What Should I Throw Away After a Stye?

You get a stye and now wondering: "What should I throw away after a stye?" This is a big concern because of re-infection. The last thing my patients want is to go through an ugly stye flare up again. 

 

Essential Items to Discard After a Stye

This is assuming your stye was an actual infected eyelid gland from bacteria. If you had a chalazion (a clogged oil gland), you are just wasting your money.

• Stye (bacteria) = toss
• Chalazion (not bacteria) = keep

UNSURE? Read my Stye vs. Chalazion blog here.

 

• Expired - Old Eye Makeup:
  • Eye makeup like mascara and eyeliner that were used before and during the infection may harbor bacteria. Replace eye makeup every 3 months.
• Expired - Old Face Makeup:
  • Face makeup like foundation and concealer could also be the problem. They should definitely be replaced.
• Dirty Makeup Brushes:
  • Replace brushes or clean them thoroughly with one of my foaming cleansers as they can transfer bacteria back your eyes.
• Contact Lens Cases and Solution
  • Most of my patients wear daily contact lenses, but if you're using bi-weekly or monthly contacts - just replace the case.
• Contact Lens Solution
  • Check the expiration date. Sometimes the tip of the contact lens solution gets contaminated. To be prudent, I usually just ask my patient to replace it. 
• Eye Drops
  • The worst are the ones floating about in a cosmetic bag or purse for years. Contaminated eye dropper tips and just dirty bottle packaging - ick. Toss it.

 

Additional Helpful Tips

I review these with my patients along with stye triggers:

• Hand Washing / Touching Your Eyes: Always wash your hands before touching your face or eyes. But really - just STOP touching your eyes. The worst is dirty doorknob to eye rubbing - if you know what I mean!
• Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share eye makeup, face makeup, towels, or eye care products with others.
• Keep Eyelid Tools Clean: Clean all the tools after each use with one of my foaming cleanser and towel dry.
• Monitor Your Recovery: If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your optometrist promptly. It's the patient's responsibility to monitor daily at home. I don't have a crystal ball. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enhance Your Eye Care Routine

Here's my comprehensive approach to cleansing current styes and preventing new ones with daily eyelid hygiene. Check out my Stye Cleansing System - 2 tools, 3 cleansers to get the job done.

Learn more about it here: Stye Cleansing System.