WARM COMPRESS: THE ULTIMATE STYE RELIEF TECHNIQUE

When discussing the treatment of a stye, there are numerous misconceptions, such as the idea that rubbing a gold ring on a stye is a treatment option; this belief lacks any scientific support. Rubbing a ring on your eye may elevate the chance of infection, harm the cornea, or force pus into the eyelid.  Or the attempt to pop a stye: This can lead to increased painful swelling, increasing the potential to spread the infection. It may also damage the eyelid’s tissue and result in scarring.

Also, many people think that using green tea bags soaked in warm water as eye compresses will alleviate the discomfort and enhance healing, partly because of green tea’s antibacterial properties. Some researchers have indicated that a natural antioxidant in green tea can dismantle bacteria’s cell walls, effectively eliminating it. While there is some debate regarding this topic among eye specialists, it won’t cause harm and should be at least as beneficial as using a warm washcloth as a compress.

The validity of these claims is worth exploring, so stay tuned for more information.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR STYES?

A stye typically resolves on its own within one to two weeks. However, to speed up healing and reduce swelling of stye, follow a self-care regimen or home remedies to treat your stye. Here are some recommendations  for managing your style at home.

1. Warm compresses: Place a warm washcloth on your eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, three to five times a day. Keep reheating the washcloth by soaking it in warm water, wringing it out, and repeating the process.
2. Maintain clean eyelids: Remove eye discharge with a mild soap solution made of half-baby shampoo and half water. You may also use eyelid wipes, which can be found in most pharmacies.
3. Antibiotic ointments or creams
4. Pain relief medication
5. Surgical drainage (in severe situations)

PREVENTION TIPS FOR STYES

The most effective way to prevent a stye is to maintain good facial hygiene, which includes:

1. Maintain good eyelid hygiene
2. Avoid sharing cosmetics or makeup brushes
3. Follow proper methods to remove contact lenses
4. Refrain from rubbing your eyes or touching the affected area
5. wash your hands regularly before touching your face and eyes.
6. contact lens hygiene: Cleaning your hands before and after taking out contact lenses. Disinfecting and cleaning your lenses with an appropriate solution. Disposing of daily wear or other “limited use” lenses according to your eye care provider’s recommendations.
7. Wash your face to eliminate dirt and/or makeup before bedtime.
8. Replacing eye makeup every two to three months.

CONCLUSION

Styes can be irritating, but they are easily manageable. To ensure a swift recovery from a stye, do not squeeze or pop a stye, and avoid rubbing or touching your eyelid. Additionally, if you are female, do not wear makeup or contact lenses until the area has healed. Consult your healthcare provider: if the eye becomes completely swollen shut, pus or blood is discharged from the bump, Pains and/or swelling worsen after the initial two to three days, Blisters appear on your eyelid, the eyelids feel warm, and finally, if any changes in your vision occur.

To rule out other more severe conditions, especially in cases where Styes frequently reoccur consults an Optometrist at TREETOP VISION EYE CENTRE (TREVEC), the best eye clinic in Utako, Abuja.

TREVEC CARES!!!