Heat and dryness can make us more prone to these eye infections.

A stye is a red bump on the eyelid, which can be painful and cause tearing.

This eye infection is more common in the summer because the heat and dry environment make the sweat glands in the lash line prone to becoming obstructed.

Efficient solutions to treat a stye

1. Cleaning. Wash the eye with warm water and soap (pH-neutral) and rinse well. Washing with camomile is also recommendable because of its antiseptic properties.

2. Warm water. Apply a cloth dampened with hot water for 10 minutes. This helps to dilate and drain inflamed glands.

3. Omega 3. The fatty acids in oily fish, nuts and soya are some of the best natural anti-inflammatories and can help the stye to reduce swelling.

4. Avoid processed foods. Try not to eat ultra-processed foods (red meat and sugar). These products have been proven to be inflammatory.

5. No make-up. As long as the stye persists, do not use make-up. Cosmetic products can further irritate the area. And if you use contact lenses, instead wear glasses these days.

6. Aloe vera. It has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Cut off a leaf and remove the pulp. Whisk it and wet a gauze dressing to apply it to the eyelid.

7. Don’t touch it. Under no circumstances should you try and burst the stye open, as you could spread the infection. Do not rub or touch it either. That way you will only make the inflammation worse.

Sources:

Information for patients. Sociedad Española de Oftalmología.

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