Sties are often annoying and unattractive but, in general, they are not a major medical problem. In this article we explain what a stye is and provide you with the best advice on how to prevent and cure it.

What is a stye?

A stye is an inflammation and infection of a hair follicle that produces a small lump on the edge of the eyelid . The most common cause of this phenomenon is the development of bacteria of the species Staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus), although other pathogens can also cause it.

Other reasons for the appearance of sties are blepharitis, hormonal changes or stress. Although not serious, it is painful and uncomfortable and can last up to 20 days.

Stye symptoms

The first signs of a stye are pain, redness and tenderness in the area. After this, swelling may occur. Sometimes it is only a small region of the eye that swells, but other times it is the whole eye. Even so, sties do not usually cause vision problems.

In summary, these are the most common symptoms of a stye:

  • Pain or discomfort when blinking
  • Hypersensitivity to light
  • Redness in the affected area
  • Eyelid inflammation
  • Itching, discomfort, burning in the affected area
  • Frequent eye dropping
  • Sandy feeling
  • Frequent tearing

Some advice…

Before we move on to the remedies for treating the stye, remember that:

  • You should not squeeze, rub, prick or pull out the sty , because the wound may end up in infection and the area may be damaged.
  • You should always keep your hands clean and not touch the area, as this can make it dirty and cause a major infection.
  • Do not use make-up until the stye has disappeared.
  • Be careful with contagion : contact lenses, the area you sleep on the pillow, etc. can cause it to be transferred to the other eye.

Stye healing remedies

If you wake up one morning with a stye and you don’t know what to do, follow the advice below to cure it as soon as possible .

1. Use a cloth with warm water

Moisten a clean cloth with warm (not hot) water. Drain it so that it does not drip, then place it over the eye for about 5 to 10 minutes. This can be done three to four times a day. The heat will help dissolve the pus and allow the sty to drain naturally .

2. Compress a tea bag

Instead of using a cloth with warm water, use a hot tea bag . Green tea works best because it helps reduce swelling and has some antibacterial properties.

To do this, boil the water and place the tea bag in a cup as if you were making tea to drink. Then let the tea sit for a minute, and then wait for the tea bag to cool down enough to moisten a cloth and place it over the eye. Then you should hold it in the area for about 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Take painkillers

Taking a painkiller such as ibuprofen can help relieve the symptoms if the stye is painful . Now, follow the instructions for use to make sure you are taking the right dose.

4. Use the power of the Acacia

If you do not want to take medication, you may be able to relieve the pain of the stye with acacia . Place several acacia leaves in a cup of boiling water and let the tea cool down. When it is warm, wet a cloth and place it over the eye for 5 to 10 minutes two or three times a day

5. Use chamomile

Another infusion you can use is chamomile . For them follow the steps of the previous point and place a cloth in the eye after moistening it in the warm solution. Once placed in the eye, leave the cloth for 5 to 10 minutes two or three times a day.

6. Put on aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the best home remedies that exist . To benefit from its use, you only have to cut one of its leaves and open it in the middle. Then, wet a cotton wool so that it is impregnated with the transparent liquid that the plant secretes. Pass the cotton through the eye twice a day.

7. Benefit from cucumber

Cucumbers have a natural soothing effect and are therefore ideal for treating stye . Their refreshing and astringent properties are not only useful for masks, but are excellent for relieving the characteristic symptoms of stye. Therefore, cut a cucumber into slices and place them on the area to be treated. This will reduce inflammation and painful symptoms.

Conclusions

Sties are usually caused by bacteria , although this is not the only reason for their appearance. Generally, children tend to suffer from sties more often. Although they are not a serious medical phenomenon, it is always preferable to go to the doctor for advice and a professional diagnosis.

If you wake up one morning with one, always keep your hands clean and don’t rub your eye . Of course, don’t try to tear it out because you might get an infection. Finally, follow the advice above and you may reduce the symptoms.