What should I do about a stye on my upper eyelid?
When a stye occurs on the upper eyelid, it is important to promptly apply warm compresses to reduce swelling, maintain eye cleanliness, use medications appropriately, avoid squeezing or irritation, and adjust diet and作息 (daily routines). Proper management can promote inflammation resolution and reduce the risk of complications. If the stye develops pus, causes severe pain, or spreads, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Timely warm compresses: In the early stage of onset, apply a warm towel at around 40°C to the affected eye for 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times daily. This improves local blood circulation, helps open clogged meibomian glands, and relieves redness and pain.
2. Maintain eye hygiene: Gently clean the base of the eyelashes with a sterile cotton swab to remove excess oil or bacteria. Avoid rubbing the eyes with hands to prevent worsening bacterial infection, and keep the skin around the eyes dry and clean.
3. Use medication appropriately: Under medical guidance, apply topical antibiotic eye drops or ointments to inhibit bacterial growth and control inflammation. Mild cases may resolve with topical treatment alone; avoid self-medicating or misusing antibiotics.
4. Avoid squeezing or irritation: Never squeeze a stye with your hands. The eyelid area has abundant blood vessels, and squeezing may cause the infection to spread to the orbit or even intracranially, leading to serious conditions such as orbital cellulitis.
5. Adjust diet and作息 (daily routines): Eat a light diet, avoiding spicy and greasy foods; drink plenty of water to support metabolism. Ensure adequate sleep and avoid staying up late to reduce eye strain and enhance immunity, aiding recovery from inflammation.
Routine precautions include maintaining good eye hygiene to avoid prolonged eye use and fatigue; thoroughly removing eye makeup after wearing it; not sharing eye-related items with others; engaging in moderate outdoor activities; and consuming more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins to prevent recurrence of styes.
