Stye, also called hordeolum, refers to a small and painful lump on the inside or outside part of the eyelid. Pus-filled, it is due to a staphylococcus infection and it is common to most people that they experience the condition once or twice in a lifetime. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for stye.
Causes
Stye is mainly caused by staphylococcus bacteria, which live on the skin surface. As per Web MD, some conditions allow the bacteria to feed on dead cells and other debris, which lead to the tender pimple it is different from chalazion; as per the publication, the latter is due to the blockage of small eyelid gland ducts that permit movement of oily substances that promote eye lubrication. Then, the trapped oil triggers the immune system to clean up dirt.
Signs and Symptoms
Stye presents various symptoms. According to Medicine Net, the symptoms include presence of a red lump on the edge of the eyelid, foreign body sensation in the eye, swelling, eye pressure, pain, and blurred vision. As per the publication, a stye draining material from the opening of the gland indicates presence of thick discharge or crusty material accumulating on the lashes and lids. In some circumstances, the skin overlying the sty becomes thinned and the thick material may drain through a break in the skin. In addition, water tears may be indicative of irritation and pain.
Home Remedies
While most styes resolve on their own, home remedies can also be done to manage the condition.
Warm Application
One remedy for stye is the application of warm compress or washcloth. As per Medicine Net, it is done for about ten to 15 minutes three to four times a day. According to the publication, warm application helps drain the stye and resolve its symptoms. The person can dip a clean towel in hot water. Next, he closes his eyes and places warm compress on the eye and holds it there for five minutes at a time. The warm compres can be reapplied until the pus stops coming out.
Green Tea
Another remedy for stye is green tea. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation; this way, the sty will be reduced. In addition, green tea contains tannic acid, which is effective in preventing infections. To apply the remedy, as per the publication, the person dips a green tea bag in warm water for a few minutes. Then, excess water is removed and squeezed out. Next, the person closes his eyes and presses the moist tea bag over the affected eyelid and holds it in place. The remedy is used for few times daily until the stye size is reduced and until pain subsides.
Massage
Eye massage is another remedy to counter stye. According to Health Line, the person can massage the area using lid wipes to promote drainage, in addition to enhance circulation in the area. As per the publication, the person’s hands should be clean; this is to prevent further infection and complications. Upon drainage, the area should be kept clean and the eyes should not be touched. Massaging the eyes should be stopped if it triggers pain. It is important not to touch, squeeze, or pop a stye.
Stye is an eye condition that may affect a person’s activities of daily living. In this regard, it is best to seek medical consult from an ophthalmologist for proper assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
