How to Get Rid of a Stye on Eyelid:16 Natural Remedies

Few eye problems are as uncomfortable and unsightly as a stye. That tender, swollen bump on your eyelid can make you feel self-conscious while causing pain with every blink. If you’re currently dealing with this common eye condition, you’re not alone—and you don’t necessarily need a prescription to find relief. In this article, we’ll explore 16 effective natural remedies to get rid of a stye on the eyelid. From warm compresses to tea tree oil, these home treatments can reduce inflammation, fight infection, and speed up healing time.

What are Styes: Causes and Symptoms

A stye (also spelled “sty”) is a localized infection that creates a tender, red bump on the eyelid. This small abscess typically forms at the base of an eyelash or within one of the small oil glands in your eyelid.

Styes develop when these glands become blocked and infected, usually by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. They can appear on the outer edge of your eyelid (external stye) or underneath the eyelid (internal stye).

You’ll recognize a stye by these common symptoms:

• A red, painful lump near the edge of your eyelid
• Swelling of the entire eyelid
• Tearing and eye irritation
• Sensitivity to light
• A feeling that something is in your eye
• Crusting along the eyelid margin

Most styes are more annoying than serious and typically heal on their own within a week. However, natural remedies can significantly speed up this process and provide welcome relief from the discomfort you’re experiencing.

What Causes Styes to Form?

Several factors increase your risk of developing these painful eye bumps:

• Poor hygiene, especially touching your eyes with unwashed hands
• Using expired or contaminated eye makeup
• Not removing eye makeup before sleeping
• Reusing contact lenses without proper cleaning
• Chronic blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Hormonal changes
• Stress and fatigue lower your immunity
• Diabetes and other conditions affecting immune function

Being aware of these risk factors allows you to take preventive measures that we’ll discuss later in this article.

Different Types of Eyelid Bumps

Sometimes what appears to be a stye might be another type of eyelid bump. Understanding the difference can help you determine the appropriate treatment:

Stye (Hordeolum): Painful, red bump caused by an infected oil gland, typically appearing along the edge of the eyelid.

Chalazion: A non-painful lump caused by a blocked oil gland deeper in the eyelid tissue. Often starts as a stye but becomes painless as it develops. May require medical treatment if large.

Xanthelasma: Yellowish, flat patches around the eyes caused by cholesterol deposits. Not painful or harmful, but may indicate high cholesterol levels.

Milia: Tiny white cysts that appear when dead skin cells become trapped in small pockets near the surface of the skin. Common around the eye area.

If you’re unsure about what type of bump you have, or if it doesn’t respond to home treatment, consult an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis.

16 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of a Stye on Eyelid

1. Warm Compress: The Gold Standard

The humble warm compress remains the most recommended home treatment for styes, and for good reason. The gentle heat helps to increase blood circulation to the area. This can speed healing and help the stye come to a head—similar to how a pimple develops a white tip before draining.

How to apply a warm compress:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eye area
2. Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water
3. Wring out excess water and place the cloth over your closed eyelid
4. Hold for 10-15 minutes
5. Repeat 3-4 times daily until the stye improves

You’ll likely notice significant improvement after just 1-2 days of consistent warm compress application. The gentle pressure may eventually cause the stye to rupture and drain, which speeds healing considerably.

Pro tip: Try to maintain the warmth of your compress by dipping it back into warm water whenever it cools. The consistent heat is what makes this remedy so effective.

2. Tea Bags: Dual-Action Relief

Used tea bags offer a convenient twist on the warm compress method with added benefits. The tannins in tea have natural antibacterial properties and can help reduce swelling.

Best tea options for stye treatment:

• Green tea (contains anti-inflammatory compounds like EGCG)
• Black tea (high in tannins that fight bacteria)
• Chamomile tea (soothes irritation and has anti-inflammatory properties)
• Red rooibos tea (packed with antioxidants that support healing)

How to use:

1. Steep a tea bag in hot water for 1 minute
2. Remove and allow it to cool until warm but comfortable to touch
3. Place the damp tea bag on your closed eyelid for 5-10 minutes
4. Repeat several times daily

You’ll find tea bags more convenient than traditional compresses, as the shape naturally conforms to the eye area. The combination of warmth and therapeutic plant compounds makes this an especially effective remedy.

3. Gentle Massage: Encouraging Drainage

Once a stye begins to drain, healing accelerates dramatically. A very gentle massage can help move this process along, but should only be done with clean hands and after applying a warm compress.

How to perform:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap
2. Apply a warm compress for at least 5 minutes to soften the area
3. With clean fingertips, gently massage the area, moving toward the edge of the eyelid
4. Stop immediately if pain increases

Important: Never force a stye to pop or drain. This can spread infection and potentially cause serious complications. The massage should be extremely gentle and only done after the stye has come to a head.

This technique works best after 2-3 days of consistent warm compress application, when the stye has softened and is showing signs of coming to a head.

4. Aloe Vera: Soothing Inflammation

The cooling, anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera gel can provide welcome relief from the burning sensation often associated with styes. This natural plant gel contains compounds that fight both inflammation and bacteria.

