Stye (Hordeolum) Treatment: Home Care, OTC & When to See a Doctor

Stye = acute staphylococcal infection of eyelid gland (external: Zeiss/Moll; internal: meibomian). Most resolve in 7–14 days.

First-Line Home Care

1. Warm compresses: 4×/day × 10–15 min (clean washcloth, 40–45°C). Promotes drainage, reduces pain.
2. Lid hygiene: Dilute baby shampoo or commercial lid scrub (Ocusoft) on fingertips → gentle massage base of lashes.
3. No squeezing/popping — spreads infection.
4. No eye makeup / contacts until resolved.

OTC / Pharmacy Options

• Antibiotic ointment: Erythromycin or bacitracin ophthalmic 1 cm qHS × 7–10 days (internal hordeolum).
• Pain relief: Oral ibuprofen 400 mg q6h.
• Artificial tears: Lubrication if ocular surface irritation.

Herbal Adjuncts (Limited Evidence)

• Tea tree oil: 1–2% in carrier — apply to closed lid margin only (avoid eye). Antibacterial.
• Aloe vera gel: Soothing; apply to closed lid.
• Calendula: Topical cream — anti-inflammatory.

When to See Ophthalmologist

• No improvement in 48–72 hrs of warm compresses.
• Increasing pain, swelling, vision change, fever.
• Recurrent styes (check diabetes, blepharitis, rosacea).
• Chalazion (chronic, non-tender nodule) — may need incision & curettage or steroid injection.