Do you feel like something is in your eye and have a repeated scratchy feeling? This may be an indication of an eye condition called stye, which is a small, painful lump that forms on the edge of the eyelid. It happens when bacteria, usually, clog and infect the oil glands of the eyelids. While styes can be unpleasant and ugly, they usually go away on their own after a week or so. The good news is that you can alleviate its symptoms and speed up the healing process by following these simple home remedies.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Stye
Warm Compress
Applying a warm compress to the affected area is one of the easiest home remedies to provide relief. The warmth facilitates healing and stye drainage by improving local blood circulation. The clean cloth should be soaked in warm water, wrung out, and placed over the closed eyelid for 5-10 minutes.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, using warm compresses, which involves placing a clean, warm, moist washcloth over your closed eyelids, can be beneficial for managing a condition called blepharitis. Blepharitis occurs due to an abnormal thickness of oils in the meibomian glands of the eyelids. This approach can lower the likelihood of developing a stye and may aid in resolving an acute episode.
Tea Bag Compress
Tea bags contain tannic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain associated with a stye. Place a teabag over the closed eyelid for 5-10 minutes after brewing a cup of tea and allowing it to cool.
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Proper Eyelid Hygiene
It is also important to keep the affected eyelid clean to prevent further irritation and promote healing. You should use a mild cleanser or baby shampoo diluted with water to gently wash the eyelid and remove any debris or bacteria. Avoid rubbing or touching the stye, as this can worsen symptoms and spread infection.
Warm Milk Compress
Similar to a warm water compress, applying a warm milk compress can help soothe the affected eyelid and promote drainage of the stye. Heat a small amount of milk until warm (but not hot), soak a clean cloth in it, and apply it to the closed eyelid for 5-10 minutes, several times a day.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with a stye. All you need to do is apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the affected eyelid several times a day using a clean cotton swab or fingertip.
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Avoid Eye Makeup and Contact Lenses
Avoid wearing eye makeup and contact lenses until the infection has cleared up completely to prevent further irritation. Makeup brushes and contact lenses can harbour bacteria, worsening the condition and delaying healing.
Bottomline
While home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and speed up the healing process, it's essential to seek medical attention if the stye persists for more than a week, becomes increasingly painful, or causes vision problems. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or recommend drainage of the stye to promote healing.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence, we advise you to consult your expert if the symptoms exacerbate or persist for a longer time.]