A stye is a small, painful lump filled with pus found in or around the eyelid. It is caused by the bacterial irritation of the oil glands within the eyelid; the bacteria (usually staphylococci species) can get trapped along with dead skin on the edge of the eyelid which results in inflammation and swelling. Usually, a stye will disappear on its own within a couple of days but there are some treatments which are easy to do at home which can help speed up the healing process:
1. Massage the area to stimulate drainage
Massage the area gently with a clean hand. Once the stye stops draining, ensure to keep the area clean. Do not massage if it increases the irritation
2. Take occasional pain relief
Use over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen short-term relief. Make sure to take the correct dosage. If there is persistent or serious pain, make sure to contact your doctor
3. Use a warm cloth
A warm compress is the most effective way to treat a stye as the heat draws the pus to surface before dissolving it with the natural oils in the glands making it easier to drain.
Take a warm, damp cloth and hold it over the stye for 5-10 minutes. Repeat 3-4 times a day.
4. Refrain from wearing heavy eye makeup
Make-up can further irritate the eye by blocking pores so the stye is not able to clean itself. The bacteria is also easily spread by make-up brushes which can further spread the infection, delaying the healing process.
5. Wear glasses instead of contact lenses
Bacteria can be transferred onto the contact lens which can be spread around the eye, delaying the healing time.
If this is not possible, make sure to change your lenses frequently.
6. Clean your eyelid with mild soap and water
Use hypoallergenic and non-irritating soap such as Cetaphil as the skin around the eye is thin and so you need to be very careful with the products you are applying.
A tear-free baby shampoo is recommended when mixed with warm water. Use a cotton swap or cloth to gently wipe around the eyelid. Do this everyday until the stye has gone.
7. Use a warm tea bag
You can use a warm tea bag as an alternative to a compress. A black tea bag is recommended due to its natural antibacterial properties.
Simply do this by adding the teabag to a mug of boiling water and letting the teabag steep for 1 minute before removing and letting it cool to a suitable temperature before applying to the stye.
