How to Get Rid of a Stye

Most of us have suffered from an eye stye at some time or the other. It is a very common eye infection that causes a red pimple-like structure to develop around the edge of the eyelid. In medical terminology, an eye stye is referred to as hordeolum. It is caused due to the inflammation of the oil glands that are present at the base of the eyelids. Based on its location, an eye stye is categorized into external and internal hordeolum. An external hordeolum, as the name suggests, develops on the outer side of the eyelid, whereas an internal hordeolum occurs on the inner portion of the eyelids. An eye stye is characterized by the formation of a tender red lump at the inner or outer edge of the eyelid. One might experience pain and itching as well. Here's some information on what causes a stye and how to get rid of a stye.

Causes and Symptoms of an Eye Stye

One of the most common causes of an eye stye is an infection or inflammation of the sebaceous gland by Staphylococcus bacteria. Since this bacteria is generally present in the nasal passages, it can easily get access to our eyes. When this bacteria along with the dirt or debris clogs the eyelash follicles present at the base of the eyelids, the zeis glands swell up. As a result, one may experience symptoms such as eyelid swelling, pain, tearing, increased sensitivity to light, discharge and itching. Scratching might cause the infection to the spread further. Internal hordeolum is even more painful. These are caused due to the inflammation of the meibomian glands located on the underside of the eyelids. Pus could also get accumulated in the clogged meibomian glands.

Though an eye stye doesn't cause vision problems, if left untreated, it could give rise to a chalazion. While an eye stye is a tender lump, a chalazion is larger in size. These eye infections could also be caused due to a lack of eye care or hygiene. People suffering from blepharitis or acne rosacea might be at an increased risk of developing such eye problems. Using poor quality eye makeup might also cause this infection. Sleeping with the makeup on might also make one susceptible.

Treatment Options for an Eye Stye

Are you looking for an effective eye stye cure? Here's some information on ways of treating an eye stye.

Medications
The healing process varies depending on the type of eye stye one has developed. While an external hordeolum might heal within four to five days, an internal hordeolum could develop into a chalazion. If the stye has transformed into a chalazion, it would be better to consult an ophthalmologist. Generally the use of antibiotic ointments, drops or pills might be recommended for the treatment of an eye stye. While the application of an antibiotic ointment or medicated pads will provide relief, using certain home remedies will definitely prove beneficial.

Eye Stye Home Remedies
Though the use of medicated creams and ointments will surely help, if you are looking for ways to treat a stye fast, you can try some tried-and-tested home remedies that help in speeding up the process of healing.

• One of the best home remedy is the application of warm compresses. Application of heat helps in unclogging the pores and will definitely help one get rid of an eye stye fast.
• You can also apply aloe vera pulp on the affected area. It will provide a soothing effect.
• Warm up a guava leaf and wrap it in clean cloth dipped in warm water. Apply it on the affected eye. It will help in alleviating the swelling and pain.
• You can also dip a cotton ball in castor oil and apply it on the stye.
• Dip a tea bag in warm water and place it on the affected eye. The skin around the eyes is very delicate, so make sure that the tea bag is warm and not scalding hot. Application of warm tea bag will help in bringing down the swelling of the eyelid.
• Make sure that you pay attention to the aspect of lid hygiene. Dip a clean washcloth in warm water and use it for cleaning traces of discharge that might accumulate on the eyelids. You can use a baby shampoo for cleaning the eyelids.
• Is eye stye contagious? Yes, it definitely is. So, make sure that you wash your hands with an anti-bacterial hand wash.
• You must never squeeze the stye as that would cause the infection to spread. When suffering from an eye stye, refrain from wearing your contact lenses or applying eye makeup.

This was some information on the treatment options for an eye stye. Though the symptoms of an eye stye might resolve on their own in most cases, if you are in a great deal of discomfort, it's always better to seek medical help.