Instructions How To Get Rid of a Stye

PDF

Rich Text Format (.rtf)

Microsoft Word (.doc)

A Stye is an infection on the eyelid which expresses itself as a small bump. This infection occurs when dirt particles and bacteria become lodged in hair follicles and/or oil glands located on the eyelid. Typically, styes may last up to a three weeks and can be quite annoying or even painful.

How to Get Rid of a Stye

An example an eye infected with Stye.

Some symptoms include swelling, itching, hypersensitivity, redness, and pain. These symptoms tend to persist for the duration the stye is present until it bursts. There are a variety of methods to deal with a stye but it is important to note that one must never try to force a stye to burst. Remember this infection will contain dangerous bacteria and is located adjacent to the eyeball, which is particularly prone to such things. As such styes should be taken quite seriously. If a stye is too painful or persists longer than two or three weeks one should seek the opinion of a doctor immediately (either a GP or ophthalmologist). Additionally, if someone gets too many styes in a short amount of time and winds up with several on the eye then a doctor’s visit may be a good idea.

There are quite a few ways to deal with the symptoms of a stye without forcing it to burst or seeking a doctor. The most popular method is by using a warm compress. This can be made by simply running a cloth under some hot water then folding it. The folding will retain heat. Make sure the cloth is not uncomfortably hot. Take the warm compress and place it on the affected eye for 5-10 min every 10 min. This will likely alleviate symptoms and encourage the stye to release pus. Do not press down hard, you only want to use a gentle pressure. Remember the goal is to alleviate symptoms not rupture the stye. One can also use a tea bag which may be especially useful since the tannic acid will aid the swelling.

There are also over the counter drops one can use however; always consult a doctor before using them. Ibuprofen has also been named useful in alleviating pain unless subject is under 16 years old.  If one suffers from recurring styes, drinking dandelion tea after every meal has been known to kill the bacteria involved with styes.