How do you treat a stye?

introduction

The stye is a bacterial infection of glands on the eyelid. In technical language it is also called Hordeolum designated. The settled bacteria lead to an accumulation of pus (abscess), which can be painful. Externally, the stye can be recognized by a swollen and reddened eyelid. Often the affected eye is watering. Stye often affects patients who have a weakened immune system.

A stye is contagious. Bacteria can be transferred to other parts of the body or to other people through the pus, so that an accumulation of pus can also form there.

Therapy / treatment

A stye is usually not dangerous. After a few days, the pus collection usually opens by itself and the pus can drain away. The stye then usually heals by itself and does not require any further treatment. But it is very important to pay attention to hygiene. The pus contains bacteria that can be transmitted. This is especially dangerous if the infection spreads to the eye. Therefore, the stye should not be touched to avoid transmission of the pathogen. Frequent hand washing and possible disinfection of hands are recommended.

In no case should you try to open the pus collection yourself. There is a risk of the pathogen spreading and the risk of the infection spreading is very high.

The doctor may prescribe eye ointments or eye drops containing antibiotics for stye. These prevent the pathogen from spreading further. In very serious cases, it may also be necessary to take antibiotics in tablet form. These then act systemically, that is, throughout the body and are used when the pathogens have already spread further. Preparations containing antibiotics are often used on what is known as an inner stye, as the risk of the pathogen spreading is particularly high with this. There is a risk here that the bacteria cause conjunctivitis or inflammation of the eye socket, which should be prevented by the administration of antibiotics.

Read more on the topic: Dexa-gentamicin eye ointment or Floxal eye drops, Floxal

If the pus does not drain away on its own after a while, a doctor must open the stye with a small prick. This should be done even if the pain and the resulting pressure of the eyelid increase.

Wearers of contact lenses should avoid wearing contact lenses if possible when stye occurs.

If stye occurs frequently, the cause should be clarified by a doctor. This could be a sign of a weakened immune system or diabetes (diabetes mellitus).

Home remedies

There are some home remedies that can help speed up the healing process of one Stye can be used.

The application of dry warmth can promote the healing process of a stye, for example through red light the blood flow to the eye is stimulated and causes the stye to open up faster. For this method, the closed eye should be irradiated for about 10 minutes from a distance of about 40 cm about three times a day. In contrast to this, moist heat, for example with warm rags on the eye, should definitely be avoided. They promote the spread of the pathogen.

This is important several times a day Clean of the stuck eye, making sure, for example, that a compress or a Paper handkerchief that will not be used afterwards. The incrustations can be carefully removed with warm water. If these are very persistent, something can also do Baby shampoo or olive oil be used. Also lukewarm fennel- or Camomile tea can be used for cleaning. The wipes used should be thrown away after use to prevent the pathogen from spreading. Also using creams or tinctures Tea tree oil or Juniper oil can be helpful.

Since a recurring stye is an indication of a weakened one immune system a recurrence can be counteracted by supporting the immune system. A balanced one nutrition is the basis for a well-functioning immune system, as well as sufficient Drinkto flush toxins from the body. In addition, the gift of Vitamin C and E. support the immune system. Before taking such preparations, however, you should consult a doctor.

Homeopathy / globules

Various homeopathic remedies can lead to an improvement in the symptoms of a stye. These are mainly called Globules (Globules) administered. If the pain persists or even worsens despite the treatment, a doctor should definitely be consulted.

Before pus forms on the eyelid, you can Arnica and Belladonna given to suppress pus formation. If pus has already collected and there is an acute inflammation, it may Hepar sulfuris given to help drain pus. Also Apis mellifica, Pulsatilla and Staphisagria can help with existing pain and swelling.

Recurring barley grains can be used with Staphisagria or alternatively with Sulfur be treated.

Therapy in children

Children and babies are significantly more common of Barley grains affected as adults. That's because you immune system is not yet fully developed. Since children often rub their eyes with their hands, it is essential to be strict hygiene to pay attention. This includes common Wash your hands and using your own towel and washcloth.

As a rule, stye heals on its own in children, but it is still advisable to have one Pediatrician because the risk of spreading the pathogen into the eyes is very high. This then decides whether antibiotic ointments or eye drop are necessary.

You should never try to express the stye yourself, as here too the bacteria threatens. The healing process can be through a Red light lamp be accelerated as this stimulates the self-opening of the stye.

ointment

If the risk of the stye spreading pathogens is very high, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic eye ointment (e.g. Floxal eye ointment). Eye drops are also a possible alternative. This is usually used for around 3 to 5 days and kills the bacteria. This prevents the bacteria from being transferred to the eye or other parts of the body. The doctor will decide whether antibiotic treatment is necessary.