Getting rid of a stye within a day or two can be quite challenging. Here, I’ve put together 10 effective remedies to help you manage this condition. A stye doesn’t appear overnight; it results from a buildup of germs over several days, leading to an infection near your eyelid. Essentially, it looks like a small pimple or boil. While it often heals by itself, the remedies mentioned here can accelerate recovery. If the pain worsens or your eye becomes more swollen, it’s best to consult a doctor.
If you have a stye, there’s no need to worry about long-term vision problems. Only in rare cases does it require surgical removal if it becomes too severe.
Best Stye Remedies
1. Over-the-Counter Painkillers
Taking painkillers can provide temporary relief if a stye is particularly bothersome. Common options like paracetamol or ibuprofen are readily available at drug stores. Though they won’t heal the infection, they do help manage the discomfort.
2. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric, a plant known for its medicinal properties, can be used for stye treatment. Mix turmeric powder with castor or coconut oil to make a thick paste. After cleaning the area with warm water, apply this paste around your eyelids and wash it off after 15 minutes. Repeat this 4-5 times daily.
3. Chamomile Tea Bags
Chamomile tea bags can be beneficial for soothing stye symptoms. Steep a tea bag in warm water and then place it gently over the affected eye, keeping your eyes closed. Do this for about 10 minutes, repeating 4-5 times a day.
4. Warm Compresses
Applying a warm compress to the infected eye for about 5 minutes multiple times a day can be very effective. Simply use a clean cloth soaked in warm water, which can help kill bacteria and reduce the stye.
5. Black Tea Bags
The antibacterial properties of black tea can help in reducing a stye’s inflammation. After boiling black tea bags in water and letting them cool to a lukewarm temperature, place one on the affected eye for 10 minutes. Repeat this with fresh bags 4-5 times daily.
6. Coconut Oil
To prevent a stye from recurring, maintain good hygiene and consider using coconut oil, known for its immunity-boosting properties, which also helps reduce inflammation and pain. Apply it directly to the infected area for best results.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Thanks to its antibacterial nature, tea tree oil is excellent for treating styes. Carefully apply it around the affected eye without pressing or massaging the area, as this could cause complications.
8. Surgery
Surgery is a last resort for severe cases when home remedies don’t make a difference. Conducted by an ophthalmologist, this procedure is performed under local anesthetic to safely remove larger infections, known as abscesses.
9. Cucumbers
Applying slices of cucumber to the eye can help soothe inflammation and pain, thanks to their high water content and anti-inflammatory properties. Chill the slices before use for the best effect.
10. Antibiotics and Steroids
In some cases, antibiotics or steroid injections might be needed. Antibiotics like erythromycin help tackle bacterial infections, but avoid using generic triple antibiotic ointments as they can cause irritation.
Conclusion
If you find yourself with multiple styes that persist for months, it’s wise to seek advice from an ophthalmologist. While it may take some time for a stye to heal fully, patience and the use of home remedies can go a long way towards facilitating recovery.