What is a Sty ?

 

A sty is a pimple or abscess on the upper or lower edge of the eyelid that signals an infected eyelid gland. Although sties are usually on the outside of the lid, they can also occur on the underside.

 

An external sty starts as a pimple next to an eyelash. It turns into a red, painful swelling that usually lasts several days before it bursts and then heals. Most external sties are short-lived.

 

An internal sty (on the underside of the lid) also causes a red, painful swelling, but its location prevents the pus from appearing on the eyelid. The sty may disappear completely once the infection is past, or it may leave a small fluid-filled cyst or nodule that can persist and may have to be cut open.

 

Sties are usually harmless and rarely affect your eye or sight. They can occur at any age and tend to recur elsewhere in the lid.

 

What Causes It ?

 

Sties are usually caused by staphylococcal bacteria, which often live in your nostrils and mouth. You can transfer the bacteria to your eyelids just by touching your nose and then rubbing your eyes.

 

What are the Treatments ?

 

While painful and unsightly, most sties heal within a few days on their own or with simple treatment.

 

Typical treatment for a sty consists of applying warm compresses to the affected eye for 10 to 15 minutes four times daily for several days. This not only relieves pain and inflammation but also helps the sty ripen faster. Be sure to close your eye while you apply the compresses. When the sty comes to a head, continue applying warm compresses to relieve pressure and promote rupture. Do not squeeze the sty; let it burst on its own.

 

If sties recur, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or solution. Apply it to the eyelid (with your eye closed) as directed.

 

Sometimes, if there are staphylococcal infections elsewhere in your body as well, your doctor may prescribe an oral systemic antibiotic such as erythromycin. If these conservative treatments fail, surgical removal of the sty may be required.

 

Minor surgery may also be needed to eliminate the cyst that could result from an internal sty. After using a local anesthetic, your ophthalmologist opens the cyst and removes the contents. The eyelid usually heals quickly.

 

How Can You Prevent Sties ?

 

If sties tend to recur, you need to cleanse the outside of your eyelids daily. Put a few drops of very mild baby shampoo into a teacup of warm water and stir. Using a cotton swab, gently brush the mixture over your eyelid once a day, keeping your lids closed. It is very important that you avoid contact of the eyelid with cosmetics, dirty towels, or contaminated hands.

 

Frequent application of warm compresses at the first sign of an infection will prevent further blockage of the lid glands. To keep the infection from spreading to other members of your household, be sure to use a clean, disposable cloth for compresses and do not share washcloths or towels.

 

 

HOMEOPATHIC VIEWPOINT: -

 

STYE: A sty is a boil occurring around the root of an eyelash usually caused by staphylococcal bacteria. A collection of pus at the base of the eyelash produces the characteristic small yellow head.

 

Take Pulsatilla, in the first instance.

 

If it doesn’t work, try Staphysagria, every hour, for up to ten doses.

 

Diluted lavender oil can be applied on the eyelets.