Stye also known as hordeolum is a red, painful lump near the edge of the eyelid that resembles to a boil or a pimple. It usually forms on the outside of the eyelid. However, sometimes it can form on the inner part of the eyelid. It is often tender to the touch.
Although styes are not serious, they can be painful and irritating.
Causes of stye
A stye is caused by a 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 stye
A red, swollen lump on the eyelid
Eyelid pain
Eyelid swelling
Tearing
Tenderness of the eyelid
A gritty, scratchy sensation as if there is a foreign body in the eyes
Sensitivity to light
Home remedies of stye
Stye usually disappears on its own in couple of days when the blockage of the gland opening is relieved. They may drain and heal on their own. They can be treated at home.
Wash hands regularly to prevent particles being rubbed into the eye and clogging up the glands. Furthermore, it reduces irritation of an existing stye.
Do not try to squeeze a stye because infection may get spread. Let it drain on its own.
Do not use contact lenses or wear eye makeup until stye disappears.
Apply a warm, wet cloth over the closed eye for 10 minutes. Do it for four times a day. This will encourage the stye to drain on its own.
Gently wash the affected eyelid with mild soap and water.
Prevention of stye
Wash your hands well before touching the skin around the eye. Keep hands away from the eyes.
Manage cosmetic products. Throw away old cosmetics to reduce risk of recurrent eye infection. Furthermore, do not share cosmetics with others and do not wear eye make up overnight.
If you wear contact lenses, wash hands properly before handling them and follow doctor’s advice on disinfecting them.
If you are prone to styes, apply warm compress regularly to prevent recurrence.
