Stye in the eye

Waking up and discovering you have a stye can be an unpleasant experience, accompanied by a few days of discomfort as you wait for it to subside.

Have you ever wondered what causes a stye?
An internal stye forms when one of the oil glands in your eyelids becomes clogged or obstructed. An external stye occurs when there’s an infection inside the hair follicle of an eyelash. Essentially, it’s similar to a common acne pimple. It’s important to note that styes can occur in multiple instances at the same time, adding to the discomfort and frustration.

Here are a few tips to reduce the discomfort of a stye.

Apply a clean, warm compress to the affected eye for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day.
The warmth helps to increase blood circulation, and promote the natural drainage of the stye.

Keep the area clean. Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching or rubbing your eyes.

Avoid makeup and contact lenses until the stye has healed. These can further irritate the eye and prolong the recovery process.

Don’t squeeze or pop the stye. It may be tempting but avoid touching the stye as it can lead to further infection, or spread the bacteria.

Over-the-counter remedies. You can find over-the-counter treatments such as eyelid scrubs or ointments specifically designed to alleviate styes. These can help with symptom relief, and expedite healing.

Consult a healthcare professional if the stye persists or worsens after a few days of home treatment.

Remember, it’s crucial to exercise caution and consult a professional if the stye doesn’t improve, or if you experience severe symptoms such as vision problems or excessive pain.