Perhaps few know it, but those who have had it know its annoyance and inconvenience. We are talking about the sty , a formation that appears on the eyelids and can temporarily affect the visual abilities , therefore it can negatively affect our days .

Usually, in milder cases, it passes on its own in a few days . However, there are some natural remedies that can speed up the healing process and mitigate symptoms.

Sty: what it is

Sty is a common infection that affects the eyelid area . It appears as a swelling in the eyelid and is caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands located on the eyelashes; it manifests itself as a pimple, a round, red and painful pimple, which can also extend to the entire lash line.

The internal sty , on the other hand, is a real abscess that generally takes longer to heal.

It is important to treat the sty immediately, especially the internal one, by adopting the right strategies immediately after its appearance, because it can worsen and require surgery to empty the cyst.

Read also Orzaiolo: which cosmetics to avoid >>

The 10 most effective remedies to cure styes

Simple sty can heal on its own in a few days. We can also treat the sty with natural methods to facilitate and shorten the symptoms.

Here are the 10 most effective remedies to treat styes (remember to always keep your eyes closed during applications):

1.   Extra virgin olive oil : you can make compresses with cotton or gauze, several times a day. Numerous healing, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties have been attributed to extra virgin olive oil

2.   Green tea : apply green tea packs to the sty, or directly the tea bags, moist and lukewarm. Leave on for a few minutes, without rubbing. Green tea has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties

3.   Warm water : A warm water pack can be helpful in treating the sty as it helps reduce swelling. A cloth handkerchief or gauze is immersed in hot water and applied for 5-10 minutes, several times a day. The heat will help the sebaceous gland to expel the excess oil and deflate the eye

4.   Aloe Vera gel : apply the aloe gel directly to the affected area, in small quantities, like a compress. You can also use an aloe leaf directly after cutting it, applying it for a few minutes, so that the beneficial substance comes into contact with the sty. Aloe vera gel has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect

5.   Mint : take a few mint leaves, wash and chop them then leave them on the eyelid for a few minutes, repeating morning and evening. The effect will be refreshing and soothing. Keep your eye closed to avoid direct contact with mint

6.   Chamomile : dried flowers or chamomile sachets soaked after the preparation of the drink can be used. Apply the warmed chamomile sachet on the eye: lying down, leave to act for 15-20 minutes. Also repeat 2 or 3 times a day. Alternatively, you can buy dried flowers at a herbalist’s shop, prepare the infusion and then with a gauze, a cotton cloth or a soaked cotton ball make compresses of at least 5 minutes several times a day.

7.   Acacia leaves : bring a handful of acacia leaves to a boil in a saucepan with half a liter of water. Leave to simmer for 5 minutes and filter the liquid; leave to cool. When the infusion is lukewarm, apply a cloth soaked in the infusion to the eye. Leave on for 15-20 minutes in the evening, before going to sleep

8.   Turmeric : Pour 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder into a saucepan, mix and bring to a boil. Let it simmer until half the water has evaporated. Filter the liquid several times through a thin cloth, until all the turmeric grains have been removed. Apply a few drops of filtered liquid on the sty a couple of times a day. Be careful to keep your eyes tightly closed: prolonged compresses with turmeric can lead to the yellowish color of the eye as a side effect.

9.   Mallow : thanks to its mucilage rich in anti-inflammatory and emollient properties, it can be used to make a pack with both flowers and leaves.

10.   Euphrasia : it can be used alone or in combination with chamomile to make lukewarm compresses. On the market there are also good eye drops based on these two plants that help in all cases of eye inflammation

Generally a few days are enough for the eye to regain its shape and color. However, in the most difficult cases of sty , natural remedies may not be sufficient and it is necessary to consult a doctor who will be able to prescribe stronger and more targeted treatments.