How to Stop a Stye in Your Eye?
Styes, also known as hordeolums, are red, painful bumps that form on the outer edge of your eyelid. They are usually caused by a bacterial infection of a hair follicle or an oil gland on the eyelid. Styes can be an uncomfortable and unsightly problem, but fortunately, they can be treated at home. Here are a few remedies you can use to stop a stye in your eye.
1. Warm Compresses
Warm compresses are a very common remedy for styes. The heat helps to increase blood circulation and loosen the oil that has built up in the gland, allowing it to drain away.
To make a warm compress:
- Soak a clean cloth in warm water.
- Wring out the excess water and place the cloth on your closed eyelid.
- Hold the compress against your eyelid for 5-10 minutes, and then remove it.
- Repeat several times a day for a few days.
2. Massage
Massage can help you get rid of a stye by promoting drainage of the gland. However, you need to be careful not to apply too much pressure to the stye, as this can cause it to burst and spread the infection to other parts of your eyelid.
To perform a massage:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Gently massage the area around the stye.
- Repeat several times a day for a few days.
3. Tea Bags
Tannic acid in tea can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, making it a useful treatment for styes. Tea bags also contain anti-inflammatory substances like flavonoids and catechins, which can help you get relief from a stye easily.
To use tea bags:
- Steep two tea bags in boiling water until they are warm.
- Squeeze out the excess water from the tea bags.
- Place one tea bag on each of your closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes.
- Repeat several times a day for a few days.
4. Eyelid Scrubs
If you have recurring styes, your doctor may recommend that you try eyelid scrubs. These help to remove oils, bacteria, and dead skin cells from your eyelids, which can help prevent the development of styes.
To perform eyelid scrubs:
- Wet a clean cloth with warm water and some eyelid cleaner or baby shampoo.
- Gently rub your closed eye with the cloth for 15-30 seconds.
- Rinse your eye with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Repeat on the other eye.
- Repeat this process once or twice a day.
5. Over-the-Counter Medications
In some cases, you may need to use over-the-counter medications to treat your stye. These can include:
- Antibiotic ointments or drops to help get rid of the bacterial infection
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce the pain and inflammation
- Steroid injections, which are only used in severe cases and must be administered by a doctor
When You Should See a Doctor
Most styes go away on their own within a few days. However, if your stye is very painful, if your vision is affected, or if the stye lasts longer than a week, you should see a doctor. They can drain the stye or prescribe medications to help you feel better.
Conclusion
Styes are a common and uncomfortable problem, but they can be treated at home using warm compresses, massages, tea bags, eyelid scrubs, and over-the-counter medications. If your stye is very painful or lasts longer than a week, see a doctor. By taking proactive steps to prevent styes, like washing your hands regularly, you can reduce your chances of developing them in the future.
Common Questions and Answers
- Q: How long do styes last?
- A: Most styes go away on their own after a few days. If they last longer or are very painful, see a doctor.
- Q: Can I pop a stye?
- A: No, do not try to pop a stye. This could lead to the infection spreading or becoming worse.
- Q: Can I wear makeup with a stye?
- A: It is best to avoid wearing makeup while you have a stye, as this can make the infection worse.
- Q: How can I prevent styes?
- A: You can prevent styes by washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your eyes, and using a warm compress on your eyelids to promote drainage.
- Q: Can styes be contagious?
- A: Yes, styes can be contagious, so it is important to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes if you have one.
References
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Stye. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stye/symptoms-causes/syc-20378049
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2019). Chalazion and Stye Treatment. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/chalazion-stye-treatment
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2018). Got a Stye? Here’s What You Need to Know. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/got-a-stye-heres-what-you-need-to-know-2018082314516