An eye sty is a common infection of the hair follicle of an eyelash.

Usually an eye sty starts with a small pimple. Within the next few days, it gets filled with pus and consequently bursts and heals on its own with the draining of infection.

An eye sty is believed to be caused by some debility in the system. It can even be caused due to blockage of glands by dirt or refraction error. A sty in the eye is usually a harmless development and can be treated at home. Styes may be treated by making a decoction (prepared from the roots, seeds, stems and other parts of the plants that are boiled in water) of eyebright and chamomile, to help reduce the inflammation.

Sometimes, the infection disappears quickly, without forming into a red swelling. But other styes worsen rapidly until the eyelid swells up.

Eye sty also occurs when staphylococcal bacteria infect one of the tiny glands at the base of the eyelid hairs and then becomes inflamed. It is commonly found as a small bump on the base of the eyelid.

Sty is often accompanied with certain complications. The symptoms of styes may resemble other conditions or medical problems.

Eye Sty Treatment

• Do not touch your eyes when you are gardening or cooking.
• You should protect your eyes from air pollution and dust.
• You should wear sunglasses when going outside on a sunny day.
• Slit an aloe leaf lengthwise and place the pulpy side on the sore eye.