Do you have a pimple-like swelling on the inside or outside of your eyelids?
Does it burn or itch? Is it making you uncomfortable?
That has got to be a stye. If the symptoms seem to linger, and you are worried your entire eye will get infected, here are several home remedies you can use.
But first, what exactly is a stye and how does it develop?
What is Eye Stye?
A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a medical condition where a tiny, painful swelling develops on the inside or outside of the eyelid. It occasionally is related to pink eye, but generally isn’t. It is an infection caused by Staphylococcus bacterium. When dirt, oil, or dead skin accumulates inside the oil glands, or when the eyelashes grow inside the eye’s skin, bacteria growth begins and, as a result, a stye develops.
No one is immune to this condition. At some point in your life, you may develop an eye stye. Unfortunately, some people develop styes more often, while others are lucky enough to experience it only once. Styes are not a cause for concern. They get better within a week, even without medical intervention. External styes, in most cases, may turn yellow and release pus.
Those that develop inside the eyelid are more painful. The two are contagious, not by air, but by contact, and may spread to other parts of the eye. It also is possible to develop an eye stye from sharing bedsheets, cosmetics, pillowcases, or washcloths with an infected person.
Symptoms of an Eye Stye
- Painful eyes. It affects the eye veins, which can cause acute pain. Others experience mild pain or none at all.
- Bloody appearance of the eyeballs.
- Redness of the eyelids.
- Swelling of the eyelids, as well as a feeling of a foreign object in your eye as a result of the lump.
- Increased production of tears.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Drooping eyelids.
- Discomfort when you blink.
If a stye isn’t painful, it could be a chalazion. Treatments for the two are the same. However, the latter takes longer to heal.
How to Prevent Eye Stye
Many people don’t know this but, staying relaxed is one way you can avoid eye styes altogether. They tend to develop when one is stressed and experiencing sleeplessness. That’s when your body excretes chemicals and hormones that facilitate the growth of a stye. So, you should strive to reduce stress, by practicing yoga or other relaxation exercises or techniques.
How regularly do you clean your eyes? If you leave your glands to get clogged, the eyelids get infected and, eventually, a stye develops. Make sure you clean your face every day to get rid of debris on your eyelids. Especially if you wear makeup, be sure to remove it before going to bed. Scrubbing your eyelids is another way to prevent developing an eye stye, especially if you are prone to blepharitis, an eyelid disease that causes itchiness and flaky eyelids.
Schedule at least weekly eyelid washes. You also can use pre-medicated eyelid wipes. Doing this will eliminate blepharitis-causing bacteria, reducing the chances of developing an eye stye.
Eye Styes’ Potential Problems
In rare cases, a stye may cause complications, such as the following:- Periorbital cellulitis (preseptal cellulitis) –- This is a potential issue if the condition becomes contagious and spreads to other tissues around the eye. It leads to inflammation of the layers of skin around the eye. The eyelids become red and swollen. The best treatment is antibiotics.
- Meibomian cyst – Our eyelids have small glands called Meibomian glands. When a cyst develops on these glands, it is referred to as a Meibomian cyst, or chalazion. It often develops when a stye becomes persistent. Meibomian glands secrete sebum, which is a lubricant. When blocked, a stye develops and eventually becomes a Meibomian cyst. Luckily, it can be easily and effectively treated.
When to see a doctor
Sometimes when you have an external or internal eye stye, it is important to see a doctor. Most importantly, consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:- The stye gets unbearably painful or uncomfortably swollen, even after days of trying home remedies.
- You have fever or chills.
- You begin experiencing vision problems, such as blurriness.
- The stye becomes persistent or recurring.
- Your entire eye, or the eyelid, becomes swollen or has some redness.
- If the redness spreads to other parts of the eye, or the cheeks.
- You have an abnormal immune system, particularly in cases of diabetes, or if you are taking medication or are being treated for cancer or have had an organ transplant.
Depending on the condition, the doctor may remove the eyelash near the inflammation. That is, if the follicle is involved in the infection. He or she will lance the stye with a small needle to drain the pus away. This step should be done by an expert.
