A stye often improves with simple, at-home measures within 1–2 days, but may take up to a week or longer to fully resolve. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, seek medical advice. Here are reliable steps to help stop a stye early and speed healing. What you can do now

• Apply warm compresses regularly: Soak a clean cloth in warm (not hot) water, wring out excess moisture, and place over the affected eye for 10–15 minutes. Do this 3–4 times a day. The warmth helps the stye drain naturally and reduces swelling. Avoid squeezing or puncturing the stye.

• Keep the eyelid clean: Gently cleanse the eyelid margins with a warm, damp washcloth or eyelid cleanser. Do this once or twice daily to reduce bacteria and crusting. Do not rub harshly.

• Avoid irritants: Do not wear eye makeup or contact lenses while the stye is present, as these can irritate the area or introduce more bacteria. Replace eye makeup after healing begins.

• Don’t attempt to drain it yourself: Let the stye drain naturally. Do not try to puncture or squeeze it, which can spread infection.

• Pain relief if needed: Over-the-counter NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) can help with pain and inflammation if appropriate for you. Follow label instructions or consult a clinician if unsure.

When to seek medical care promptly

• If the stye does not begin to improve after 48–72 hours of home treatment, or if it gets larger, more painful, or the eyelid swelling worsens. A clinician may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment, or explore drainage if needed.

• If vision is affected, the stye worsens significantly, or there is redness spreading beyond the eyelid, seek urgent care.

• If you have recurrent styes, blepharitis, diabetes, a compromised immune system, or contact lens wearers with persistent infections, medical evaluation is advised.

Prevention tips for future

• Practice good hand hygiene and avoid touching the eyes with unwashed hands.

• Remove eye makeup thoroughly before bed and replace old makeup every few months.

• If you have blepharitis or oily eyelids, follow a regular eyelid cleansing routine to reduce bacterial buildup.

Notes

• Some sources emphasize the same core steps: warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, avoiding irritants, and medical assessment if no improvement or if symptoms worsen. If you’d like, I can summarize common home remedies from reputable sources or tailor guidance to your specific symptoms (e.g., if you wear contact lenses or have allergies).

Direct answer: To stop a stye early, start with warm compresses 3–4 times daily for 10–15 minutes, keep the eyelid clean with gentle cleansing, avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until healed, and do not squeeze or puncture the stye. If there’s no improvement within 2–3 days, if it grows, or if vision is affected, seek medical care for potential antibiotic treatment or drainage.