight the bacteria. This results in the characteristic redness, swelling, pain and pus formation.

Key Risk Factors for Developing a Stye

While anyone can get a stye, certain factors can increase your risk by making gland blockages or bacterial transfer more likely. According to research published in StatPearls, risk factors include:

Poor Eyelid Hygiene: Not removing eye makeup thoroughly before bed or not cleaning eyelids regularly can lead to clogged glands.
Touching or Rubbing Eyes: Transferring bacteria from your hands to your eyes is a major risk factor.
Chronic Blepharitis: This condition involves chronic inflammation of the eyelids, making you more susceptible to infections and gland blockages.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): A condition where the oil glands don’t secrete properly, leading to blockages.
Contact Lens Use: Improperly cleaned lenses or inserting/removing them with unwashed hands can introduce bacteria.
Systemic Conditions: Diseases like ocular rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, diabetes and conditions that weaken the immune system can increase susceptibility.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones can sometimes alter the consistency of gland oils, making blockages more likely.
Stress: High stress levels can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections.

8 Home Remedies to Get Rid of a Stye

In most cases, a stye will begin to heal on its own within a week or two.

However, home remedies can help relieve discomfort and speed up the healing process by encouraging the stye to drain.

Here are eight effective methods you can try at home.

Important: Never try to squeeze, pop, or puncture a stye. Doing so can spread the infection deeper into your eyelid tissue, leading to a more serious condition like preseptal cellulitis. Let the stye drain on its own.

1. Apply a Warm Compress

This is universally recognized as the most effective home treatment for a stye.

The warmth helps to liquefy the hardened pus and oil inside the gland, bringing it to the surface and promoting natural drainage.

How to do it:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Soak a clean washcloth in warm water (not hot, to avoid burning your delicate eyelid skin).
Wring out the excess water so the cloth is damp but not dripping.
Gently place the warm cloth over your closed, affected eye for 10 to 15 minutes.
Repeat this process 3 to 4 times per day until the stye drains and heals.

Evidence Level: Strong. Warm compresses are the first-line treatment recommended by ophthalmologists and organizations like the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. While high-quality clinical trials are lacking, their use is supported by extensive clinical experience and pathophysiological principles.

2. Practice Gentle Eyelid Cleansing

Keeping the eyelid clean can help remove debris and excess bacteria, preventing further irritation and supporting the healing process.

This is especially important for those with blepharitis.

How to do it:

Use a tear-free baby shampoo mixed with a little warm water.
Dip a clean cotton swab or washcloth into the solution.
Gently wipe along the base of your eyelashes and the eyelid margin.
Rinse with warm water. Do this once or twice a day.
Alternatively, you can use pre-moistened eyelid cleansing wipes available at most pharmacies.

Evidence Level: Strong. Eyelid hygiene is a cornerstone of managing blepharitis, a major risk factor for styes. The American Optometric Association and other expert bodies recommend daily lid hygiene for both treatment and prevention.

3. Use a Warm Tea Bag Compress

Similar to a warm washcloth, a warm tea bag can be used as a compress.

Some proponents suggest that black or green tea offers additional benefits due to their anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial properties from compounds like tannins and flavonoids.

How to do it:

Steep a black or green tea bag in hot water for one minute.
Remove the tea bag and let it cool until it’s comfortably warm.
Place it on your closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes.
Use a fresh tea bag for each application and a different one for each eye if both are affected.

Evidence Level: Weak. While the warmth of the tea bag works just like a standard compress, there is no strong scientific evidence that the tea itself provides a significant therapeutic advantage over plain warm water. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that there’s no proof it’s better than a clean cloth.

4. Gently Massage the Area

After applying a warm compress, a very gentle massage can help encourage the blocked gland to drain.

This should only be done with clean hands and should not cause pain.

How to do it:

After a warm compress session, use a clean fingertip to gently massage the outer eyelid around the stye in a circular motion.
If the stye is on the upper lid, massage downwards towards the lashes. If on the lower lid, massage upwards.
Stop immediately if it hurts. The goal is to promote drainage, not to force it.

Evidence Level: Moderate. Eyelid massage is often recommended in conjunction with warm compresses, particularly for meibomian gland dysfunction. It is a standard part of conservative management for both styes and chalazia.

