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Let's figure out what to do about this stye.

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Most styes usually go away on their own. Some cases may require antibiotic ointment or even oral antibiotics like doxycycline which are only available by prescription.

Eye ointments for stye over the counter basically contain petroleum jelly to soothe the sty.

All is not lost though. See what we suggest for sty that is available over-the-counter below.


Lady looking at her eye


Warm compress

Apply a warm compress about 4 to 6 times a day for about 5-10 minutes each time.

lady applying warm compress

Keep your eyes closed while doing this.

 

Eyelid hygiene

Eyelid hygiene would require you to gently scrub the infected eyelid with water and/or  a nonirritating soap like baby shampoo.

Lady scrubbing her eyes

 

Pain relievers

 Take some ibuprofen or naproxen if you can to help with tenderness and pain.

lady taking pills

 

Eye Lubricants

These mainly contain petroleum jelly to soothe eye movement.

lady using eyedrops

 

Worth doing

Depending on how bad it is and how desperate you are, gently dab triple antibiotic ointment or cream on the affected area outside the eye.

Lady scrubbing eyelid

Warning: This is not meant for the eye. Not sterile. Try avoiding the eyes as much as possible and only use it while awake. Wash off before going to sleep.

Do NOT attempt to squeeze or lance it. Let it drain on its own. If it does not drain in 2 to 3 days, then it is time to see a doctor.

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 08/28/2018

 

 

Know this about the safe and effective use of this recommendation.
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Our disclaimer

  • Recommendation is the opinion of a registered US Pharmacist currently practicing as a community pharmacist.
  • Recommendation is not an attempt to discuss all possible self care or treatment approach to this health challenge.
  • The responsibility of the recommending pharmacist is limited to this question:
    "If a patient presents with these symptoms, what will you recommend and why?"
    It is not an attempt to publish an article on the treatment of any condition. Just what would you tell a patient who present with so and so in the usual course of your practice.
  • The pharmacist image presented in this article may or may not be the actual image of the authoring pharmacist.
    Because we insist on using articles written by currently practicing community pharmacists, these pharmacists may choose to remain anonymous especially if they are employed by an employer to avoid being pressured to recommend a particular product to drive sales.
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