Eye styes are a common eye condition that can be treated and prevented. While they can be irritating and painful, there are many treatments available that can help. And the best part? If you take the right precautions to prevent them, you can avoid getting one altogether! So, let's learn about how to treat and prevent eye styes.
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What is an Eye Stye?
An eye stye (or hordeolum) is an infection of the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection of a gland in the eyelid. It can present as a red, tender bump at the edge or base of the eyelid, often with a white or yellowish head. Eye styes are similar to pimples or boils, but they are caused by bacteria, not dirt.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of an eye stye typically include pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness of the affected area. The affected area may also be warm to the touch. In some cases, the eye stye may be accompanied by discharge from the eye, crusting, itching, and/or a gritty feeling. If the infection spreads, other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and headache may occur.
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What Causes an Eye Stye?
An eye stye can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor hygiene, lack of sleep, and contact with a contaminated surface.
Poor hygiene can allow bacteria and other irritants to build up around the eyelid and cause an infection. Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and make it more susceptible to infections. Contaminated surfaces, such as a shared eye makeup brush, can also cause an eye stye.
Eye styes can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as blepharitis and rosacea, which can cause the glands around the eyelid to become painfully inflamed and infected. There are certain types of contact lenses, such as extended-wear lenses, that can be a factor in eye styes. These types of lenses can trap bacteria on the surface of the lens, which can then be transferred to the eyelid.
This can also be caused by eye injuries, such as a poke in the eye or a foreign object that becomes stuck in the eye, as these can also cause inflammation and infection.
Stress can also be a factor in eye styes, as it can cause the immune system to be weakened and make it more susceptible to infections.
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How to Get Rid of Eye Styes
If you’ve got an eye stye, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some of our favorite ways to get rid of eye styes.
Try Using a Warm Compress
A simple warm compress is an effective way of treating an eye stye. Before you begin, make sure you prevent spreading bacteria by cleaning your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
After thoroughly cleaning your hands, soak a clean washcloth in warm, not hot, water. Gently wring out the cloth, and then apply it to the affected eye. Hold the cloth in place for 10 to 15 minutes, repeating the process three to four times a day.
Do not use the same compress on both eyes because this will spread the infection. After each use, wash the cloth in warm soapy water and make sure to rinse it thoroughly.
Use an Antibiotic Ointment
Treating an eye stye with over-the-counter antibiotic ointment is one of the most effective methods to heal the stye. Before starting, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
The area must be thoroughly cleaned with mild soap and warm water. After the area is clean, the ointment should be applied to the stye with a cotton swab or a clean fingertip. The ointment should be applied twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, for at least a week before the stye begins to show signs of improvement.
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Put a Warm Tea Bag On It
Treating a stye with a warm tea bag can be a great way to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Begin by boiling some water and soaking a tea bag in it for a few minutes. Once the tea bag is warm, remove it from the water and let it cool slightly.
Press the tea bag to the eye stye and gently press it against the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then remove it. Repeat the process a few times throughout the day. The warm tea bag can help reduce the swelling and pain associated with the stye.
The tea bag can help draw out the infection, allowing it to heal faster. Make sure to wash your hands before and after applying the tea bag, and discard any used tea bags. With regular treatment, the stye should begin to clear up.
Wash the Eyelid with Soap and Water
The best way to treat an eye stye is by cleaning your eyelid. Make sure that you wash your hands with soap and water before touching your eye. After washing your hands, use a warm compress on the eye stye for 5 minutes.
After the compress, use a cotton swab with mild soap and water to clean around the eye stye gently. Make sure to avoid rubbing the area.
After cleaning, let your eye dry naturally. You may also use a clean cotton swab soaked in a solution of warm water and salt to massage the affected area for a few minutes gently. If the eye stye does not improve or if it becomes worse, make sure to visit your doctor or optometrist.
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Final Thoughts
Treating eye styes may not be the most glamorous thing in the world, but it's important to take care of your eyes. With the right care and attention, you can have healthy, clear eyes in no time and be ready to show off your beautiful eyes whenever you want!