You shouldn’t try to remove the eyelash or even contemplate bursting the stye yourself. When the stye lingers, the doctor may prescribe topical antibiotic eye drops or an antibiotic cream. Oral antibiotics also will be useful if the infection spreads beyond the eyelid. However, you shouldn’t use topical steroids as they will cause unpleasant side effects.
If draining the pus doesn’t improve the condition, or if you have an internal stye that is specifically large and very painful, the doctor will refer you to an ophthalmologist. Once again, the ophthalmologist may make an incision, if the doctor didn’t, and drain out any pus. The doctor may also prescribe some pain relievers that should be helpful in treating a stye.
Popular pain relievers that are useful include Paracetamol, Tylenol, or ibuprofen. Follow the dosage instructions, but if it doesn’t help, you should see a doctor.
How to Treat a Stye
How to get rid of a stye is simple. As mentioned earlier, eye styes occasionally heal on their own and the need to see a doctor is only in extreme situations. You easily can get rid of them using a stye home remedy.
One way is by cleaning your eyelids using a tear-free baby shampoo. Use a cotton swab to gently wipe off your eyelids daily until the stye disappears. This is also effective in ensuring that future styes do not develop. Here are other home remedies for treating a stye:
- Lavender Oil
- Castor Oil
- Onion Rings
- Acacia Leaves
- Tamarind
- Potato
- Cooked Eggs
- Aloe Vera
- Coriander Seeds
- Garlic Juice
- Milk Cream
- Honey
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Warm Compress
- Coconut Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Bread and Milk
- Bitter Gourd
- A Coin
- Epsom Salt
- Gold or Iron
- Tea Bags
- Guava Leaves
- Cloves
- Water and Salt
- Turmeric
- Chamomile leaves
Eye Stye Home Remedies
Lavender Oil
This is the first home remedy you can use as an eye stye treatment. Lavender oil cools and soothes the swelling as well as the affected region. Its antibacterial properties are ideal for ensuring the stye-causing bacteria doesn’t spread.
Requirements:
- Lavender oil
- With great care, apply a small drop of lavender oil to the affected area.
- Leave the oil on.
Alternatively, frankincense oil can be added to the lavender oil before applying to the stye.
Usage: The lavender essential oil or its mixture with frankincense should be applied about two to four times a day.
Caution: Dilute with coconut oil or water before using it on children.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is among the essential oils used for curing several types of skin conditions. It facilitates the opening up of the eyelid pores. It also has hydrating properties, which aid in reducing inflammation.
Requirements:
- Castor oil
- Cotton ball
- Pour some drops of the castor oil on the cotton ball, or simply dip the cotton ball in the castor oil.
- Gently place it on the stye and rub a little
- Leave it on and clean after 15 minutes with lukewarm water
Usage: For better results, repeat this technique at least twice a day
Onion Rings
An onion ring doesn’t heal the stye immediately. However, it gradually reduces the pain. It is normal for you to experience a burning sensation, but it is part of the healing process. Onions also contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Requirements:
- Onions
- A knife
- Chop the onion into small slices
- Place the rings over the affected eye and leave them for several minutes
You also can chop a whole onion to make your eyes watery. This is a natural way of cleaning the stye before applying the treatment. It is also an equally effective way of treating the stye.
Usage: Two times a day
Acacia Leaves
If your stye is painful, acacia leaves might come to the rescue. Rinsing your eyes with a solution of water and acacia leaves will reduce the inflammation and heal the stye in no time.
Requirements:
- A couple of acacia leaves
- Water
- Boil some water in a pot.
- Add the acacia leaves in the boiling water and steep for several minutes.
- Empty the leaves and allow the water to cool until warm.
- Dip a clean cloth in the solution and apply it over the infected eyelid. You also can use the water to rinse your eyes.
Usage: Use this acacia treatment two times a day until the soreness disappears.
Tamarind
Tamarind seeds are effective as a home remedy for treating an eye stye. The seeds drive away the inflammation and reduce soreness.
Requirements:
- Tamarind seeds
- Three glasses of water
- Place the tamarind seeds in water and let them soak for 12 hours.
- Empty the seeds and use the solution for rinsing the sore eye.
You also can make a paste from the tamarind seeds by grinding them and applying them around the affected eyelids.
Usage: For best results, rinse with the solution at least two times or apply the paste three times a day.
