### Home Remedies and Treatments for a Swollen Eyelid A swollen eyelid can be uncomfortable and concerning, but there are several home remedies and treatments that can help alleviate the pain and reduce the swelling. Here are some effective methods: #### Apply a Warm Compress Run a clean cloth under warm water and hold it gently on your eyes. Do this twice a day for 15 minutes at a time. This helps to loosen any crusty discharge and clear out any oil that might be blocking your glands. #### Gently Wash the Area After using a warm compress, use a cotton swab or washcloth to gently clean your eyelids with diluted baby shampoo. Rinse the area well afterward. You can also use a saline solution to rinse away any discharge or crust around your eye or in your eyelashes. #### Avoid Touching Your Eyes While you have symptoms, avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses. Get plenty of sleep and avoid direct sunlight to give your eyes a chance to rest. #### Use Eye Drops Over-the-counter artificial tears can help keep your eyes moist and comfortable. Antihistamine drops can be useful if your swollen eyelid is due to allergies. #### When to See a Doctor Eyelid swelling usually goes away on its own within a day or so. If it doesn't improve within 24 to 48 hours, consult your primary care physician or an eye doctor. They will examine your eye and eyelid and ask about any other symptoms or changes that may be causing the swelling. ### Additional Tips for Children Children often experience eye irritation from touching their eyes with unwashed hands. Here are some additional remedies for treating swollen eyelids in children: #### Cold Pack Apply ice or a cold pack wrapped in a clean, wet washcloth to the eye for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain. #### Allergy Medicine You can safely give your child an allergy medicine or antihistamine by mouth to decrease swelling and itching. Benadryl every 6 hours is a good option. #### Eye Drops For swelling that interferes with your child's vision, use a long-lasting vasoconstrictor eye drop like Visine. The recommended dose is one drop every eight to 12 hours for one to two days. Seek emergency medical care or call your doctor immediately if you or your child experience severe symptoms.