Natural treatment for a stye

A stye is a tender, localised swelling around an eyelash or eyelid gland. It can cause redness, soreness, watering, or a small spot near the eyelid edge. It is different from general eye irritation, although eye discharge or red eye can occur alongside other eye problems.

Place a clean warm cloth over the closed eye for several minutes, repeating it through the day as the cloth cools. Wash your hands before touching the eyelid, keep the area clean, and avoid squeezing or popping the swelling. Do not share towels, eye makeup, or applicators. Pause contact lenses and eye makeup until the eye feels well. Household substances, essential oils, and herbal preparations can irritate the eye and should not be put into it.

Arrange a GP Consultation if the swelling does not settle, keeps returning, or becomes more painful. Seek urgent help for reduced vision, marked light sensitivity, pain when moving the eye, swelling spreading around the eye, fever, or difficulty opening the eye. A clinician can check whether the problem is a stye or another eyelid or eye condition and advise treatment.

Ask whether the swelling needs examination, whether any prescribed eye treatment is appropriate, and how to reduce repeated styes. Mention contact lens use, recent eye symptoms, and any medicines or skin conditions affecting the eyelids.