Hordeolum, or styes, are infections of the eyelid often caused by staphylococcus aureus bacteria. They are common but usually self-limited conditions. Styes can occur externally or internally on the eyelid, with external more commonly seen. Infection of an eyelash follicle and nearby glands most often causes styes, the Merck Manual states. Styes cause eyelid swelling, tenderness and redness along with tearing and light sensitivity. A small yellowish pustule develops after one to two days. Most styes require only simple home treatment to resolve, although multiple styes or styes that don't heal require more treatment.
Hot Compresses
Application of hot compresses to the eye for five to 10 minutes at a time every few hours helps rupture the stye and drain the pus from external styes, according to the Merck Manual. Using a different washcloth for each soak prevents re-infection of the eye. Hot compresses do not help drain an internal stye.
Surgical Excision
Styes that don't come to a head and rupture with hot compresses may require surgical excision to drain them. This should be done only by medical personnel. Squeezing or trying to break the pimple on your own may worsen the infection or cause permanent damage to the eyelid or eye, NYU Langone Medical Center warns.
Antibiotics
Antibiotic ophthalmic ointments such as erythromycin or sulfacetamide help keep the infection from spreading to other parts of the eye. Oral antibiotics may be required if cellulitis, a skin infection develops in the eyelid or spreads beyond it.
Other Remedies
Gentle scrubs of the eyelid with mild shampoo or soap promotes faster healing, according to Johns Hopkins University. Avoid using makeup on the eye until it heals and don't wear contact lenses, Alcon.com recommends.
