A sty is a red and painful lump on the edge of the eyelid that can resemble a pimple. Usually these are infections, filled with pus. In most cases they are on the outside of the lid, but can sometimes form on the inner part of the eye lid. Although they are irritating and uncomfortable, mild infections will clear spontaneously within several days. However, there are ways to relieve the pain and speed the healing at home.
Warm Cloth
According to MayoClinic.com, pain can be relieved using a warm, wet washcloth compress over the eye for 10 minutes, several times each day. The washcloth may have to be re-wet every several minutes to maintain the warmth desired. This may encourage the sty to drain spontaneously. Do not try to pop or squeeze pus from the sty because it can drive the infection further into the skin and create a worsening problem.
Teabag
Tea contains tannic acid that helps to draw out infections. According to Doctor-Clinic.org, tea bags can be wet with warm water and placed over the eye for 10 to 15 minutes. Care should be taken to keep the eye closed and the tannic acid out of the eye. Individuals may choose to apply a teabag recently used to make tea. Ensure that the teabag has cooled sufficiently to prevent burns.
Coriander
According to HomeRemedies.com, a coriander eye compress will help reduce pain, inflammation and discomfort. Take one teaspoon of coriander seeds and boil them in a cup of water. After the water has cooled to prevent any burns, use the water to wash the exterior of the eye 3-4 times per day.
Herbal Solutions
A concentrated extract from acacia leaves can be made by boiling them with 2 cups of water, according to HomeRemedies.com. The water can be used as a compress on the eyelid to relieve pain and discomfort. Before soaking a washcloth in the liquid, it should be strained to remove the leaves. Cloves and dandelion tea are other options to treat a sty at home. Cloves can be soaked for an hour or two and the water applied as a compress to the infected eye to help relieve the pain and speed healing. Dandelion tea is a natural antibiotic that can be drunk several times per day. It will help to fight the infection that causes a sty in the eye.
Potatoes
Raw potatoes have properties that help to reduce the inflammation and pain from an infection of a sty. According to Doctor-Clinic.org, patients can make a paste with the potato using warm water. Spread the paste on a cloth and apply it externally over an inflamed eye to reduce swelling and speed healing.
Member Comments