Woke up with a throbbing bump on your eyelid? Chances are, it's a stye. Don't panic! Styes are common and usually resolve on their own with some simple self-care.
Think of a stye as a pimple on your eyelid. It's typically caused by a bacterial infection. The good news? You can often manage it at home.
**Here's your SOS guide:**
* **Warm Compress:** This is your best friend. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water (not too hot!), wring it out, and apply it to your eye for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times a day. This helps drain the stye and relieve pain.
* **Gentle Cleansing:** Keep the area clean. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap or eyelid cleanser to gently wash your eyelids.
* **Avoid Makeup:** Give your eye a break from makeup until the stye heals.
* **Don't Squeeze!** As tempting as it might be, squeezing can worsen the infection and spread it.
If your stye doesn't improve after a week or gets worse, see a doctor. They may prescribe antibiotic ointment. In most cases, though, these simple self-care steps will have you seeing clearly again in no time!
