Does Vaseline Help Get Rid of a Stye?

I got asked this on tiktok the other day. Let's dive in. 

Vaseline and Styes: The Facts

Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is widely used for skin protection and moisture. However, when it comes to treating a stye, its role is really limited. 

• Moisturizing Effect:
  • Vaseline forms a protective barrier on the skin, which can help keep the area moist, but it does not have antibacterial properties to fight the infection causing the stye. 
• Risk of Contamination:
  • Applying Vaseline near the eye can potentially trap more bacteria especially if proper eyelid hygiene is not maintained – making the stye flare up worse. 
• Lack of Healing Properties:
  • While it may soothe dry skin, Vaseline does not actively promote the drainage or resolution of a stye. 
• Doesn't Help Recurring Styes:
  • There's an underlying cause to recurring styes which Vaseline does not address. Read more about recurrent styes here. 

 

Recommended Stye Management Techniques

Instead of relying on Vaseline, consider these evidence-based strategies to effectively manage and heal a stye:

• Warm Compresses: Apply a warm, damp cloth to the affected area for 10-15 minutes, several times a day to promote drainage and reduce inflammation. 😊
• Maintain Eyelid Hygiene: Gently clean your eyelids with a mild cleanser and useful tools to remove bacteria and debris. See Stye Cleansing System tutorial here.
• Avoid Touching: Refrain from rubbing or squeezing the stye to prevent further irritation, infection, and eyelid scarring.
• Consult a Professional: If the stye persists or worsens, especially if there is redness and or pain – get guidance from an optometrist for appropriate treatment. Preseptal cellulitis should always be ruled out by your optometrist.

 

Enhance Your Eye Care Routine

 

 

For a comprehensive approach to stye management and prevention, consider my Stye Cleansing System. I made this system for my patients to properly clean and drain a stye for their homework!  With lots of feedback and refinement - I can say that it works. 

Discover more about my system here: Stye Cleansing System.