Stye is a common condition caused due to a bacterial infection of the eyelid. It is characterized by the swelling of the eyelid, leading to the formation of a painful lump filled with pus secreted by the pathogen making sty (stye) contagious. Stye or hordeolum can last for several days and the lump will only disappear after the lump ruptures and the pus collection drains out. Stye can occur in the form of both internal and external stye. External stye usually leaves no marks and disappear with time, but internal stye can be of a problem as they may leave behind a cyst or a globule even after the infection dies out.
Causes
- Staphylococcal bacteria
- Blockage of oil glands
- Dirty finger nails and hands
- Unclean towels and napkins
- Infected eyewear
- Sharing eye products
- Not washing eyes often
- Exposure to polluted air
- Lack of sleep
- Lack of nutrients
Symptoms
- Itching of the eye
- Mucous secretion
- Excessive tearing
- Swelling
- Acute pain in the eyelash
- Lump formation in the eyelid
- Redness (Pink Eye)
- Irritation
- Blinking discomfort
- Blurred vision
Natural Home Remedies to Get Rid of Stye
1. Milk and Turmeric
Turmeric has anti-bacterial properties that can effectively act against the spread of the infection and help in curing stye on toddlers. Mix one teaspoon of ground turmeric powder with a glass of lukewarm milk and consume after filtering out the residue. The turmeric will quicken the healing process and the milk will ensure that your eye gets enough nutrition and supplements to fight off the infection. To avoid the sour taste some saffron can be added to the milk with the turmeric, saffron also ensures quicker recovery.
2. Green Tea
Green tea’s natural anti-inflammatory properties can be effectively utilized to fight off the infection and the swelling of the eyes. Also green tea helps retain moisture and provides a soothing effect to your eyes as well, reducing the irritation. Take a used green tea bag, soak it in cold water, squeeze the excess water and apply it on the swollen region of the eyelid. Apply gentle pressure to suppress the inflammation. Repeat the procedure till the swelling fades away.
3. Baby Shampoo
Often infections are caused by improper cleaning of the eyes, and most infections can be completely healed by simply washing the eyes properly. Baby shampoo is an excellent detergent that can be used to wash the eyes. Simply take a dab of shampoo, dilute it with water and wash eyes with the solution. Immediately rinse with cold water, and remove any residual shampoo remaining in your eyes.
4. Coriander Seeds
Coriander is one of the best stye home remedies and can help reduce inflammation and irritation of the eye caused by the infection. To prepare the remedy, take a spoonful of coriander seeds and soak them in cold water for a period of 4 hours. Once the coriander extract is ready, wash the eyes with the extract and clean it with cold water later on. This will help reduce the swelling. Do not substitute coriander seeds with coriander powder as the latter will worsen the irritation.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe’s astringent properties and the cool soothing effect the pulp produces make it one of the best home remedies for getting rid of eye infection. As the aloe extract is harmless to the eye, it can applied directly as an eyelid stye treatment without any preparation. Simply cut the aloe leaf lengthwise and apply the exposed pulpy part to the infected region. For an even effective remedy, boil aloe leaves with chamomile tea, get the extract and rinse the eyes with it.
6. Guava Leaves
The medicinal properties of guava leaves include anti-inflammatory characteristics that help to reduce the swelling in eyelids. To prepare the remedy, obtain 3 or 4 fresh guava leaves, clean them and boil in hot water till the leaves become soft. Wrap the leaves in a clean cloth and squeeze out the excess water. Now carefully apply the wrap to the lumps and apply gentle pressure. Repeat the procedure in 8 hour intervals till the swelling dies out.
7. Potatoes
Potatoes can also be used to get rid of stye and itching in the eyes caused by the infection. Also potato can moisturize the eyes as well, helping to reduce the irritation. Take fresh potatoes, boil and peel them, and mash them to soft lumps. Now allow them to cool, and wrap them around a clean cloth and apply it to the eyelids. Fresh potato slices can also be used, if the irritation become unbearable.
8. Metal Rub
For an immediate relief from stye, rubbing the area of infection with a piece of clean metal such as gold, silver, platinum, or even bronze can provide immediate relief. Gently touch the swollen region with a golden ring or any other smooth metallic object and gently massage it.
9. Garlic Extract
Garlic is an excellent disinfectant and its extract is quite effective in fending off infection. Apply diluted garlic extracts with a swab to the affected region and rinse off immediately to avoid irritation.
10. Cloves
Cloves have both anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties that can be helpful to get rid of stye home remedies to soothe the pain caused by swelling. Simply immerse a few cloves in warm water and let them soak for few hours to obtain the extract. Not apply the extract to the swollen region.
11. Onion
One of the lesser known home remedies for getting rid of stye is onion. It’s a well-known fact that onion causes excessive tearing, but it also triggers the anti-inflammatory response and helps in reducing the inflammation.
12. Warm Water Compress
During the earlier signs of the infection, it might be best to apply a simple warm water compress to get rid of the infection at the earliest. Soak a clean towel in lukewarm water, squeeze dry, and apply it gently on the swollen region with medium pressure.
13. Mineral Oils
Oils can effectively protect the swollen region from attack of other pathogens and can also reduce the spread of the infection. Also mineral oils reduce the formation of pus and help in reducing the irritation caused by the infection.
14. Over-the-Counter Painkillers
In some cases, when subtle home remedies for getting rid of stye don’t seem to help, over-the-counter painkillers can be sought. Painkillers with ibuprofen or aspirin in the formulation can help in getting rid of the pain swiftly.
15. Neem Oil
If you have access to neem oil, then do not hesitate to use it as it one of the most powerful remedies to get rid of stye. Simply take a dash of neem oil on a cotton swab, and apply it over the eye lid region. The swelling should fade away overnight.
16. Toothpaste
The active ingredients in toothpaste can help you get rid of inflammation caused by stye. But only keep it as a last resort, as washing off toothpaste from the eye may require vigorous rubbing, which can lead to irritation.
17. Castor Oil
The low viscous, cool oil is an effective disinfectant and is quite effective against stye. Apply castor oil before sleep using a cotton swab and rinse off in the morning.
Precautions for Eye Stye
- Do not let remedies enter the eye
- Rinse off immediately
- Do not rub or pierce
- Avoid using old eye makeup and lotions
- Wash only with clean water