How do you treat a stye?

A stye, also called hordeolum, is a small abscess of the oil gland associated with an eyelash hair follicle. It typically contains Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Warm compresses can help styes heal faster. Moisten a clean, folded washcloth with warm water and hold it gently against the eye for 5 minutes several times a day for several days. The moist washcloth can be heated in a microwave. This will encourage a stye to open a drainage channel, allowing any pus to drain away. Pus should never be removed by squeezing. A stye that fails to drain can be lanced (opened) by a doctor.