Getting a stye can be a real annoyance; there are many ways to treat them at home
Getting a stye can be a real annoyance; there are many ways to treat them at home:
- Warm compress: This is one of the most effective ways to deal with a stye because the warmth brings the pus to the surface. The warmth may also cause the punctum to open and pus to drain out naturally. It is usually recommended that individuals soak a clean cloth in warm water and hold it against the eye for 5-10 minutes, repeating for three or four times a day.
- Clean the eyelids with soap and water: Mix water with a mild soap (a tear-free baby shampoo is a good idea) and then use a cotton swab or washcloth to wipe off the eyelids with the mixture. This may be continued daily until the stye is gone. Cleaning the eyelids regularly may also prevent future styes.
- Warm tea bags: Individuals may also use a warm teabag such as black tea that has antibacterial properties. Just leave a tea bag in boiling water for a couple of minutes and allow it to cool down enough so that it may be placed on the eye for 5-10 minutes.
- Pre-moistened eyelid-cleansing pads: These are another option to clean the eyes. You can purchase these in many drugstores.
- Repeated splashing of the eyes with clean water: This may also help.
- Colloidal silver: Colloidal silver is known as one of the best anti-bacterial solution to get rid of infections, skin burns, flu, and cold. This is even used as a treatment for a stye because it reduces the infection and heals the eye.
- Painkillers: Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen (not aspirin to someone under the age of 16 years) may help in reducing pain and swelling.
- Massaging: Encourage drainage by massaging the area using clean hands; this can help the stye drain, but one mustn’t do it if it hurts. Don’t touch the eyes and keep the area clean once it drains.
- Antibiotic ointments: It may be applied inside the eyelids of the affected eyes. Make sure that the product may be used on the eyes and avoid topical steroids that can have negative consequences.
- Saline solution: Use a saline solution to irrigate the eyelids and promote drainage that may also break down the bacterial membranes.
What is a stye?
A stye is a bacterial infection that causes small, painful lumps outside or around the eyelids. They only last one or two weeks. They often resemble a pimple or boil. While styes are not usually serious, they may be painful and cause frequent water from the eyes.
Causes of a stye:
- A stye is caused by blockage of one of the oil glands in the eyelids. The blockage of the oil glands allows bacterial growth inside the blocked gland.
- The bacterium Staphylococcus is often responsible for most of the styes.
Symptoms of a stye:
- A red, swollen lump on the eyelids
- A red bump with pus
- Crust on the eyelids
- Eyelid pain
- Eyelid swelling
- Tearing
- Tenderness of the eyelids
- A gritty, scratchy sensation as if there is a foreign body in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Wash hands regularly to prevent particles from being rubbed into the eyes and clogging up the glands. Furthermore, it reduces the irritation of an existing stye.
- Do not try to squeeze a stye because the infection may get spread. Let it drain on its own.
- Do not use contact lenses or wear eye makeup until the stye disappears.
- Throw away old cosmetics to reduce the risk of recurrent eye infection. Furthermore, do not share cosmetics with others and do not wear eye make up overnight.
- Apply warm compress regularly to prevent a recurrence.
Do I need to see a doctor for treating a stye?
Usually, styes are short-lived and disappear within a week or two. However, be sure to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- An eyelid that is swollen shut
- Increased pain with home treatment
- Increased swelling after the first 2-3 days
- An eyelid that feels hot
- Thick pus or blood coming from the bump
- Blistering on the eyelids
- Fever or chills
- Vision changes
- Styes that keep coming back
- You are a diabetic with uncontrolled sugar levels