ask your pharmacist

back to: pharmacy | ask your pharmacist

Are there any over-the-counter treatments for a stye?

A stye is an infection of an oil gland at the edge of the eyelid. Styes appear as swollen, red bumps that are often tender and contain pus. Skin bacteria usually cause styes.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) or >ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help ease pain and discomfort. Stye ointment may help ease discomfort when applied to the stye. But no over-the-counter products, including antibiotic ointments, can help a stye heal faster.

Styes usually improve by themselves in one to two weeks. Applying a hot compress for five to 10 minutes, three times a day, can help a stye "ripen" and drain faster.

Sources:
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
“Styes and Other Lumps on Your Eyelids.” American Optometric Association, 2000. www.aoanet.org. Last accessed 5/00.

This answer prepared 1/02/01.