Can you pop a stye?

According to the UK's National Health Services, a person should not pop a stye. While a stye typically clears up in one to three weeks, home treatments sometimes encourage the healing process.

The NHS recommends placing a warm compress – a washcloth with very warm water – over the eye for five to 10 minutes three or four times daily. This often causes pus to drain from the stye, and any residue should be gently removed. Over-the-counter pain relievers are useful if the stye hurts. If the stye is very painful, or if it does not clear up within three weeks, medical personnel should be consulted. It might be necessary for a physician or ophthalmologist to remove the stye.