How to Get Rid of a Stye: 6 Home Remedies

To get rid of a stye at home, you can use aloe vera, chamomile, saline solution or baby shampoo. Applying warm compresses can also be beneficial as they help to relieve inflammation and promote the release of any built-up pus.

A stye is caused by a blockage within a gland in the eyelids. This blockage can lead to the accumulation of secretions and infection, and can cause symptoms such as swelling or discomfort,

Most of the time, styes resolve on their own without any medical treatment. However, if it does not disappear after about 8 days or if it gets worse with time, it is recommended that you consult with an ophthalmologist. Learn more about how to treat a stye and what your doctor may recommend.

Home remedies for a stye

Natural ways to get rid of a stye include:

1. Massage with aloe vera

Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are able to reduce stye swelling and prevent a bacterial infection. This remedy can be used on the eye to relieve redness, pain, and swelling. Read morea bout the health benefits of aloe vera and how it can be used.

Ingredients

• 1 Aloe vera leaf

Directions

Open the aloe vera leaf and carefully remove the transparent gel from inside. Then rub a dab of gel on the stye with your eye closed,  massage it into the stye and surrounding skim. Leave the gel on for about 20 minutes and then wash your eye with a little warm water or with a warm chamomile infusion.

This home remedy can be beneficial for other causes of puffy eyes as well. 

2. Warm compress

Warm compresses help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and ease the drainage of pus from inside the stye.

To prepare a warm compress, you just need to soak a compress, or clean piece of cloth, in warm water, remove the excess liquid and place it on top of the stye for five minutes. Repeat two to three times a day.

3. Chamomile and rosemary 

Another great natural remedy for stye treatment is to wash your eyes two to three times a day with a chamomile and rosemary infusion. This is because chamomile has calming properties, which helps to relieve pain and discomfort, and rosemary is a natural antibiotic.

Ingredients

• 3 rosemary stems
• 30 g chamomile flowers
• ½ liter (17 oz) boiling water

Directions

Place the rosemary stems and chamomile flowers into the boiling water for five minutes. Remove the stems and flowers, then allow the mixture cool down. Once cool, wash your eyes with this infusion.

4. Organic baby shampoo

One of the most important steps while treating a stye is to keep the eye very clean in order to prevent an infection that can increase swelling. 

Organic baby shampoo is another great natural choice for washing your eyes, because it cleans the skin without causing burning or eye irritation. After washing, you can apply a warm compress to your eye to relieve the discomfort.

5. Clove dressings

Cloves work as natural analgesics that decrease eye irritation, and can also eliminate bacteria. If the bacteria is not removed, an eye stye will get worse as pus accumulates and the eyelid swells. 

Ingredients

• 6 cloves
• Cup of boiling water

Directions

Add the cloves to the boiling water and let the mixture sit for five minutes, Then strain and allow to cool. Soak a clean cloth or gauze into the mixture. After, ring out the excess water and apply the cloth to the affected eye for five to ten minutes. You can do this 2 to 3 times a day.

6. Cleaning with saline solution

Another option is to clean the affected eyelid affected with a cotton ball or pad soaked in saline solution. With your eyes closed, lightly wipe the cotton over your eyelids and over the base of your eyelashes to remove secretions and prevent them from accumulating.