Home remedies for sty (Hordeolum): Treatment, home remedies and tips

It starts off harmlessly – a slight feeling of pressure on the eyelid, a little redness… and suddenly it feels as if a mini volcano has formed on the eye. Welcome to the stye, the small but annoying lodger on your eyelid! Fortunately, there are home remedies that speed up the healing process and provide quick relief.

In this article you will learn how heat, aloe vera and other natural methods can help – and when it is time to see an ophthalmologist.

What is a sty and how does it develop?

A stye (hordeolum ) is a bacterial inflammation of the eyelid glands, usually caused by staphylococci . It appears as a red, painful swelling on the eyelid, often with pus formation. The infection can occur both on the outside(external styes) and inside(internal styes) of the eyelid.

A sty is not directly contagious, but a lack of hygiene or a weakened immune system can increase the risk of infection.

Symptoms at a glance: Recognizing a corn on the eye

• Redness and swelling of the affected eyelid
• Feeling of pressure or pain at the edge of the eyelid
• Purulent lump that can become larger over time
• Watery eye and possibly slight sensitivity to light
• Foreign body sensation, as if something is in the eye
• Sometimes itching or burning in the affected area
• Occasional slight swelling of the surrounding lymph nodes

Home remedies that really help against sty:

It is not always necessary to have a sty treated and go to the doctor. In the early stages, you can support the healing process and prevent the inflammation from getting worse. Our top natural home remedies for best results are:

1. dry heat / red light lamp: the classic for fast healing

Dry heat is one of the most proven home remedies for sty as it helps to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. The heat promotes blood circulation, supports the immune system and helps the sty to clear itself.

Why does dry heat work so well?

• Expands the blood vessels so that immune cells reach the inflammation more quickly.
• Loosens blocked glands and facilitates the drainage of pus.
• Promotes healing by supporting the body’s natural defenses.

How do you apply red light or dry heat correctly?

• Red light lamp:
  • Sit approx. 30 cm in front of a red light lampwith your eyes closed.
  • Let the light shine on the affected eye for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Repeat this up to three times a day to speed up the healing process.

2. warm compresses – gentle relief for the eye with washcloths

Warm compresses are a simple but effective way to relieve swelling and speed up the healing process. The heat promotes blood circulation, loosens clogged glands and helps the body to fight bacterial inflammation.

How do you apply warm compresses correctly?

• Moisten a clean washcloth or cotton pad with warm water (not hot!).
• Place on the closed eye and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
• If necessary, reheat the cloth from time to time.
• Repeat the application several times a day – preferably 2 to 4 times a day.

Why do warm compresses help?

✔ Loosen blocked sebaceous glands and promote the drainage of pus.
✔ Relieve pain and reduce swelling.
✔ Relax the eye muscles and have a soothing effect.

Important: Always use clean cloths to prevent the spread of bacteria.

3. treatment with aloe vera – the healing plant for inflammation

Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and soothing properties – and can therefore also help with a stye on the eye. The polysaccharides and antioxidants contained in the plant support the healing process, reduce swelling and soothe the burning and itching.

How do you use aloe vera to treat a sty?

• Use fresh aloe vera gel from a leaf or a high-quality natural gel without additives.
• Soak a clean cotton pad or cotton swab with the gel.
• Apply carefully to the closed eye area and the affected area – do not apply directly to the eye!
• Leave on for a few minutes, then rinse gently with clear water.
• Repeat application 2 to 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.

Why does aloe vera help?

• Cools and soothes the inflamed eyelid.
• Has an antibacterial effect so that the infection does not spread further.
• Promotes the healing process with valuable ingredients.

Tip: If you don’t have a fresh aloe vera plant at home, you can also use an aloe vera gel from the pharmacy– it is important that it is free from perfume and additives.

Tip: Chamomile tea as a (mediocre) sty home remedy

Chamomile tea is often recommended as a home remedy for styes, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect. But be careful: chamomile can irritate the eyes and should only be used indirectly.

That’s the right way:

• Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water, then leave to cool.
• Place the lukewarm tea bag on the closed eye for 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, soak a cotton pad with chamomile tea and gently dab onto the eyelid.

Important: Chamomile residues can irritate the mucous membranes or promote conjunctivitis. If you have sensitive eyes, it is better to use dry heat or aloe vera.

4. cold water: when cold can be better than heat

While heat promotes blood circulation and accelerates the healing process, cold water can help with severe swelling and pain in the short term. Cold has a decongestant effect and relieves itching and inflammation.

When does cold make sense?

• If the sty is very swollen.
• In case of severe burning or itching in the affected eye.
• If there is acute irritation or overheating of the eyelid.

How to use cold water correctly:

• Soak a clean washcloth or cotton pad in cold water.
• Place gently on the closed eye for 10-15 minutes.
• Repeat several times a day, but not for too long so as not to reduce blood circulation too much.

Important: Although cold can provide short-term relief, it should not be used permanently as it can slow down the natural healing process. Dry heat remains the best choice for long-term treatment of sty.

5 Hygiene is particularly important: how to avoid an exacerbation

To prevent the stye from getting worse or spreading further, good eye hygiene is crucial. As it is a bacterial inflammation, a lack of hygiene can lead to the infection worsening or even spreading to the second eye.

Important hygiene rules for a sty:

• Do not rub or squeeze! – This can allow the bacteria to penetrate deeper into the tissue and worsen the inflammation.
• Wash your hands regularly – especially before and after treating a sty.
• Avoid contact lenses – It is better to switch to glasses until the eye has healed so as not to irritate the eye further.
• Use your own towels and washcloths – A sty can be contagious, so do not share hygiene products.
• Avoid eye make-up – make-up can clog the pores and delay healing.
• Change bed linen and pillows regularly – this will prevent re-infection with bacteria or dirt particles.

Good hygiene can not only speed up healing, but also prevent styes from recurring. If you are particularly prone to eye inflammation, you should make sure you clean your eyelids thoroughly.

6. avoid sty: Tips for prevention (strengthening the immune system)

A strong immune system helps the body to better fight off bacterial infections – and therefore also styes. Anyone who regularly struggles with styes should therefore make sure they lead a healthy lifestyle.

This strengthens your immune system and prevents styes:

• Vitamin-rich diet: Foods such as citrus fruits, berries, spinach and nuts provide valuable vitamins and minerals.
• Drink enough: At least 1.5-2 liters of water a day support your metabolism and immune system.
• Sufficient sleep: At least 7-8 hours per night so that the body can regenerate.
• Reduce stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system – relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help.
• Fresh air and exercise: walks, sport and sunlight strengthen the immune system and promote blood circulation.
• Avoid dry eyes: Regular blinking and, if necessary, moisturizing eye drops protect the eyes from irritation.

When you should make an appointment with an ophthalmologist:

In most cases, a sty is harmless and heals on its own. However, in some situations a medical examination is necessary, especially if the inflammation worsens or persists for a long time.

A visit to the ophthalmologist is advisable if:

• The sty does not become smaller or larger after a week.
• Severe pain, increasing swelling or redness of the entire eyelid may occur.
• The eye is extremely sensitive to pressure or vision is impaired.
• Fever or further inflammation of the face – this may indicate that the infectionhas spread.
• Styes occur repeatedly, which may indicate a weakened immune system or a chronic illness.

How the ophthalmologist treats styes:

• If necessary, an antibacterial ointment or eye drops can be prescribed.
• In the case of severe infection or abscess formation, the sty can be opened under local anesthesia.
• In the case of frequent styes, research into the causes can help (e.g. immune system, diabetes, eyelid margin inflammation).