Struggling with Styes: Seeking Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions

Hello doctor, I am someone who gets styes very frequently, extremely!

I have been experiencing this since I was young, but I always go to bed early, between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
My stomach has not been well, so I eat very lightly and also use heat therapy.
I am careful not to touch my eyes; I always wash my hands before doing so.
I live a stress-free life, shower daily, and wash my face both morning and night.
My home is very clean, and I pay close attention to all the precautions regarding styes, yet they still keep appearing.
They suddenly emerge within a day; first, I feel fatigue and dryness around my eyes (even after sleeping), followed by a stinging sensation, and then the stye develops.
Once a stye appears, heat therapy and topical medications do not help; I have to undergo surgery to remove it.
This is very bothersome.
Doctor, could this be considered a type of allergy? I wonder if there are any new treatments in traditional Chinese medicine that could effectively cure this annoying condition.
Thank you in advance, Doctor.
P.S.
Due to my stomach issues, I have been continuously taking both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine for my spleen and stomach.

HAGA, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/11/10

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear HAGA/23/0 user,
1.
You sleep very early, have sufficient sleep, do not rub your eyes, pay attention to hand hygiene, live a stress-free life, shower daily, wash your face in the morning and evening, and keep your home very clean, yet you still frequently develop styes.
This may be related to your individual constitution, which could be classified as a damp-heat constitution.
A stye, known in Western medicine as a hordeolum, is caused by the blockage of the sebaceous glands in the eyelids (similar to severe acne on the upper and lower eyelids) and subsequent bacterial infection, often due to Staphylococcus aureus.
2.
Western medical treatments include warm compresses, antibiotic eye drops, ointments, or surgical intervention.
3.
Based on your constitution, it can be preliminarily assessed as a type of "damp-heat allergic constitution." Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment should focus on clearing heat and promoting dampness elimination.
You should avoid foods that can generate heat or irritation, such as fried and spicy foods.
Regular visits to a TCM clinic for a "syndrome differentiation and treatment" approach using heat-clearing and detoxifying herbal medicine for preventive treatment may help change your constitution and prevent the recurrence of styes.
4.
Finally, I wish you good health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Lin Ching-Chung, Assistant Professor, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fengyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2010/11/10

More Info

Struggling with styes can indeed be a frustrating experience, especially when you've taken all the necessary precautions to maintain eye hygiene and overall health. Styes, or hordeola, are localized infections of the eyelid glands, typically caused by bacteria, often Staphylococcus aureus. They can manifest as painful, red bumps on the eyelid, and while they are usually self-limiting, they can be persistent and bothersome, as you've described.

Your symptoms of fatigue and dryness around the eyes, followed by the sudden appearance of styes, suggest that there may be underlying factors contributing to this recurrent issue. While styes are not classified as an allergic reaction, they can be exacerbated by certain conditions, including chronic blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins), seborrheic dermatitis, or even hormonal changes. Additionally, if you have a history of gastrointestinal issues, it could potentially affect your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), styes may be viewed through the lens of imbalances in the body's systems. TCM practitioners often consider factors such as heat, dampness, and blood stasis. For instance, a stye may be attributed to "excess heat" in the body, which can manifest as inflammation and infection. TCM treatments may include herbal remedies, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments aimed at cooling the body and promoting better circulation.

Here are some TCM approaches that might be beneficial for you:
1. Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs are known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. For example, herbs like honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua) and chrysanthemum (Ju Hua) are often used to clear heat and toxins from the body. A TCM practitioner may prescribe a custom herbal formula tailored to your specific symptoms and constitution.

2. Acupuncture: This treatment can help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Specific acupuncture points may be targeted to alleviate symptoms and promote healing in the eye area.

3. Dietary Adjustments: Since you mentioned having a sensitive stomach, it’s essential to focus on a balanced diet that supports your digestive health while also addressing the heat in your body. Foods that are cooling in nature, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and green leafy vegetables, may help. Avoiding spicy, greasy, or overly processed foods can also be beneficial.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining good eye hygiene is crucial, but you might also want to consider reducing screen time and ensuring adequate rest for your eyes. Stress management techniques, such as meditation or gentle yoga, can also support overall health and well-being.

5. Consultation with a TCM Practitioner: Since you have ongoing gastrointestinal issues and recurrent styes, it would be wise to consult a qualified TCM practitioner. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses both your digestive health and the recurrent styes.

In conclusion, while styes are not typically classified as an allergic reaction, they can be influenced by various factors, including immune function and underlying health conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach that may help alleviate your symptoms and reduce the frequency of stye occurrences. It’s essential to work closely with healthcare professionals, both Western and Eastern, to find the most effective treatment strategy for your unique situation.

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