

Steroids in the form of topical creams and eye drops may also help, but a person should talk to a doctor before trying these remedies. A doctor may inject a steroid into the stye to promote healing and reduce pain. Steroids can help the body heal itself more quickly. When this type of infection occurs, a person may need oral or intravenous antibiotics. People with weak immune systems are more vulnerable to such infections. In rare cases, a stye can cause a systemic infection that spreads to other areas of the body. In most cases, a doctor will recommend antibiotics in the form of eye drops or eye cream. It is important to use the right antibiotic for the specific bacterium infecting the eye, so a person should not reuse old antibiotics. This prevents the stye from spreading and eases the pain. AntibioticsĪntibiotics can kill the bacteria that cause a stye to grow. A doctor may recommend one of the following options: 5. Very large styes and those that do not go away on their own may need medical treatment. Only apply these remedies with clean hands, and do not allow the tip of the bottle to touch the eye. These remedies will not heal the stye, but they may help ease the pain. Many drugstores sell eye drops that may help relieve the pain of styes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and might therefore help with burning and swelling.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication may also ease the pain of a stye.

Avoid sharing any eye care products, including eye drops and eye makeup.Bacteria that get into the stye can worsen the infection and slow healing.įollowing these tips can help prevent the infection from getting worse: Styes are contagious, which means that it is possible to spread the bacteria to other people and to other parts of the eye. It is important to keep the eye area clean. However, one study found no conclusive evidence that this technique helps heal the stye. This can help open up the glands and drain the stye more quickly. Put a very warm, but not hot or scalding, wet compress on the eye for short periods of time a few times per day. Share on Pinterest A number of home remedies may ease the pain of a stye.