Potato
Potato is an astringent. It also has some anti-inflammatory capabilities, which are known to prevent skin irritation and swelling. It is effective in inhibiting inflammation.
Requirements:
- One potato
- A clean cloth or a cheesecloth
- Grate the potato into a bowl.
- Use the cheesecloth or clean cloth to wrap the potato.
- Place it on the affected region for up to 10 minutes.
Usage: Follow the technique three times a day for four to five days.
Cooked Eggs
The hardboiled egg technique is one strange home remedy for treating styes. However, as weird as it sounds, the hard-boiled egg will help reduce the swelling. Similarly, it gradually will ease the pain. The heat from the egg will ensure the eye stye heals faster and effectively.
Requirements:
- One egg
- Hard boil the egg.
- Remove it from the heat source and leave it to cool for a while.
- Place it over the stye for about 10 to 15 minute.
Usage: Repeat the procedure at least two times a day.
Aloe Vera
Aloe has lots of healing properties useful for treating eye styes. It hydrates the eyes and soothes the itching and pain.
Requirements:
- Aloe leaf
- A clean container
- Take the aloe leaf and squeeze the gel out of it into the container.
- Take a small amount of the gel and apply it to the stye.
- Leave it there for a while.
- Rinse the gel out of your eyes
If you can’t squeeze the gel out of the aloe leaf, you can remove the outer shell and crush the pulp. Apply this pulp to your stye.
Usage: Use three times a day
Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds are recommended as a home remedy for their anti-inflammatory properties. They are often used to treat edema in the eye. The seeds are also effective in treating a stye.
Requirements:
- One tablespoon of coriander seeds
- Two cups of water
- Heating source
- Add the coriander seeds to the two cups of water.
- Heat until it boils.
- Remove from the heat and leave the seeds to soak for half an hour.
- Strain and allow the water to cool.
- Dip a clean cloth in the water and apply to the stye.
Usage: Do this three times a day
Garlic Juice
Garlic juice may sting your eyes, but it sure is worth enduring if you have an eye stye. Garlic juice is known to be ideal for curing a stye. With its antibacterial properties, stye-causing bacteria doesn’t stand a chance. The pain will subside after removing it, bringing you great relief.
Requirements:
- A garlic clove
- Q-tip
- Take the garlic clove and crush it.
- Carefully squeeze out the juice.
- Use a Q-tip to carefully apply the juice to the stye.
- After it is dry, wash it off using warm water.
Usage: This treatment should be applied two times a day.
Milk Cream
When you apply milk or use it as a rinse on inflammation such as a stye, the warmth draws the pus out. This leads to reduced swelling and pain.
Requirements:
- One tablespoon of milk
- One tablespoon of milk cream
- Four tablespoons of water
- A clean cloth or cotton ball
- Warm up the milk to a bearable temperature.
- Apply it on the stye using a cloth or a cotton ball.
- After the area is dry, clean it with a mixture of milk and water and wipe with a clean towel.
Usage: Two times a day
Honey
Honey is considered an emollient that is effective in keeping the skin hydrated. As a result, it is effective at reducing the itching sensation around the eyelids caused by a stye. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial in treating styes and other skin conditions.
Requirements:
- two or three tablespoons of pure honey
- two cups of hot water
- Pour the honey into the water and thoroughly mix them until the mixture cools from hot to warm.
- Use the mixture to rinse the affected eye.
Usage: Repeat this procedure at least two times a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Any apple cider vinegar will do, but organic is preferred. It is known to have both antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Applying it on the stye will speed the healing process. Requirements:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Filtered, cool or boiled water
- Clean cloth
- Mix one part of the apple cider vinegar with two parts cooled, filtered, or boiled water.
- Place the mixture in a refrigerator for about three hours.
- Remove and apply using the cloth.
- Hold the cloth in place until it is dry.
Usage: Repeat at least five times a day.
Warm Compress
Another home remedy for getting rid of a stye is using a warm compress. It is widely used and by far the most common way of treating a stye. It is easy, and most importantly, safe. Warm water is effective in reducing inflammation, so your stye should heal in about four days.
Requirements:
- Warm water
- A clean washcloth or towel
- Heat some filtered water until it is warm.
