(HealthDay News) -- A sty is a swollen, painful bump that forms on the edge of the eyelid. Although it causes some discomfort, it typically isn't serious and is easy to treat.
A sty can produce discharge, tearing, crusting on the eyelid and a scratchy feeling in the eye.
A sty usually goes away in seven-to-10 days with proper treatment, the American Academy of Family Physicians says.
Here are the academy's suggestions for treating a sty:
- Apply a warm, damp compress for 10 minutes, three or four times daily.
- Keep the area near your eye clean.
- Avoid touching your eye.
- Don't use eye makeup or contact lenses while the sty heals.
- Do not squeeze any bump near your eye. Doing so can spread an infection.
