A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a painful, red bump that forms on the edge of your eyelid. It’s caused by a bacterial infection and can be quite bothersome. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to get rid of a stye. Below, you’ll find 11 steps to help alleviate the pain and speed up the healing process.

1. Keep your hands clean: Always wash your hands before touching your stye. Dirty hands can spread bacteria and worsen the infection.

2. Apply a warm compress: Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and gently press it against your closed eyelid for 10-15 minutes, three to four times per day. The heat from the compress will help to reduce inflammation and promote drainage of the stye.

3. Avoid using makeup: Makeup can irritate the stye and delay healing. It’s better to wait until the stye has fully healed before using any makeup around the affected eye.

4. Keep your eyes clean: Gently cleanse your eyes with warm water and baby shampoo or eyelid cleanser. This will help prevent further bacterial growth on your eyelashes.

5. Don’t wear contact lenses: Switch to wearing glasses until the stye has healed completely, as contact lenses can potentially spread bacteria to other parts of your eye.

6. Use over-the-counter remedies: Ointments or creams containing antibiotic ingredients may help treat your stye more quickly. Follow the instructions on the packaging for proper application.

7. Don’t squeeze or pop the stye: Popping or squeezing a stye can release pus and spread bacteria, worsening the infection and potentially causing further complications.

8. Take pain relievers if needed: Over-the-counter pain-relief medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

9. Use a tea bag compress: Soak a green or black tea bag in warm water for a few minutes, then gently press it against your closed eyelid for 15-20 minutes. The tannins in the tea may help reduce inflammation and speed up healing.

10. Keep your immune system strong: Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and staying hydrated can all contribute to a strong immune system, which will help your body fight the infection more effectively.

11. Consult with your doctor if necessary: If your stye doesn’t improve within two weeks or worsens, seek professional medical advice. Your doctor may recommend additional treatments, such as draining the stye or prescribing antibiotic eye drops.

By following these tips on how to get rid of a stye in 11 steps, you can alleviate the discomfort and help prevent future styes from developing.