5. Avoid Makeup and Contact Lenses

This is a crucial step to allow your eye to heal and prevent worsening the infection or spreading bacteria.

No Eye Makeup: Makeup can further clog glands and introduce more bacteria. Avoid mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow until the stye is completely gone.
No Contact Lenses: Switch to glasses. Bacteria from the stye can contaminate your contact lenses, potentially spreading the infection to your cornea.

Once the stye has healed, it’s wise to discard any eye makeup or contact lenses used just before or during the infection to prevent recurrence.

Evidence Level: Strong. This is a common-sense recommendation from all major eye health organizations to reduce irritation, prevent contamination, and avoid delaying the healing process.

6. Use a Saline Solution Rinse

A sterile saline solution can help clean the eye, flush out debris, and may help break down bacterial membranes, promoting drainage.

How to do it:

You can purchase over-the-counter sterile saline eyewash.
Use it to gently rinse the eye area, helping to keep it clean and free of crust.

Evidence Level: Moderate. While not a primary treatment, saline is a safe and gentle way to maintain hygiene around the eye, which supports the body’s natural healing process.

7. Try Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers

If the stye is particularly painful, non-prescription pain relievers can help manage the discomfort.

Medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Follow the package directions for dosage and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications.

Evidence Level: Strong. These medications are well-established for managing mild to moderate pain and inflammation from a variety of causes, including localized infections like a stye.

8. Avoid Unproven “Natural” Remedies

The internet is full of suggestions for treating styes, but many are ineffective and some are dangerous. It’s best to stick to what is proven to be safe.

What to Avoid:

Do not use boric acid, urine, or breast milk in your eye. These substances are not sterile and can introduce new bacteria or cause severe irritation.
Be cautious with essential oils or herbal infusions like chamomile. While some have anti-inflammatory properties, they can also contain pollen or other impurities that may cause allergic reactions or irritation. A 2024 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlights traditional uses but also the risks of non-sterile applications near the eye.
Do not rub the stye with gold or any other object. This is an old folk tale with no scientific basis and can cause irritation or injury.

Evidence Level: Strong (for avoidance). Ophthalmologists strongly advise against putting non-sterile substances in the eye due to the high risk of secondary infection, allergic reaction and chemical irritation.

When to See a Doctor: Medical Treatments for a Stye

While most styes resolve with home care, you should consult a doctor or ophthalmologist if:

The stye doesn’t start to improve after 48 hours of home treatment.
The pain or swelling is severe.
The swelling spreads to your entire eyelid or cheek.
Your vision is affected.
The stye keeps coming back.

A doctor may recommend one of the following medical treatments:

Antibiotic Ointments or Eyedrops

If the infection is severe or persistent, your doctor might prescribe a topical antibiotic.

Ointments like erythromycin or bacitracin are applied to the eyelid margin to help fight the bacteria.

However, the evidence for their effectiveness is mixed.

A 2022 retrospective review published in Clinical Ophthalmology found that adding an antibiotic to conservative measures did not significantly improve the resolution rate of hordeola.

“Though frequently prescribed, an antibiotic is unlikely to improve the resolution of a chalazion or hordeolum.” – Alsoudi AF, et al. (2022)

Antibiotics are more likely to be prescribed if there is an accompanying condition like blepharitis or if the infection shows signs of spreading.

Oral Antibiotics

In rare cases where the infection spreads beyond the eyelid (preseptal cellulitis), your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline or erythromycin, to treat the more widespread infection.

Surgical Incision and Drainage (I&D)

For a large, painful stye that doesn’t drain on its own, an ophthalmologist may perform a minor in-office procedure to drain it.

After numbing the area, the doctor makes a small incision to release the pus, providing immediate relief and speeding up healing.

This should only be performed by a medical professional.

Emerging Treatments: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

For recurrent or chronic styes linked to meibomian gland dysfunction, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is an emerging treatment option.

IPL uses calibrated light pulses to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and improve the function of the oil glands.

A 2023 study in the Journal of Ophthalmology found that IPL is beneficial for the treatment of chronic hordeolum.

This is typically considered for patients with recurring issues who haven’t responded to other treatments.

How Can You Prevent Styes?

The best way to deal with a stye is to prevent it from forming in the first place.

