A sty is an inflammation of the eye that is generally caused by an infection that has gone unnoticed or untreated. It is possible to hasten the healing of a sty with Boric acid, which saves you from having to purchase expensive prescription ointments. This alternative treatment can clear up the infection in two to three days in most cases.
Pour distilled water into the stainless steel pan, then set it on the stove over medium heat. Allow the water to come to a boil, which usually takes around ten minutes.
Fill the Pyrex measuring cup with the boiled distilled water until it reaches the 1 cup line marker. Use only a clean Pyrex measuring cup to avoid contamination from food particles and bacteria.
Add 1/8 tsp. Boric acid powder to the water in the Pyrex measuring cup and let it dissolve. Let the water cool until it is at a medium temperature before continuing.
Scrub your hands thoroughly and dip the washcloth into the Boric acid solution. Make sure you use a clean washcloth that is free from lint, or use a couple of lint-free tissues instead. Tissues used for cleaning glasses or camera lenses will work fine.
Close the affected eye and place the wet washcloth (or tissues) onto the area. Hold for two minutes. Blink rapidly a couple of times while the compress is resting on your eye to ensure that the liquid is able to get to the very edges of the eyelid. Letting the compress rest in place will allow the warm water to dissolve the hard caps that have formed over the eyelid's oil glands.
Massage and pinch the edges of your infected eyelid with the tips of your fingers in order to help the glands excrete the oil that has not been able to be released naturally. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your eye to avoid spreading infection.
Make another compress and apply it to your infected eye for two minutes. Use only cold water this time, without Boric acid. This will wash off the Boric acid that remains on your eyelid.
Repeat these steps each time you want to treat the infection. Make a fresh solution mixture for each treatment to avoid the risk of cross-contamination. Use a freshly cleaned cloth or new lint-free tissues for each compress as well.
Tips
Although a hot compress can be effective, using lukewarm liquid will also be effective, without causing problems for sensitive eyes.