Most of us have experienced a stye, a common condition seen in primary and urgent care settings. The eyelid has many oil and sweat glands, which help keep eyes from becoming too dry. Styes occur when these areas become affected by bacteria.
Addressing styes promptly is important to avoid complications, as they could lead to larger issues such as cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, or a chalazion, a larger lump on the eyelid. Styes typically resolve on their own in a week or two. However, there are methods that may help manage a stye and support the prevention of future occurrences. In this article, we will explore ways to manage a stye and natural methods to support eye health.
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What Is a Stye?
A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a small painful bump typically near the edge of an eyelid caused by an issue with the oil glands or hair follicles. They may be on the inner eyelid (internal hordeolum) or the outside of the eyelid (external hordeolum), causing redness, swelling, and discomfort.
Styes may cause other symptoms, including:
- A scratchy sensation in the eye
- Photosensitivity
- Eyelid discomfort
- Tearing of the eye
- Eye crusting
The exact incidence of styes is unknown; however, 90-95% of the time, styes are associated with Staphylococcus aureus, with Staphylococcus epidermidis being the second most common association. Several factors can increase your chances of getting a stye, such as:
- Poor eye hygiene
- Frequent eye touching or rubbing
- Using old or contaminated eye makeup
- Wearing contact lenses
- Sharing make-up with others
- Having certain eye conditions such as blepharitis
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Having skin conditions such as rosacea
- Immunosuppressive conditions such as diabetes
- Increased stress
Styes are diagnosed clinically with an examination. If a patient experiences frequent styes, providers may investigate further into potential causes.
Natural Approaches to Managing a Stye
Natural management options can be considered at the onset of a stye.
- Warm compresses: Applying hot or warm compresses may help support drainage of the eye. This may facilitate drainage by softening the granuloma (a soft nodule). It is suggested to apply compresses for 5-10 minutes several times daily until the stye resolves.
- Proper Eyelid Hygiene: Proper hygiene is key for prevention and to avoid worsening of the condition. Cleansing with gentle soap, baby shampoo (tear-free), or eyelid wipes can help keep the area clean and may promote drainage by clearing debris from the clogged duct.
- Avoid: squeezing or popping the stye is not recommended, and touching the area should be avoided. Prior contacts worn should be discarded, and new contacts should not be worn until the stye resolves. Makeup should be avoided during this time.
- Diet and Lifestyle Considerations: Adopting a balanced diet rich in nutrients that supports overall health may support immune function and promote healing.
- Zinc is important for immune function and wound healing.
- Vitamin C plays a role in skin health and immunity.
- Omega-3 fatty acids have properties that may help support eyelid health.
- Vitamin A supports eye health and the immune system.
- Processed foods may hinder the body’s ability to manage infections and should be limited.
- Vitamin D helps regulate immune responses. Supplementation may be important, especially for those who do not receive adequate sunlight.
Pharmaceutical and Over-the-Counter Approaches
Over-the-Counter
There are several over-the-counter options for styes that may be considered, such as eyelid cleansers or wipes to keep the area clean and limit the spread of bacteria. These products are specifically for eyelid hygiene.
- Lubricating eye drops can help relieve irritating symptoms that styes tend to cause, providing some temporary relief and more comfort. Pain relievers such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen may also be considered.
- Those with a history of allergies and experiencing itchy eyes may consider using allergy eye drops to limit the amount of rubbing and inflammation.
- Antibiotic eye ointments may be necessary if initial management measures do not resolve styes. Recent study findings show that an antibiotic is unlikely to resolve a hordeolum or chalazion, even though it's frequently prescribed. some text
- Antibiotics may be recommended for persistent styes or if there are signs of worsening infection. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is most commonly prescribed and offers the added benefit of lubrication. Oral or systemic antibiotics may be necessary if there are signs of more severe infections, such as cellulitis.
Minor Medical Procedures
Medical procedures such as lancing or draining of styes may be performed by a qualified healthcare professional, ophthalmologist, or optometrist if the stye is persistent, large, increasingly bothersome, or has a large collection of pus.
An incision and drainage allow pus to drain, relieving pressure. It is vital that healthcare providers perform these procedures in a sterile environment. If not done properly, they could worsen the condition.
Supporting Eye Health to Prevent Styes
Good eye hygiene may help prevent styes. This includes washing hands thoroughly before touching or rubbing the eyes. Old cosmetics should not be used, and no makeup should be shared among individuals. All makeup should be washed off thoroughly before bedtime.
Contact lens users should wash their hands thoroughly before removing or placing lenses in their eyes and care for and wash their lenses regularly.
Maintaining health through a Mediterranean diet, obtaining adequate sleep, regular exercise, and managing stress may support immune function. These areas aid the body in its ability to manage infections, like styes.
An anti-inflammatory diet may help manage chronic inflammation, supporting the immune system. It is important to incorporate foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and adequate fiber.
Chronic stress can affect the immune system. Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, nature walks, and practicing mindfulness can help improve the mind-body connection.
Immune-supporting supplements and herbs may be considered as part of a daily routine, such as zinc, Vitamin C, probiotics, and Vitamin D. Supporting immunity can help the body manage infections, decrease inflammation, and promote healing.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a healthcare professional when initial natural approaches do not resolve symptoms, if they have been present for at least 2 weeks, or if symptoms worsen. Immediate attention is recommended for worsening redness, discomfort, changes in vision, or the onset of fevers.
Orbital cellulitis is a severe condition that affects the tissues within the eye socket. It is a medical emergency that requires IV antibiotics and sometimes surgical drainage to prevent future complications like vision loss. Although these severe conditions are rare, they are more prevalent in individuals who are more prone to infections, such as those taking immunosuppressants or diabetics.
Recurring styes can indicate underlying medical issues such as impaired blood sugar control or diabetes. A root-cause approach by a functional medicine provider may be beneficial.
Those with blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, may experience more frequent styes or eye issues. These individuals should follow up with an eye specialist to support eye health.
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Key Takeaways
- Managing a stye often involves home remedies. Warm compresses should be prioritized.
- It is important to practice good eyelid hygiene and avoid touching the eye. Over-the-counter options may help alleviate discomfort and symptoms.
- Early interventions are important to manage the spread of bacterial issues, as this may lead to serious conditions requiring antibiotics or medical interventions.
- Seeking medical attention is important for recurrent styes, as underlying issues may contribute to the condition's cause. Working with a functional medicine provider may lead to proper diagnoses and personalized approaches to support eye health.
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