A stye is a lump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and rosacea, and practices like rubbing your eye can increase the chances of getting one.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR STYE

Stye is painful initially but more important, Stye in the eye is a distracting sight for an onlooker which makes you feel very conscious and awkward.

There are number of Homoeopathic medicines which are helpful in giving relief in this disease condition. Selected according to the symptoms and also the side affection (right/left, upper eyelid/lower eyelid) and patient’s characteristic symptoms, the homoeopathic remedy, not only help in dissolving the Stye in an acute condition but eradicate the tendency to have a Stye again. 

KNOW YOUR DISEASE

A stye is a bacterial infection involving one or more of the small glands near the base of your eyelashes. It is similar to a boil or a pimple and is often painful.

A stye forms when a tiny oil-producing gland in your eyelash follicle or eyelid skin becomes blocked and gets infected. The medical term for a stye is a hordeolum.

There are two types of styes.

• External styes. These form on the outer part of either the upper or lower eyelid. External styes are the most common type and are usually caused by an infection in your eyelash follicle.
• Internal styes. They form on either of your inner eyelids (facing your eyeball). An internal stye is usually caused by an infection in the inner eyelid gland that produces oils that help keep your eyelid moist.

CAUSES OF STYE

A stye is caused by a bacterial infection in your eyelid’s oil-producing glands. The oil-producing glands line the eyelids and help lubricate the surface of the eye.

SYMPTOMS OF STYE

Signs and symptoms of a stye include:

• A red lump on your eyelid that is similar to a boil or a pimple
• Eyelid pain
• Eyelid swelling
• Tearing

RISK FACTORS

You are at increased risk of a stye if you:

• Touch your eyes with unwashed hands
• Insert your contact lenses without thoroughly disinfecting them or washing your hands first.
• Leave on eye makeup overnight
• Use old or expired cosmetics
• Have blepharitis, a chronic inflammation along the edge of the eyelid
• Have rosacea, a skin condition characterized by facial redness

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will usually diagnose a stye just by looking at your eyelid. 

Self - care of Stye

To feel better faster and reduce pain and swelling, you can use a self-care plan to ease your symptoms of a stye at home. Here are some dos and don’ts to manage your stye at home.

DO’S

• Use warm compresses. Apply a warm washcloth to the eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, from three to five times per day. Rewarm the washcloth by soaking it in warm water, wring and repeat.
• Clean eyelids. Gently wipe away eye discharge with a mild soapy solution made from half baby shampoo and half water.

DON’TS

• Squeeze or pop a stye
• Rub or touch your eyelid
• Wear makeup or contact lenses until the area has healed

CAN STYES BE PREVENTED?

The best way to prevent a stye is to practice good facial hygiene, including:

• Washing your hands thoroughly and often, especially before touching your face and eyes.
• Washing your hands before and after removing contact lenses.
• Washing your face to remove dirt and/or makeup before going to bed.
• Throwing away eye makeup every two to three months. Never share eye makeup with anyone else.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

AN OUTLOOK ON STYE - BY DR. SMRITI’S HOMOEOPATHIC HEALING

Though they can be painful, most styes aren’t a cause for concern. Having a stye is usually manageable with good eyelid hygiene and homoeopathic medicines which not only treat the acute condition but also treat its recurrence. Neither you nor your child need to miss school or work while waiting for a stye to heal.