A stye is a small, painful lump on the inside or outside of the eyelid. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland in the eyelid. Here are some things you can do to treat a stye at home:

• Apply warm compresses: A warm compress is the most effective way to treat a stye. The warmth helps bring the pus to the surface, dissolving it so the stye can drain naturally. Wet a clean washcloth with warm water, wring it out, and then gently place it over your eye for about 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process 2 to 4 times a day for several days.

• Clean your eyelids: Gently wash the affected eyelid with mild soap and water. You can also use baby shampoo mixed with warm water to clean your eyelids. Use a cotton swab or clean washcloth to gently wipe off your eyelids. You can do this every day until the stye is gone. Cleaning your eyelids also helps prevent future styes.

• Leave the stye alone: Dont try to pop the stye or squeeze the pus from a stye. Doing so can cause the infection to spread.

• Use over-the-counter treatments: You can use over-the-counter treatments such as antibiotic ointments or eye drops to help treat a stye. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any medication.

• Take pain medication: You can take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve pain and swelling.

If your stye persists or gets worse, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. They may prescribe antibiotics or recommend a procedure to drain the stye.