First Aid & Emergencies

Sty Treatment

1. Treat Symptoms

• Most stys go away on their own in about a week.

• Apply a warm compress for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day. Use a clean washcloth or towel soaked in warm water. Keep eyes closed.

2. Protect Against Infection

• Keep the area clean and avoid touching or rubbing the eyes.

• Don't squeeze the sty.

• Don't use eye make-up or wear contact lenses.

3. Follow Up

In most cases, stys don't require medical care. Call your health care provider if:

• The sty doesn't heal in a week or 10 days.

• The sty becomes more painful or swollen after several days of home treatment.

• The person also has fever or chills.

• The person develops vision problems.

• The person has recurring stys.

• The person has an abnormal immune system (for example, people with diabetes, patients receiving treatment for cancer, organ transplant recipients)