- Dip the clean cloth in the warm water.
- Wring the cloth to get rid of the excess water.
- Place the cloth over the eyes and keep it there for a few minutes.
Usage: You can repeat the procedure for as many times as you need.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used for cooking as well as a beauty and health product. Yet, it also can be used to treat a stye. It is an antifungal, antibacterial, and an anti-inflammatory agent. It relieves pain and heals the stye.
Requirements:
- Coconut oil
- Q-tip
- Pour half a cup of clean coconut oil into a small container.
- Wash your face and hands, together with the infected area.
- Apply a small amount of the coconut oil into the stye using the Q-tip.
- Leave it for several minutes.
Usage: Repeat the technique as often as necessary, each time allowing the oil to sink in after applying it.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil used to get rid of skin and fungal infections, which is why it is considered a home remedy for stye treatment.
Requirements:
- One teaspoon of pure and natural tea tree oil
- Two tablespoons of cool, filtered, or boiled water
- A clean cloth
- Mix the one teaspoon tea tree oil with two tablespoons of the water.
- Put it in a refrigerator and let it cool for at least three hours.
- Remove and use a clean cloth to apply it to the stye.
- Leave it to sink for several minutes.
Usage: Use this technique three times a day.
Bread and Milk
Using warm milk on an inflammation such as a stye causes it to rupture. It is one of the oldest home remedies people have used for styes.
Requirements:
- One slice of bread
- A glass of milk
- A clean cloth
- An antiseptic ointment
- Take the bread slice and cut it to a size twice that of the eye.
- Soak it in the glass of milk.
- Remove it and place over the infected eyelid for about 20 minutes.
- The stye should rupture. Then clean the area with the clean cloth and apply the ointment.
Usage: This will make the stye rupture. If it doesn’t, repeat the treatment again until it does.
Caution: Don’t use milk that is too hot as it may burn sensitive skin.
Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd is a known detoxifying agent. It alleviates pain and reduces swelling. Applied on a stye, it will cleanse the skin and make the swelling go down.
Requirements:
- Slices of gourd
- Cut small sizes of the gourd and apply them on the stye.
- Leave them to sit for about 15 minutes.
- Wash off with clean water.
A Coin
Rubbing a coin in your palm or using a coarse surface makes it warm. When placed over an inflammation, the warm coin will bring relief by soothing the pain. This will get rid of your stye in no time.
Requirements:
- A coin
- Water
- Soap
- Take the coin and wash it with the soap and water.
- Rub it with a clean and coarse cloth.
- Now place the coin on the infected eye.
Usage: Repeat the procedure a few times during the day.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a great astringent, which works by cleansing the affected area. It is also a good pain reliever, and the warmth of the water will get rid of the stye in a short while.
Requirements:
- One teaspoon of Epsom salt
- A glass of lukewarm water
- A washcloth
- Pour the salt into the warm water and mix them thoroughly.
- Take the washcloth and soak it in the mixture.
- Wring out the excess water and apply it on the affected area.
- Leave for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Usage: For the best results, use it at least three to four times a day.
Gold or Iron
Using gold and iron is among the earliest home remedies used to treat styes and other inflammations. It is an old wives’ that has managed to work wonders for some people.
Requirements:
- An item made of gold or iron
- Take the gold or iron and carefully rub it over the infected eyelid.
- Do this for a few seconds.
Usage: This technique delivers ideal results after using it several times a day. Rub it as many times as you wish until you realize the pain and swelling are subsiding.
Caution: Ensure the gold or iron item you are using is clean and free of rust. Otherwise, this will make your condition worse.
Tea Bags
A warm cloth itself is effective on a stye. Incorporating tea, which is an antioxidant, will ensure pain relief, and the swelling will go down as well.
Requirements:
- Two tea bags
- Warm water
- Boil some water and leave it to cool until it is lukewarm.
- Take the tea bag and dip it in the lukewarm water.
- Remove and apply to the affected area.
- Hold it in place for about 10 minutes before removing.
If the stye is inside the eye, hold the bag over the eyelid. The tea bag doesn’t necessarily have to be a new one.
Usage: Repeat five times a day.
