It is usually not possible to get rid of a stye completely overnight
It is usually not possible to get rid of a stye completely overnight. Several ways can fasten the healing include:
- Avoiding makeup, over the counter beauty products, masks or contact lenses
- Protecting the eyes from dust and pollution
- Warm compression and massaging: This can be done by using a clean washcloth dipped in warm water and gently placing it over the affected eye for 5-15 minutes. This can be repeated several times a day. A warm gel eye mask can also be used instead of a washcloth. Gentle massaging can be combined with warm compress. Warm compression reduces pain, and swelling, moves the pus to the surface, dissolves pus and removes crusts.
- Applying a warm tea bag: Using a warm tea bag as warm compress reduces inflammation, infection, and pain. It can be done several times during the day.
- Gentle cleansing: Gentle cleansing of the eyes using a mild antibacterial soap removes crusts, reduces infection, and maintains hygiene.
Medical treatment:
- Painkillers
- Oral antibiotics, antibiotic ointments or eye drops prescribed by a physician helps quick healing
- Injection of steroids into the affected area to reduce inflammation
- Surgical treatment: In case of a chalazion that does not resolve, a small surgery may be needed to drain the lesion and prevent recurrence.
What is a stye?
A stye is painful inflammation and swelling of the eyelid with accumulation of pus. It is caused by infection by the bacteria staphylococcus. With appropriate treatment, it resolves without any complications.
What are the types of stye?
There are two main types: hordeolum and chalazion. They have different causes and treatment.
- Hordeolum: It occurs due to blockage of the sweat gland found in the skin of the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes or a small sebaceous gland present at the base of the eyelashes. Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, a waxy, oily substance, that provides moisture and protection to the skin and hair.
- Chalazion: It occurs due to blockage of a meibomian gland, which is a special sebaceous gland present only in the eyelid. It is located inside the eyelid and opens at the rim of the eyelid behind the lashes.
What are the signs and symptoms of a stye?
After symptoms appear, a small pimple will develop in the affected area. Usually this is accompanied by swollen eyes. Sometimes just the immediate area is swollen; at other times, the entire eyelid swells. Other symptoms include:
- It appears as a swollen, red bump over the upper or lower eyelid. Multiple swellings may be present
- Puffiness of the eyes
- Pain and tenderness
- Increased warmth over the affected area
- Increased pressure over the eyes
- Heaviness of the eye
- Epiphora (watering of the eyes)
- Crusting around the eyelids and eyelashes
- Crusting may cause the eyelids to stick to each other
- Itching
- Pus discharge that may or may not be mixed with blood
- Fever
Can you pop a stye?
Because a stye may sometimes be similar in appearance to a pimple, it should not be touched repeatedly or popped. Popping a stye can be very painful, leading to worsening of infection and recurrence or scarring.
How to prevent a stye?
A stye can be prevented by:
- Maintaining hygiene of the eye, eyelids, and eyelashes
- Avoiding harsh face products around the eyes
- Using dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested makeup and beauty products
- Consuming a healthy and nutritious diet
- Protecting the eyes from chemicals and pollution