Styes Can Be Painful But Are Easily Treated
Have you ever noticed a red, pimple-like bump on the outside edge of your eyelid? If so, you’ve likely had a stye before. A stye can form for many different reasons, whether because of dead skin, dirt, or an oil buildup that clogs or blocks the tiny glands found throughout the eyelids.
The good news is that the majority of styes are harmless and go away on their own in a matter of a few days or a week. However, even the smallest of styes can be a nuisance. Today we are going to go over a few tips for how to safely get rid of a stye. If you are someone who is prone to styes or has had one before and didn’t know what to do, this guide is for you. As always, if you have any additional questions or are in need of a comprehensive eye exam to check the health of your vision and eyes, please contact First Eye Care DFW.
What is a stye?
A stye (other names include sty or hordeolum) is an infection in the eyelid that usually leads to a small red bump on the edge of the lid. In most cases, this infection is caused by bacteria that get into the oil glands within the eyelid (internal stye) or the base of the eyelash follicle (external stye). Regardless of where it occurs, it can be tender or even painful.
What are the symptoms of a stye?
When a stye first starts to develop, you may notice the following:
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
Other symptoms include:
- Your eye may feel scratchy and sore
- You may notice a small pus spot in the center of the stye
- You may be more sensitive to light
- You may experience significant tearing of the eye
- You may feel as though something is stuck behind the eye
Tips for Safely Getting Rid of a Stye
If you have a stye and you want to speed up the recovery process, try the following tips:
- Apply a warm compress – This is the most effective way to get rid of a stye. When you apply a warm washcloth or compress to the infected area, it will help bring the pus to the surface, dissolving it and allowing the oil to drain.
- Use mild soap and water to clean your eyelid – Combine a gentle soap with warm water and then use the mixture to cleanse your eyelids with a washcloth. Making sure your eyelids stay clean will encourage the stye to heal and stop any others from forming.
- Apply a warm tea bag – Another great option is to apply a warm tea bag (like black tea) to the stye. This will help reduce any swelling.
- Take pain medication – If the stye is really bothering you and causing you discomfort, you can try taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease the pain and reduce any inflammation.
As a general rule, you should avoid wearing contacts or makeup if you have a stye. It may be a good idea to throw out your eye makeup (such as mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow), as these products may carry the bacteria that caused the infection. To learn more about treating a stye, please contact First Eye Care DFW today.