Warm compress for styes

Styes, medically known as as Hordeolum, are irritating and aesthetically displeasing infections which occur when there is a blockage in the gland that is at the root of an eyelash. Generally, styes do not cause any harm to the vision. However, the gland swells and turns red, causing pain and discomfort. A pimple develops inside or under the eyelid and this can occur at any age.
It is a bacterial infection caused by staphylococcal bacteria. It can also occur due to conjunctivitis, other eye infections, and poor health.

The common symptoms of a stye are:
• Inflammation of the eyelid,
• Redness of the eyelid,
• Watering of the eyes,
• Pain and,
• Uneasiness in the eye.

Home Remedies for styes

Most styes eventually heal on their own, but there are are a few home remedies that may help speed up the process.

• The most safe and effective way to treat styes is by using a warm compress, which is applied directly to the eye for 5-10 minutes a couple of times a day. Warm compresses increase the blood circulation and thus maximize the supply of white blood cells (WBCs) that combat infection. Hence, compresses increase the blood supply to the infected area, helping the body fight the bacteria.

• You must make sure that the cloth is clean and wring the cloth after dipping it in warm water. The water should be as warm as you can tolerate. Place the moist and warm cloth on the stye . You must wash the cloth thoroughly after using it each time.

• It is recommended to use a warm compress of guava leaves to reduce the redness, swelling, and pain in the eye. You must apply the compress over the eye a couple of times in the day.

• You can also use teabags for treating a stye as tea contains tannic acid that helps reduce the size of the stye. Ensure that the teabag is warm and moist before use.

• You are also advised to prepare a herbal solution by boiling acacia leaves, parsley, and roasted bancha leaves. After the solution cools, dip a clean cloth in it and apply the poultice on the stye.

• You must not poke, squeeze, or prick the stye as it will worsen the condition and you risk spreading the infection. Be patient and let it dry and drain on its own.

• You must avoid eye make up till your eye gets better as you risk contaminating your makeup and applicators with bacteria. You must also avoid wearing contact lenses while you have a stye.

• You must wash the roots of your lashes everyday with mild soap on a cotton ball or washcloth to prevent the stye from coming back.