Application method:

1. Extract fresh gel from an aloe leaf or use pure, preservative-free aloe vera gel
2. Apply a small amount to the affected area using a clean cotton swab
3. Let it absorb naturally
4. Repeat 2-3 times daily

Aloe’s soothing properties can make blinking less painful while its natural antimicrobial qualities help fight the underlying infection. Many people report that the cooling sensation provides immediate comfort.

If purchasing commercial aloe gel, look for products with at least 98% pure aloe and no added colors, fragrances, or alcohol that could irritate your eyes.

5. Turmeric Paste: Ancient Anti-Inflammatory

Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The active compound, curcumin, helps reduce swelling and fight infection.

Creating turmeric paste:

1. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough water to form a thick paste
2. Apply a small amount to the stye using a clean cotton swab
3. Leave on for 10-15 minutes
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water

Note: Turmeric can temporarily stain skin yellow, so apply carefully and avoid getting it in your eye. The staining usually washes away within a day.

For increased potency, you can mix turmeric with a drop of raw honey, which adds antimicrobial properties while helping the paste stick to the affected area.

6. Cucumber Slices: Cooling Relief

The high water content and cooling properties of cucumber make it an excellent natural remedy for reducing stye inflammation and discomfort. Cucumbers also contain antioxidants and flavonoids that can help reduce swelling.

How to use:

1. Cut a fresh, clean cucumber into thin slices
2. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes
3. Place a slice over your closed eyelid
4. Replace with a fresh slice when it warms to body temperature
5. Continue for 10-15 minutes

This remedy is particularly soothing for styes that cause significant swelling and heat sensation. You can repeat this treatment several times throughout the day whenever discomfort flares up.

If you don’t have a fresh cucumber, you can grate a cucumber, wrap it in a clean cloth, and apply it as a cooling compress.

7. Baby Shampoo: Gentle Cleansing

Keeping your eyelids clean is crucial when fighting a stye. Baby shampoo provides a gentle way to remove debris and excess oil without irritating the sensitive eye area.

Cleansing routine:

1. Dilute a drop of baby shampoo in 1/4 cup of warm water
2. Dip a clean cotton ball or pad into the solution
3. Gently wipe along the base of your eyelashes with your eyes closed
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water
5. Perform morning and night until the stye resolves

This method helps prevent new styes from forming while supporting the healing of existing ones. Regular eyelid hygiene is particularly important if you’re prone to recurrent styes.

Look for tear-free, fragrance-free formulations specifically designed for sensitive skin. There are also commercial eyelid cleansers available that are formulated specifically for this purpose.

8. Castor Oil: Breaking Down Blockages

Castor oil has been used traditionally to treat various eye conditions, including styes. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce swelling, while its unique composition helps dissolve the hardened oil that can block eyelid glands.

Application method:

1. Ensure you’re using 100% pure, hexane-free castor oil
2. Wash hands thoroughly
3. Dip a clean cotton swab in the oil
4. Gently apply to the stye before bedtime
5. Wash away in the morning

You’ll often find that an overnight application helps the stye come to a head more quickly. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil penetrates deep into tissue, reducing inflammation from within.

Warming the castor oil slightly (to body temperature) before application can increase its effectiveness by improving absorption.

9. Colloidal Silver: Natural Antibiotic Properties

Colloidal silver has natural antimicrobial properties that may help fight the bacterial infection causing the stye. However, this remedy should be used with caution.

How to apply:

1. Use only commercially prepared, low-concentration colloidal silver specifically labeled as eye-safe
2. Apply a drop to the outside of the eyelid using a clean dropper
3. Never place directly in the eye
4. Use no more than twice daily for 2-3 days

Important: Long-term use of colloidal silver can cause a permanent bluish discoloration of the skin called argyria. Use sparingly and discontinue if any adverse reactions occur.

Safety note: This remedy has limited scientific evidence supporting its use, so approach with caution and consider it a short-term solution only.

10. Guava Leaves: Traditional Healing

In many traditional medicine systems, guava leaves are valued for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They can be especially effective for reducing the pain and swelling associated with styes.

Preparation method:

1. Wash 2-3 fresh guava leaves thoroughly
2. Boil in 2 cups of water for 5 minutes
3. Allow to cool until comfortably warm
4. Soak a clean cloth in the liquid
5. Apply as a compress to the affected eye for 10 minutes
6. Repeat 2-3 times daily

The compounds in guava leaves, including quercetin and vitamin C, work together to reduce inflammation and fight infection naturally.

If fresh guava leaves aren’t available, you can purchase dried guava leaf tea and prepare it according to package directions for similar benefits.

11. Potatoes: Drawing Out Infection

The humble potato contains enzymes that may help reduce inflammation while drawing out infection. Its mild astringent properties can also help reduce swelling.

How to use:

1. Wash and peel a potato
2. Grate or thinly slice the potato
3. Wrap in a clean cloth
4. Apply to the closed eyelid for 10 minutes
5. Repeat several times daily

You’ll find this remedy particularly effective for styes that are extremely swollen or painful. The natural compounds in potatoes can help reduce the heat and inflammation while drawing out impurities.

