Can You Get a Chemical Burn From Using Apple Cider Vinegar on a Stye?

Hello, everyone! I’m Dr. Tanya Gill, OD, and today we’re addressing a common concern: "Can you get a chemical burn from using apple cider vinegar on a stye?" In this post, I'll explain why caution is key when using home remedies on delicate eye areas: eyelid margin, eyelid skin, cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelash follicles.

Understanding the Issue

Apple cider vinegar is known for its various health benefits, but when it comes to eye care, especially for a stye, there are important risks to consider:

• Acidity:
  Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic. The acidic nature can irritate the sensitive skin around the eye and may lead to a chemical burn. It takes weeks of steroid cream and / or eye drops to fix. 
• Delicate Eye Tissue:
  Your eyelid skin is very thin and the tissues surrounding the eye are very sensitive. Even a small amount of acid can cause significant irritation or injury to the eye area. My patients describe this as a 10 out of 10 on their pain scale. Not fun.
• Potential for Injury:
  I had a patient end up getting a corneal scar using apple cider vinegar to fix their site. Although not common, it's not impossible. 

Safe Alternatives for Managing a Stye

• Warm Compresses:
  Roll Focused Eye Roll for 30 seconds several times a day. This promotes slow drainage and the short sessions don't let the eyelid skin barrier get damaged from too much heat.
• Proper Hygiene Routine:
  Check out my Stye Cleansing System. Here you roll, scrub, wash, and spray in precise steps to clear the current stye flare up and also prevent new ones from forming. 
• Your Optometrist Knows:
  For recurrent and / or painful styes, see your optometrist to rule out the ugly things like preseptal cellulitis and sebaceous gland carcinoma. 

Natural, NOT Safe:

While apple cider vinegar may seem like a natural remedy, its acidity can pose serious risks to your eye health. I'm not a fan. It’s best to avoid using it near your eyes and keep it for salads instead.