How to Treat a Stye
A stye is a small, painful lump on the eyelid that is caused by a bacterial infection of the glands that produce oil for the eyelashes. Styes are common and can affect people of all ages. They are usually not serious, but they can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
Symptoms of a Stye
The most common symptom of a stye is a small, painful lump on the eyelid. The lump may be red, swollen, and tender to the touch. Other symptoms of a stye may include:
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Tearing
- Crusting of the eyelids
Causes of a Stye
Styes are caused by a bacterial infection of the glands that produce oil for the eyelashes. These glands are called meibomian glands. The bacteria that cause styes are usually Staphylococcus aureus.
Styes can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Touching the eyes with dirty hands
- Not removing eye makeup properly
- Wearing contact lenses for too long
- Having a weakened immune system
Treatment for a Stye
Most styes will resolve on their own within a few days. However, there are a number of things you can do to help speed up the healing process and relieve symptoms.
Home Remedies for a Stye
There are a number of home remedies that can help to treat a stye. These remedies include:
- Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the stye can help to reduce inflammation and pain. To make a warm compress, soak a washcloth in warm water and then apply it to the stye for 10-15 minutes at a time.
- Eyelid scrubs: Eyelid scrubs can help to remove bacteria and debris from the eyelids. To make an eyelid scrub, mix equal parts baby shampoo and water. Then, use a cotton swab to apply the scrub to the eyelids. Be sure to rinse the eyelids thoroughly with water after using the scrub.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial that can help to kill the bacteria that cause styes. To use tea tree oil, mix 1 drop of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Then, apply the mixture to the stye using a cotton swab.
Medical Treatment for a Stye
If a stye does not resolve on its own within a few days, you may need to see a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to help clear up the infection. In some cases, your doctor may need to drain the stye.
Prevention of Styes
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent styes. These tips include:
- Wash your hands frequently: Washing your hands frequently can help to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Do not touch your eyes: Touching your eyes with dirty hands can introduce bacteria to the eyes and lead to a stye.
- Remove eye makeup properly: Always remove eye makeup before going to bed. To remove eye makeup, use a gentle makeup remover and a cotton ball.
- Wear contact lenses properly: If you wear contact lenses, be sure to clean and disinfect them regularly. Also, do not wear contact lenses for longer than the recommended amount of time.
- Strengthen your immune system: A weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to infections, including styes. To strengthen your immune system, eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and get enough sleep.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a stye and a chalazion?
A: A stye is a bacterial infection of the glands that produce oil for the eyelashes. A chalazion is a non-infectious cyst that forms in the meibomian glands. Chalazions are usually larger and more painful than styes, and they can take longer to resolve.
Q: Can a stye spread to the other eye?
A: Yes, a stye can spread to the other eye if you touch the infected eye and then touch the other eye. To prevent the spread of infection, always wash your hands after touching an infected eye.
Q: How long does it take for a stye to heal?
A: Most styes will resolve on their own within a few days. However, some styes may take longer to heal, especially if they are large or if they are located in a difficult-to-reach area.
Q: Can I pop a stye?
A: No, you should not pop a stye. Popping a stye can spread the infection and make it worse.
Q: When should I see a doctor about a stye?
A: You should see a doctor about a stye if:
- The stye is large or painful
- The stye does not resolve on its own within a few days
- The stye is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chills, or headache
