STYE | EYELID SKIN PROBLEM AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STOP IT
WHAT IS STYE?
One of the most common eyelids skin problems is Stye. A stye is an infection of the eyelash follicle (external) or of one of the glands on the inside of the eyelid. The infections are usually caused by staphylococcus bacteria. As with most infections, stye could be painful. They are usually noticed as red or pus-filled lumps on the edge of the eyelid. They develop very quickly in a day or two, they do not make your eyes red and do not affect your eyesight. The medical term for a stye is hordeolum.
WHO GETS STYE?
Anybody could get a stye, external stye is a lot more common than an internal stye. The picture used in this blog is of internal stye but the remedies for both internal and external stye are the same. Rubbing the eyelid a lot and dry skin (Eczema-prone skin) are likely to trigger the infection. But they may occur for no obvious reason in otherwise healthy individuals.
The bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, normally lives on healthy skin and causes no harm (and yes, they have every right to live on your skin because they do pay their rent, OK). Occasionally though these bacteria could build up and cause infections on the skin.
REMEDIES FOR STYE:
Most styes get better on their own without any treatment within a few days (up to 7 days).
Currently, the medical advice is to avoid the use of antibiotics (oral, drops or ointments) for stye. If you start to feel unwell, unable to open your eyes, developed a problem with your eyesight or high temperature, speak to your doctor.
The following remedies are those I have personally tried:
1) Leave it alone: The stye would often end up getting a yellow head and draining puss. It does not leave scars and the pain improves as soon as it starts discharging.
2)Use warm flannels/clothes to massage the lump regularly. dip the soft cloth into hot water and squeeze out the water. Allow it to cool slightly to avoid scalding, and gently massage the lid with the eyes closed, in the direction of the eyelashes. Hold the cloth onto the lump for 10 seconds and repeat for 5-10minutes. Do this up to 3-4 times a day if you can. It helps improve drainage and ease the pain.
DO'S AND DONT'S WHEN YOU HAVE STYE:
Stop touching your eyes
- But if you really can't resist and end up touching your eyes, be kind enough to always wash your hands after touching the affected eyelid and before touching anyone. (this one drives me mad)
- Reduce screen time, staring at the computer or phone for hours will irritate your eyes and make them itch, believe me, it will be difficult to avoid touching your eye if that happens.
- Go to bed earlier (of course to rest the eyes)
- If you normally use contact lenses, swap these with glasses.
- NEVER try to pop the spots yourself, you may regret it.
- Avoid using eyelash extensions or mascara (I wouldn't think you need me to tell you this)
- If you can, discard the mascara or liners you were using before you got the stye, they are probably still hosting the Staphylococcus aureus party.
- Don't share facecloths or towels with anyone whilst you have stye, especially NOT someone you love.
- Use regular plain moisturisers to avoid dry skin.
ALL THE BEST.
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