Guava Leaves
Guava leaves are efficient in getting rid of a stye in three ways: reducing pain, toning down the inflammation, and eliminating the bacteria causing the infection. This is because the leaves have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Requirements:
- Three or four guava leaves
- Three glasses of water
- A clean cloth
- Bring the three glasses of water to a boil and add the guava leaves.
- Reduce the heat and allow the water to simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the water from the heat and allow it to cool.
- Soak the clean cloth in the water and apply to the affected eyelid.
- Do this for five minutes until the water becomes cold.
Usage: Apply once a day for three to four days.
Cloves
Clove acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. When it is applied on an eyelid swollen by a stye, it effectively suppresses the swelling and relieves the pain. It is also an effective antibacterial agent that can eliminate sources of infection.
Requirements:
- Four or five cloves
- One cup of water
- A clean cloth
- Soak the cloves in water and then grind them into a paste.
- Wait for a few minutes before dipping the cloth into the paste.
- Gently apply it on the affected eyelid.
You also can put the cloves in the water and leave them for about 15 minutes before dipping the cloth and applying it on the stye.
Usage: Use this technique about two to three times a day.
Water and Salt
Salt’s healing properties will help your stye disappear. It also will reduce swelling and stop pus from forming. Sea salt is the most effective type to use.
Requirements:
- One teaspoon of salt
- One cup of water
- A clean cloth
- Stir the salt into the cup of water.
- Dip the clean cloth into the water.
- Apply by gently rubbing it on the affected region.
- Leave it to sink in for a while before washing it off.
Usage: Repeat the process as many times as you want in a day.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for years as a healing spice, apart from adding color and flavor to food. It also is used effectively for treating a stye. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that will reduce the swelling and the soreness on your eye.
Requirements:
- One teaspoon of turmeric
- Water
- Coconut or castor oil
- Mix the turmeric in a bowl with the water and oil to make a paste.
- Rinse your hands, face, and the stye with clean water.
- Scoop the paste and apply to the affected area. Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Usage: Repeat the procedure not less than four times in a day.
Caution: Be careful while using the paste on a stye that it close to your eye.
Chamomile Leaves
When chamomile leaves are compressed over a stye, their warmth will reduce the inflammation and soreness.
Requirements:
- Ten grams (two teaspoons) of thyme
- Twenty-five grams (five teaspoons) of chamomile
- Ten grams (two teaspoons) of horsetail
- One liter (quart) of water
- Mix all the ingredients and boil them in the water.
- Let it steep for a few minutes.
- Strain the mixture, put it in a clean cloth, and apply it to the stye.
Usage: Repeat the procedure several times a day.
Do's and Don't
Do these things:
- Before you sleep, or conduct the eye treatment, wash off eye makeup.
- Always wash your eyes frequently.
- Make it a habit of keeping your eyes protected from foreign particles such as dust.
- Keep your eyes away from direct sunlight.
- Keep your hands clean by washing them regularly with water and antibacterial soap.
- Always get adequate sleep.
- Ensure you have good quality cosmetics.
- Avoid sharing items such as cosmetics, pillows, and towels as well as other personal items.
- Never try squeezing or lancing a stye yourself. Doing so only will lead to the stye spreading. Leave the squeezing or lancing to a doctor or ophthalmologist.
- If you have a stye, do not wear contact lenses. Contact lenses sometimes get contaminated with the bacteria associated with styes.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes if you have a stye. Even if you can’t keep your hands off it entirely, you should avoid touching the stye frequently.
Conclusion
Eye styes can affect people regardless of whether they are young or old. The only simple way of avoiding the condition is ensuring you practice good hygiene. If your skin is healthy and clear, you can get away with cleaning the stye with ease, even without applying the above-discussed home remedies.
Your body’s immune system will detoxify the infected region and get rid of the stye. However, in cases where the eye stye becomes persistent, the discussed home remedies will prove effective. All the above remedies are safe, but if you feel one is risky, depending on your skin sensitivity, allergies, or other medical reasons, don’t it without consulting your doctor.
As is the norm, if the eye stye persists, even after trying several methods to get rid of it, consulting a medical professional is the first thing you should do. He or she will treat the stye, prescribe some ointments or pain killers, or advise on the way forward. Hopefully, this article’s information was helpful. If you have comments or other views, please share in the comments section below.
