If the eyelid suddenly swells, the cause may be a so-called stye (hordeolum) on the eye. The inflammation on the eyelid is usually harmless but annoying. You may be wondering: What can you do about a stye? With these simple tips, you can get rid of styes quickly.
What is a stye?
The blister on the edge of the eyelid looks so small and inconspicuous but feels huge and creates an unpleasant feeling of pressure and a foreign body in the eye. It is a purulent inflammation of the eyelid. Typically, the eyelid is red, swollen and sensitive to pressure. A stye (technical term: hordeolum) is usually caused by an infection with bacteria, usually staphylococci, which have entered the eyes via unwashed hands, for example. Both the sebaceous and sweat glands of the eyelid become inflamed, and pus accumulates. This has the characteristic shape of a yellow knot and is, therefore, called a stye. A stye often occurs together with acne or impure skin. Poor hygiene when using contact lenses or applying make-up is also a possible cause.
Stye on the eye – what to do?
Generally speaking, you have to be patient and wait. The stye usually empties itself and heals. Medical help is usually not necessary. Disinfectants, over-the-counter eye drops, and ointments, for example, with the active ingredient bibrocathol, can help control the bacteria. Ointments can blur your vision a little because they leave a film on the cornea – they are, therefore, suitable before going to bed. Eye drops can also provide relief during the day.
Stye home remedies
If you don’t want to use ointments or drops, you can also use home remedies.
Red light lamp: irradiate the stye with dry heat several times a day. To do this, sit in front of the red light lamp with your eyes closed for about five to ten minutes a day. The heat can cause the stye to open more quickly and therefore heal more quickly.
Quark compresses: Spread quark on a linen cloth and place the compress on the closed eyelid for ten minutes. Quark is considered a proven natural remedy for inflammation.
Black tea: Briefly place a tea bag in boiling water and allow it to cool. Squeeze the water and place it on the closed eyelid for around 10 minutes. The tannins in the tea can promote healing.
Eyebright infusion: Prepare a tea from eyebright herb (available in health food stores or pharmacies), let it cool and dab the eyelid with it.
Compress with fenugreek seeds: Boil a tea from fenugreek, let it cool and soak a linen cloth in it, then place it on the closed eyelid. The active ingredients in the fenugreek seeds are said to draw fluid out of the tissue and thus dry out the stye.