What should I do for a painful, red and swollen stye?

Nov 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Warm compresses applied locally, topical anti-inflammatory medications, maintaining eye hygiene, adjusting diet and sleep schedule, and avoiding eye irritation can help relieve redness, swelling, and pain associated with styes. Targeted treatment is necessary to control the progression of inflammation. If the redness and swelling spread, pain worsens, or vision decreases, prompt medical attention is recommended. Apply warm compresses 3–4 times daily for 10–15 minutes each session.

Stye-related redness and pain can be relieved through local warm compresses, topical anti-inflammatory medications, maintaining eye hygiene, adjusting diet and作息 (lifestyle habits), and avoiding eye irritation. Targeted measures are necessary to control the progression of inflammation. If the redness spreads, pain worsens, or vision declines, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Local Warm Compress: Apply a warm towel at around 40°C to the affected area 3–4 times daily for 10–15 minutes each time. This helps improve local blood circulation, reduce inflammatory response and pain, and promote resolution of the lump.

2. Topical Anti-inflammatory Medications: Use antibiotic eye drops or ointments under medical guidance to directly suppress bacterial infection at the affected site, alleviating redness and pain. Strict adherence to prescribed dosage is essential to prevent drug resistance.

3. Maintain Eye Hygiene: Gently wipe eye secretions with sterile cotton swabs to prevent accumulation that may worsen infection. Perform cleaning gently, avoiding direct contact with the swollen or hardened area.

4. Adjust Diet and Lifestyle: Eat a light diet and avoid spicy or greasy foods to minimize inflammatory triggers. Ensure adequate sleep and avoid staying up late, which can lower immunity and delay recovery.

5. Avoid Eye Irritation: Do not rub or squeeze the swollen area. Temporarily discontinue eye makeup and wearing contact lenses to reduce foreign body irritation and prevent infection from spreading.

In daily life, maintain good hand hygiene, avoid touching eyes with dirty hands, refrain from excessive eye strain to allow sufficient eye rest, and wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce strong light exposure, all of which support faster recovery from inflammation.

Related Articles

View All