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Eye Stye - Treatment And Home Remedies To Treat Stye

Alternative name :: Sty, Eye sty, Eye Infection, Hordeolum

What is eye stye?

A stye (sty) is an infection of a follicle or gland at the base of an eyelash. A small boil may appear at the margin of the eyelid but, in some cases, the infection can be so deep that only swelling and redness can be seen. Stye typically result from a staphylococcal bacteria infection or from a clogging of the oil glands around the eyelashes or inside the eyelid, but can be triggered during times of stress.

More than one Stye can occur at one time because the bacteria may spread to another follicle. Lancing a Stye that is red and inflamed is not recommended as this may spread infection.

Causes of eye stye

Styes are caused by infection of the sebaceous gland in the eyelid. The infection is usually caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Stye may occur in the upper or lower lids, causing redness, swelling and soreness in some cases.

Painful styes also can occur internally within eyelids, usually in association with a blocked gland (meibomian) that provides lubrication for the eyelid.

Signs and symptoms of Eye Stye

Some of the some symptoms of eye stye (sty) are :- Swelling in a small area or the entire eyelid. Redness of the eyelid itself. Discomfort when blinking. Frequent watering in the affected eye. Raised, swollen bump on the upper or lower eye lid. Pain and itch, over the affected area.

Treatment to get rid of a stye - Home remedies to treat a eye stye.

• The use of warm compresses for 15 - 20 minutes (several times throughout the day) followed by several minutes of light lid massage.  This helps to reduce the swelling and makes the lid more comfortable.
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric in 2 cups of water until it reduces in half. Cool and strain 4-5 times through a fine muslin. Apply as eye drops 3-4 times a day. Helps to treat stye.
• Guava leaves, warmed and placed on a warm damp cloth, and then used as a compress, reduce the redness, pain and swelling.
• Boil a handful of acacia leaves in two cups of water to make a decoction and apply it as compress on the eyelids. Helps to cure eye stye.
• In serve cases treatment with antibiotics may be necessary.

Are eye stye contagious?

Many eye infections are contagious, and eye stye can certainly be passed on from one person to another very easily.

Prevention tips

• Avoid wearing eye makeup.
• Contact lenses should not be worn during infection or drainage of a stye.
• Wash your eyes with cold water daily.
• Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes to the spread of bacteria.