Stye

A stye is an infection on the edge of the eyelid that occurs in an oil-secreting gland located near the root of an eyelash. Often, more than one gland is affected. Styes are usually bacterial in origin, primarily caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. A more chronic but less inflamed bump in the same area is called a chalazion.

An emerging stye appears as a red, swollen, tender area on the rim of an eyelid. As pus forms, the red area may develop into a fluid-filled blister with a small but visible yellowish spot in the center, and the eye may water. Eventually, the blister opens and drains, and healing can begin.

Because it's irritating to have a bump within one's line of sight, a child may find it irresistible to scratch or rub at the stye, but it is important not to squeeze or try to puncture the lesion. This only worsens the infection. A stye should begin to improve within two or three days. A chalazion can last for several weeks without getting either better or worse.

Supplements and herbs

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

• Use warm herbal compresses. Simmer 1 teaspoon of herb in 1 pint of water for ten minutes. Cool the resulting tea to a comfortably warm temperature and soak a clean cloth in it. Apply this warm, wet compress to the stye for ten minutes, four to six times a day. Any of the following herbs is recommended:
  • Eyebright helps relieve redness and swelling of the eye, and will help clear an eye infection.
  • Oregon grape root is a source of berberine, a potent natural antibiotic.
  • Goldenseal is antibacterial and is also a good source of berberine.
• To support your child's immune system and help clear infection, give him an Echinacea and goldenseal combination formula orally. Echinacea is antiviral and antibacterial; goldenseal is antibacterial and helps to soothe mucous membranes.
  Give your child one dose, three times daily, for one week.