For extra soothing power, refrigerate the potato for 30 minutes before grating to add a cooling effect to the treatment.

12. Acacia Leaves: Lesser-Known Solution

Though less common in Western countries, acacia leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat eye infections, including styes. They contain compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Preparation:

1. Crush clean acacia leaves to extract the juice
2. Mix with an equal amount of water
3. Use a clean cotton ball to apply the diluted juice to the outside of the eyelid
4. Allow to dry naturally
5. Rinse with cool water after 20 minutes

The tannins and flavonoids in acacia leaves work together to fight infection and reduce inflammation. This remedy is particularly valued in regions where acacia trees are native.

If fresh acacia leaves aren’t available, you can purchase acacia extract from specialty herb shops or online retailers.

13. Apple Cider Vinegar: Balancing pH

The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar can help create an environment where bacteria struggle to thrive. However, it must be used with extreme caution near the eyes.

Safe application method:

1. Dilute 1 part apple cider vinegar with 10 parts water
2. Dip a clean cotton ball in the solution
3. Gently dab around the stye without getting any in your eye
4. Leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water

Important: Never apply undiluted apple cider vinegar near your eyes, as it can cause severe irritation.

Try to use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with “the mother” for maximum antibacterial benefits. The cloudy substance at the bottom contains beneficial enzymes and bacteria.

14. Clove Oil: Powerful Antimicrobial

Clove oil contains eugenol, a compound with potent antimicrobial properties. Its numbing effect can also temporarily relieve pain associated with styes.

Safe usage:

1. Dilute 1 drop of clove oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (such as coconut oil)
2. Test on a small patch of skin away from your eye first
3. If no reaction occurs, apply a tiny amount to the stye using a cotton swab
4. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse

Warning: Clove oil is extremely potent and should never come in direct contact with the eye itself. This remedy is best used when the stye is on the outer eyelid rather than close to the lash line.

The natural anesthetic properties of clove oil can provide temporary relief from the throbbing pain often associated with styes.

15. Coriander Seeds: Cooling Inflammation

In Ayurvedic medicine, coriander seeds are considered cooling and anti-inflammatory, making them useful for treating eye inflammation, including styes.

Preparation method:

1. Soak 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds in 1 cup of water overnight
2. Strain the liquid in the morning
3. Use the water to make a compress for your affected eye
4. Apply for 10 minutes, 2-3 times daily

Coriander seeds contain compounds that reduce swelling while helping to fight the underlying infection. This gentle remedy is suitable for sensitive skin and can be used alongside other treatments.

You can refrigerate the coriander water for an extra cooling sensation that’s particularly soothing for inflamed styes.

16. Proper Hydration: Supporting Healing From Within

While not a topical treatment, staying well-hydrated supports your body’s natural healing processes and helps flush toxins. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily while recovering from a stye.

Hydration strategy:

1. Start your day with a large glass of water
2. Carry a reusable water bottle throughout the day
3. Set reminders on your phone if you tend to forget
4. Include hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and celery in your diet
5. Limit dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeine

Proper hydration improves circulation, helps your immune system function optimally, and ensures that healing nutrients reach the affected area more efficiently.

You can also consider adding a slice of lemon to your water for extra vitamin C, which supports immune function and healing.

When to See a Doctor?

While most styes respond well to home treatment, certain situations warrant medical attention:

• If the stye persists longer than one week despite home treatment
• If vision becomes affected or blurred
• If the entire eyelid or eye area becomes intensely red and swollen
• If you experience fever or chills alongside the stye
• If the stye is extremely painful or seems to be getting worse
• If you have recurring styes (might indicate an underlying condition)
• If you have a weakened immune system due to conditions like diabetes
• If the stye appears to be spreading or causing swelling beyond the eyelid
• If pus drains into your eye rather than outward
• If you develop multiple styles at once

Related Questions

1. Can you pop a stye on the eyelid?

Don’t touch, squeeze, or pop a stye. It can seem tempting, but popping will release pus and spread the infection. If the stye is internal, ask your doctor for professional drainage.

2. What does a stye on the eyelid look like?

Styes look a lot like regular pimples. They’re usually red with a white head and appear near the edge of the eyelid. However, they can also form on the inside of the eyelid. In most cases, styes vanish within a week or two without treatment. If your stye is filled with blood, see a doctor.

3. Is stye on the eyelid contagious?

Styes are typically not contagious, but the bacteria causing them can spread to other areas of your body or other people. Practice good hygiene to minimize the risk of spreading the infection.

4. How long does it take for a stye to go away?

Styes usually go away on their own within one to two weeks. However, with the use of natural remedies and proper care, you can speed up the healing process.

5. Can I wear makeup while having a stye?

It is advisable to avoid wearing makeup while you have a stye as it can further irritate the affected area and delay the healing process. Once the stye has resolved, make sure to replace any makeup products that may have come into contact with the infected eye.