We all love to accentuate our eyes. You have to care for your eyes, in both ways, vision and beauty. While the vision can be sorted with regular visits to the eye specialist, beauty is where we can pitch in. After all, that’s where all the kajals and eyeliners create their magic. But then there are some things where both eye specialists and beauty specialists have to come together for a common solution. When we talk about home remedies for styes on the eyes, we want you to remember that.
So, are there any home remedies for styes on the eyes? Of course there are. But first, you have to know the basics about styes, how to identify it and a few more things. Fret not, we are here with all that you need to know to get rid of these pesky little things that threaten to mar the beauty of your eyes.
What is a sty
This is perhaps the most important question to be asked and answered. What is a sty and how do you know it is not just an insect bite or a breakout?
This can be understood by first knowing what a sty is. A sty is a pimple that forms on the outer edge of the eyelid. Some common symptoms include increased production of tears, swelling, constant pain and soreness, itching and a crust or dry dirt that forms around the eyes. Any of these or in combination, and you have a good reason to worry that this could be a sty.
Usually, a sty takes over a week to go away. But, if it does not, there are medicines to take care of that. However, ensure that you consult with a doctor immediately. These are the eyes that we are talking about. Home remedies for styes on the eyes are there, yes, but it is a good practice to first take a medical opinion and then use these as complementary acts to take care of the styes.
What are the Best Home Remedies for Styes on the Eyes
As we mentioned, this is about your eyes, one of the most delicate areas of the body. It is not advised to do anything here without consulting a doctor. So, the first thing that you should do is ask a specialist. Or else, if you do want to wait, certain harmless home remedies are there. But, apart from those, if you see the symptoms escalating or the drainage increasing, consult a doctor first.
Even with OTC medicines or ointments, it is always advisable to get a professional opinion first. More so if you are sensitive or have autoimmune issues.
Mild soap and water is an option that you should consider if you have a sty. However, given the area around eyes is extremely gentle and thin, you have to be careful about the products you use on it. Use a mild medicated soap or wash that has minimal chemicals. The best option would be to use tear-free baby shampoo and dilute it with warm water. Even then, do not apply it directly on the area around the eyes. Use a cotton swab to apply and massage.
Once you are done, take a clean cloth or cotton swab again and clean the soap/shampoo off. Another option that we can recommend is a saline solution which is also effective in breaking down bacterial membranes. Whatever the option, remember to pick something extremely gentle. Also, stop using the product immediately if any irritation occurs.
Now, this is one of the traditional methods of treating eye styes. Warm compress always works wonders while treating any sort of swelling, including a sty. A sty is defined by pus and oil in the eye and a warm compress helps relieve those, thus cleaning the eye. Drainage is important if you want to treat the eye sty.
A good way to do it is by first taking a clean cloth. The key is to have a warm compress and not a hot one. Just put it on the eye. Do not press. With time, it will tone down the sty.
Do you know what works better than a warm compress? A warm teabag compress. Black tea is rich in essential nutrients that are not only good when ingested but also work well externally as beauty ingredients. It is antibacterial in nature and also helps reduce swelling considerably.
All you have to do is take a warm black tea bag and let it steep for about a minute before usage. Cool it a little bit till it is comfortably warm to be kept on the eyes and then place it for about 10 minutes. Repeat the exercise twice daily for best results.
There are quite a few over-the-counter medicines available for eye styes. However, even OTC meds have strong chemicals. It is always advised to be aware of your own medical history, or better yet, consult a doctor, before going ahead and buying and applying one on your eyes. Your eyes are the most delicate part of your body and it is very important to make sure that whatever you apply or use as medicine for it does not harm your skin or vision in any way.
Take the medication as per the prescribed dosage and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any side effect.
Love wearing makeup? We have bad news for you. Eye styes mean you have to steer clear of your favourite stash of eyeliners, shadows and basically all eye makeup. Makeup has certain irritants present that can go into your eye and aggravate the situation further. Surely you do not want that! Further, it can even increase the growth of bacteria, escalating the infection.
Avoid wearing makeup. Also, if you wear contact lenses, stop wearing them till the sty goes away. Wash your eyes frequently and stick to glasses.
If nothing works, consult a doctor. Don’t wait for your condition to become worse. Identify when the irritation is increasing and when the sty is actually affecting your daily life.
Also, check whether the home remedies for styes that you are trying on are actually improving the condition or not. If not, this is another indication that you should seek professional advice.
Many doctors suggest a warm compress and then a massage with a prescribed ointment. This procedure drains out the pus and dirt inside and also soothes the skin around the eyes.
Ointments are usually available over the counter, but it is always a good idea to consult the doctor first and then use these as a home remedy.
Massage after a warm (or tea bag) compress increases the skin’s ability to absorb ingredients from ointments. This makes it an easy and gentle process to massage in an ointment and drain out the dirt and pus inside. It is important to constantly clean the eyes, otherwise the build-up will increase and affect your vision.
FAQ on Home Remedies for Styes on Eyes
Q. Can a sty be popped?
A. Like every other breakout, it is not advised to pop a sty. It can increase the infection and even spread it to other parts or individuals.
Q. How long does a sty last?
A. Usually, the swelling lasts for around 3 days and if you consult a doctor and get it removed and drained, the healing would further take about 7 days.
Q. When should you see a doctor?
A. Ideally, you should see a doctor when you see your sty getting bigger with an increase in pain, swelling and discharge.
