If you’ve noticed an eye stye, you’re probably wondering why it’s there and how to get rid of it. Eye styes can be irritating and painful, and although they are quite minor, they can still affect your day-to-day life. Most styes go away within a week or two and often go away on their own, but there are also natural styes remedies you can try to reduce pain and swelling in the meantime. From using a warm compress to help draw out pus and bacteria, to using anti-inflammatory coriander seeds, try these natural remedies to help you feel better!
What is an eye stye?
An eye sty is a tender or painful red bump on the edge of the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection. It can form on the upper or lower eyelid and looks like a pimple. Their eyelids have many tiny oil glands, especially around the eyelashes. Dead skin, dirt, or oil buildup can clog or block the glands, making it easier for bacteria to grow and causing a sty to develop.
What causes styes in the eyes?
Eye styes are caused by an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid. They are most commonly caused by the staph bacteria. These bacteria usually live harmlessly on the skin, but they can cause an infection if the skin is damaged. Be sure not to rub or squeeze the stye, as this can cause the infection to spread.
You are more likely to have an eye stye if:
- have you had one before
- Do you wear contact lenses?
- you touch your eyes with dirty hands
- You wear old or contaminated makeup
- You leave your makeup on all night
- You don’t clean your eye area well
- You have other eye conditions, such as an inflamed or infected eyelid.
- You have other conditions such as rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, or diabetes.
8 signs and symptoms of eye styes
1. A red bump on the eyelid near the eyelashes
2. Eyelid pain
3. Swelling of the eyelids
4. Formation of crusts along the eyelid
5. Sensitivity to light
6. Pain and itching
7. Tearing
8. Feeling like there is something in your eye
When to see a doctor
Most styes are harmless, however you should see your healthcare provider if your sty does not start to clear up after about a week of home treatment. If the redness and swelling spread to the entire eyelid or to other parts of the face, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. Tell your doctor right away if you have blurred vision after having a sty. Also see your doctor if you experience severe eyelid or eye pain, redness of the eyeball, severe eyelid swelling, eye bruising, or loss of eyelashes.
7 natural remedies for stye
1. Warm compress
A warm compress can help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and make it easier for pus to drain from inside the sty. Dip a clean cloth in hot, sterilized water. Allow the compress to cool slightly and apply it to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. Apply up to 4 times a day to help draw pus and bacteria to the surface more quickly.
2. Baby shampoo and warm water
Since bacteria cause a sty, it is important to keep the eyelid clean and it is recommended to gently wash the area with a mild soap or baby shampoo and lukewarm water. Mix the two together, then use a washcloth or dip a cotton swab into the liquid. Gently pass the swab over the closed eyelid and repeat every 2 days.
3. Hot tea bags
Like a warm compress, warm tea bags can help reduce inflammation and pain. Green tea in particular has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce puffiness around the eye. It also has antimicrobial properties that can reduce infection. Brew a tea bag in boiling water, then remove to allow to cool. Once warm (not hot), place over eye for 5-10 minutes. Rinse your eye with lukewarm water and pat dry. Always use a fresh tea bag when repeating.
4. Avoid wearing makeup and contact lenses
Makeup that comes in full contact with the eyes or the surrounding area, such as mascara, eyeliner, concealer, and foundation, should be avoided until the sty is gone. Makeup can irritate the skin around the sty and can even spread the sty to other areas. You should also avoid wearing contact lenses until your stye has healed, and be sure to replace any contact lenses you were wearing when the stye developed.
5. Chamomile and rosemary mouthwash
Chamomile and rosemary are an excellent duo when it comes to treating a stye. Chamomile has calming properties, helping to relieve pain and discomfort, and rosemary is a natural antibiotic. To make this infusion, boil ½ liter of water, then place 3 rosemary stems and 30 grams of chamomile flowers in the boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the stems and flowers, then allow the mixture to cool. Once cold, wash your eyes with this infusion.
6. Cucumber slices
Cucumber is cool and refreshing and placing it on your eyelids when you have a sty can make it less bothersome. Provides cool moisture that helps reduce inflammation and irritation. Cut up a chilled cucumber and place a slice on your eye for 10 minutes. Try to relax and let it work its magic.
7. Coriander Seeds
Coriander has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe pain. You can make a homemade compress by boiling 1 cup of water with 1.5 teaspoons of coriander seeds. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the seeds to soak in the room temperature water for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and allow it to cool. Once it reaches a comfortable temperature, wash around the stye. Repeat up to 3 times a day.
Styes can be painful and uncomfortable, but we hope these natural remedies give you some relief!
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