How to get rid of a stye overnight: Quick relief strategies
Imagine waking up in the morning, only to discover you have a red, swollen bump on the edge of your eyelid. The bump is sore, and you feel a gritty sensation when you close your eye — almost as if your eyelid is made of sandpaper. You probably have a stye. Fortunately, styes usually clear up quickly. Learn how to get rid of a stye overnight with home remedies.
Understanding styes and their causes
What is a stye?
A stye, also known as a hordeolum (say that three times fast), is a red bump on the edge of your eyelid. It's a localized swelling that comes on suddenly. One day your eyelid is fine, and the next you have a tender bump. Styes may also cause light sensitivity, itching, irritation, crusting of the eyelid, and other symptoms.
Internal styes affect the Meibomian glands, which add oil to your tears. External styes affect the Zeis glands, which sit at the base of the eyelashes and secrete an oily substance (sebum) that protects the surface of the eye. Both cause swollen bumps, but internal styes are usually more painful than external ones.
Causes of styes
In up to 95% of cases, styes develop due to acute Staphylococcus aureus infection. This bacterium lives on the surface of your skin, but it doesn't cause harm unless it gets into the skin. Some styes are caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis, another bacterial organism.
Eye hygiene also plays a role in the development of styes. If you touch your face frequently, for example, you may transfer Staph bacteria from your hands to your eyes. Some people are also prone to blocked oil glands.
Immediate relief strategies
Warm compresses
Warm compresses help loosen the material inside the stye, which may help it drain faster. To use a warm compress, follow these steps:
- Soak a washcloth or small towel in water.
- Heat the wet towel in the microwave until it's warm —make sure it doesn't get too hot.
- Place the warm towel over the affected eyelid for up to 10 minutes.
Repeat this process at least once per day until the stye starts to clear up
Over-the-counter treatments
Over-the-counter treatments, such as antibiotic ointments, may relieve stye symptoms by killing the bacteria responsible for styes and helping the stye drain. Some OTC ointments are also designed to relieve itching, stinging, and burning.
If you try an OTC treatment, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Don't use the product more often than recommended or in a way that isn't consistent with the instructions.
Overnight remedies and treatments
Natural home remedies
Black tea contains compounds known as tannins. These compounds reduce irritation and swelling, making them helpful for styes. To take advantage of their helpful properties, soak a tea bag in warm water. After squeezing the tea bag to remove excess liquid, place it over your eyelid for a few minutes.
If you've ever applied aloe vera to a sunburn, you know it has soothing properties. These properties may help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with styes. Rub a small amount of aloe vera gel on the stye while being careful not to get it in the eye itself.
Medications and prescriptions
For severe styes, you may need prescription medication to kill bacteria or reduce inflammation. Talk to your doctor to see if you need antibiotic eyedrops or an antibiotic cream.
Preventive measures and lifestyle changes
Eyelid hygiene
If you have recurrent styes, work on improving your eyelid hygiene. The first step is to wash your hands regularly to avoid transferring bacteria to the skin around your eyes. If the problem persists, use baby shampoo to clean your eyelids and eyelashes. Baby shampoo is gentle and helps wash away excess sebum, which may prevent blocked oil glands.
Contact lens considerations
To reduce your risk of styes as a contact lens wearer, wash your hands every time you remove your contacts or put them back in. It's also helpful to wash your face before bed every night. Regular washing removes dirt, oil, and cosmetics, reducing the risk of oil gland blockages. Finally, keep your contacts as clean as possible.
Relieve discomfort caused by styes
You may not be able to zap a stye immediately (after all, you're not Magneto), but you can use home remedies or prescription medications to relieve your symptoms. To reduce the risk of recurrence, practice top-notch eyelid hygiene and keep your contact lenses clean.
Patience and persistence are key, but you should contact a medical professional if your styes keep coming back with a vengeance. If you're ready for a new pair of contact lenses, use 1-800 Contacts to find your prescribed brand.
Frequently asked questions
Are styes contagious to others?
No. If you have a stye, you don't have to worry about spreading infection.
How long does it typically take for a stye to heal?
It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for a style to heal completely.
Should I see a doctor if my stye doesn't improve?
Yes. If your stye doesn't begin to heal within a few days or causes severe discomfort, see a medical professional.