What is Stye?
A stye is a painful reddish lump in the eyelid as a result of localized infection. The condition is also termed as sty or hordeolum. A stye is of two types:
- External Stye: It occurs in the outside of your eyelid. It is more common than an internal stye.
- Internal Stye: It occurs within the eyelid tissue (meibomian gland). They push on the eye as they grow and are more painful than an external stye.
Causes:
A stye is caused by staphylococcal bacteria. This bacterium is found in the nose. When you rub your nose and then your eyes, the bacteria are transferred to the eyes and cause the infection. A stye is caused if proper care is not given to the hygiene of the eyes.
Symptoms:
- Swollen eyelids
- Tenderness
- Reddish lump in the eyelid
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eye(s)
- The crust on the edge of the eyelid (eye discharge)
- Pain
- Burning sensation
Home Remedies:
- Most styes heal on their own within a few days. You can use the following home remedies techniques to prevent and cure styes.
- Soak a clean cloth in warm water. Apply such cloth over your eye(s) for a few minutes.
- Avoid touching and/or rubbing your eyes.
- Don’t use contact lenses.
- Wash your hands regularly and/or frequently.
- Don’t wear mascara or eyeliner.
- Grind and extract fine paste from tamarind (imali) seeds and apply on the eyelid(s).
