Natural Approach to Styes

Paula Gallagher on
A stye is an eye infection that occurs on the eyelid.

We count on our eyes for so much – they give us a window to the world, providing us with a wealth of information every day. However, on some days, they can cause us to experience unpleasant sensations. We all encounter eye problems at some point, such as itching, burning or redness.

What is a Stye?

A stye is a tiny, painful swelling that can occur on the border of the eyelid. It's caused by a staphylococcal infection in one of the lid's oil-producing glands. Styes normally only last 3 to 4 days and are usually harmless, but if you've ever had one, you know how uncomfortable it can be, not to mention how unattractive it is.

Risks Factors for Developing a Stye

  • Having had a stye in the past.
  • Wearing contact lenses.
  • Poor eye hygiene.
  • Using old or contaminated make-up.
  • Having an eyelid condition called blepharitis.
  • Having health conditions such as rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, or diabetes.

We also tend to be more prone to infections when we are tired. If you have recurrent styes, strengthen your immune system by eating a good diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

Natural Ways to Address Styes

    Immune Support

    If you are prone to styes, Pathway Immune Support can help to boost your immune system's overall performance. Also, wash your hands before touching your eyes and keep your eyelids clean.

    Warm Compress

    Try a warm compress - a warm towel placed over the eye for 15 to 20 minutes, two to four times a day – to help lessen the pain and size of a stye. Continue until the stye drains and the pressure and discomfort disappear. Squeezing or poking a stye will only make it worse by causing more inflammation, swelling, and discomfort. You can also use a warm tea bag, which may help reduce swelling around the affected area of the stye. To use, steep a bag of tea in boiling water for a few minutes and then remove it. Let the tea bag cool until it is comfortable against your skin, then place over the affected area for up to 10 minutes.

    Don't Wear Make-Up

    You should avoid eye makeup while you have a stye in order to keep the area clean, as well at to keep from contaminating your makeup applicator with bacteria from the affected eye.

    Homeopathic Remedies

    Homeopathic remedies can also be effective. The following three remedies should be taken at a dose of three pellets every 2 to 3 hours until symptoms improve:

    • Aconite: Styes that threaten after exposure to chilly weather, or eyestrain, can be soothed with aconite.
    • Pulsatilla: When administered at the first sign of swelling and inflammation, it prevents the production of pus.
    • Hepar Sulph: Aids in the drainage of pus as it develops

    Please consult your healthcare provider if your stye persists beyond a few weeks, the swelling interferes with vision, or if discomfort arises inside the eye.

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