Styes
What are the symptoms of this condition?
The symptoms of a stye are pain, tenderness and swelling in the eyelid; the upper or the lower eyelid may be affected. A yellow head may be seen somewhere along the edge of the affected eyelid, which can be very noticeable.Because of the infection and swelling, styes can be intensely painful. Eventually, the accumulated pus will discharge spontaneously through the 'head'. Once this has happened the swelling and tenderness will die away.
What is the cause of the condition?
A stye is the result of a bacterial infection in an eye lash follicle (the root of the eye lash).What complications might occur?
Styes are usually self-limiting and do not lead to more serious problems. If not treated successfully, the infection may return - it's important to treat the infection for 2 days after the symptoms have been relieved, as most people feel better before the infection is fully eliminated.What can I do to treat myself?
A stye will eventually resolve itself, whether it is treated or not; however, relief may be obtained quickly by following the advice below.The symptoms of pain and swelling result from the pus being trapped in the lash follicle. If the pus is encouraged to discharge, the symptoms will be relieved; warmth and moisture applied to the infected part of the eye lid will help achieve this. An old but reliable method of applying warmth and moisture is 'hot spoon bathing'. Take a wooden spoon and bandage a wad of cotton wool on to the lower part of the spoon. The bandaged cotton wool is then soaked in hot, steaming water. The spoon is then held close to the eye so that the steam and warmth circulate past the lid. As the cotton wool cools, it can be applied directly to the eye lid. This process will help relieve the pain and encourage the stye to discharge.
Warm compresses help to fight the infection by improving the circulation to the eye lid. The warmth encourages blood vessels to increase in size. As they do so, the increased blood flow brings more white blood cells to the area, which are the body's natural fighters of infection.
What treatments are available for me to purchase?
The main two products available without a prescription are Brolene and Golden Eye, which are both based on the same antibacterial ingredient, and come in two forms - drops and ointment. Ointments don't have to be applied as frequently, because of their thickness; treatment should be continued for two days after the symptoms have cleared, to ensure eradication of the infection, as mentioned above.To view the full range of stye treatments available from Pharmacy2U Click here
What treatments are available from my doctor?
If the styes keep recurring, and do not respond to non-prescription remedies, then you should contact your doctor who will be able to prescribe stronger antibiotic preparations, if it is thought that these are suitable.What additional investigations might be needed?
You are unlikely to require any further investigations, unless there are any additional symptoms, such as a disturbance of vision, a pain inside the eye, or extensive redness on the surface of the eye, in which case your doctor will give you more advice.Any other information I should have?
Styes are minor infections affecting the eye lids, and should respond well to the self-treatment measures outlined above. Further advice on dealing with a stye can be obtained from the Pharmacy2U pharmacist.Email Newsletter
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