Good hygiene is key. Here are the most effective prevention strategies:

Wash Your Hands Frequently: Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your eyes, applying makeup or handling contact lenses.
Practice Good Eyelid Hygiene: Gently clean your eyelids daily with a mild cleanser or pre-moistened wipes, especially if you are prone to blepharitis.
Remove Makeup Before Bed: Never sleep with eye makeup on. Use a dedicated makeup remover to ensure all residue is gone.
Replace Eye Makeup Regularly: Discard mascara, liquid eyeliner, and eyeshadows every 3 months to prevent bacterial buildup.
Don’t Share Makeup or Towels: Sharing personal items like makeup, brushes or towels can transfer bacteria.
Manage Underlying Conditions: If you have blepharitis, rosacea, or MGD, work with your doctor to manage the condition effectively. This is the most important step for preventing recurrent styes.
Proper Contact Lens Care: Follow your eye doctor’s instructions for cleaning, storing and replacing your contact lenses.

Myths vs. Facts About Styes

Misinformation about styes is common. Let’s clear up a few things.

Myth	Fact
Myth: Styes are contagious.	Fact: Styes are not directly contagious. You cannot “catch” a stye from someone just by being near them. However, the bacteria that cause them can be spread. If you touch a stye and then touch someone else’s eye, you could transfer the bacteria. This is why handwashing is so important.
Myth: Rubbing a gold ring on a stye will cure it.	Fact: This is a persistent old wives’ tale with no scientific basis. The only potential benefit might come from the warmth and pressure of the massage, but a clean, warm washcloth is much safer and more hygienic. Rubbing objects on your eye can cause injury or introduce more bacteria.
Myth: Styes are caused by stress.	Fact: While stress doesn’t directly cause a stye, it can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to the bacterial infections that do cause them. Stress is a risk factor, not a direct cause.
Myth: You have to be “dirty” to get a stye.	Fact: Anyone can get a stye, regardless of their personal hygiene. While poor hygiene is a risk factor, many people with excellent hygiene still get styes due to underlying conditions like MGD or hormonal changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Styes

1. How long does a stye last?

Most styes last for about 7 to 10 days and resolve on their own or with home treatment. If a stye persists for more than two weeks or worsens, you should see a doctor.

2. Can you get rid of a stye overnight?

It is highly unlikely to get rid of a stye overnight. The healing process involves the body fighting the infection and draining the pus, which takes time. Consistent warm compresses are the fastest way to speed up this natural process.

3. Is a stye contagious?

A stye itself is not contagious. It’s a localized infection. However, the bacteria causing it can be spread via hands or shared items, potentially causing an infection in another person if transferred to their eye.

4. Should I pop a stye?

No, absolutely not. Popping or squeezing a stye can rupture the gland within the eyelid, spreading the infection into surrounding tissues and causing a much more serious condition called cellulitis. Let it drain naturally.

5. Why do I keep getting styes?

Recurrent styes are often a sign of an underlying condition like chronic blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Poor hygiene, not fully removing makeup or an infestation of Demodex mites can also be culprits. See an ophthalmologist to determine the root cause.

6. Can I wear contact lenses with a stye?

No. You should avoid wearing contact lenses until the stye is completely healed. Bacteria can transfer to the lens and spread the infection or cause a more serious corneal infection. Wear your glasses instead.

7. What’s the difference between a stye and a pimple?

A stye is essentially a pimple that occurs in an oil gland on the eyelid. Both are caused by blocked glands and bacterial infections (often Staphylococcus), but a stye’s location on the sensitive eyelid requires different care.

8. Does a stye affect vision?

A small stye usually does not affect vision. However, a very large stye can cause temporary blurry vision by pressing on the cornea and slightly changing its shape. If your vision is affected, see a doctor immediately.

Conclusion

A stye can be a painful and annoying interruption, but it is almost always a temporary one.

For most people, consistent home care—centered around clean, warm compresses—is all that’s needed to find relief and speed up healing.

By understanding the importance of not squeezing the stye and practicing good eyelid hygiene, you can prevent complications and encourage a swift recovery.

If your stye is severe, persistent, or recurrent, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice.

An ophthalmologist can provide an accurate diagnosis, rule out other conditions, and offer advanced treatments that can address the root cause of the problem.

Have you found a home remedy that works well for you? Share your experience in the comments below to help others in the community!