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Recurring styes can be a sign of low immune function and stress

Q&A: What to do about styes?

Q – I keep getting styes. I’m now on my seventh in a row. My doctor says it’s stress-related, but I don’t feel stressed. Could I be stressed without knowing it? Is there anything I can do.

A – A stye is a small bump caused by infection of an eyelash follicle. they can get better without any treatment within one to three weeks, but while they persist they can be painful.

Nevertheless, recurrent styes do indicate that your immune system is not functioning optimally and stress can be one of the factors that is undermining your health, although a poor diet or build up of toxins can be other factors.

The herb echinacea is an effective anti-microbial and immune stimulant. Take a course of the tincture three times a day for six weeks.

You may also want to consider supplements. Try taking anti-oxidant vitamin C and zinc to boost the immune system.

External remedies

Eyebright is a traditional remedy for a range of eye problems. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Try making an infusion by steeping a handful of the dried herb in a bowlful of boiling water.

Once the infusion has cooled – it should be warm not hot – strain it. You can then make a compress by dipping a washcloth in it, squeeze out the excess liquid and apply it to the closed eye. Eyebright is for external use only.

Chamomile can be taken internally as a tonic and used externally to treat the infection. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect. For a quick fix you can just place cool teabags on your eye or eyes for 15 minutes, or follow the infusion instructions for the eyebright compress above but using dried chamomile instead.

Natural saline eye washes can also give some comfort – but remember to be scrupulous about keeping the bottles and the eyewash cups clean.

Clean up your environment

There are some practical measures you can take as well. If you have recurring styes it may be time to do an inventory of your make-up. Very old eye shadows and mascara and eyeliners can become contaminated with bacteria over time, so consider an upgrade. While the stye is present try to do away with eye make-up altogether as it can act as an irritant.

We probably touch our eyes more often than most of us realise. So, remember to wash your hands regularly, not just after using the toilet, but also after using public transport or just being out and about, or if you have a cold. This is especially important if you wear contact lenses.

Try also to keep office equipment – i.e. your mouse, keyboard and phone – clean so you don’t keep reinfecting yourself.

If, as your doctor suggests, stress seems to be the main factor, make steps to deal with it a priority. See our feature De-stress, Naturally for ways to begin.