Ouch! That’s probably what you’re going to say if you woke up with barley in your eye.
Barley in the eye is a purulent inflammation caused by blockage of the sebaceous glands in the eyelids, and when you suffer from it the eyelids won’t look or feel very good.
Although it sometimes goes away on its own, barley in the eye can be unbearable and you’ll want to get rid of the pain and discomfort as soon as possible.
Here are some home remedies you can use to relieve the problem immediately!
1. Tea bags
Green tea is anti-inflammatory. Even black tea and different types of herbal teas like peppermint and chamomile can help. Soak a tea bag in lukewarm or hot water for several minutes, and place the tea bag on the eyelids for 15-20 minutes.
2. Warm compress
This is perhaps the most common remedy for barley in the eye. Use a warm water compress on the painful area. It is safe for children and can be left on throughout the night.
3. Baby shampoo
Baby shampoo is known to be gentle on the eyes. Mix some with warm water and wash the eye. You can clean the eye with the diluted solution or use a cotton ball.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and also a natural disinfectant. Mix 2 teaspoons of turmeric with warm water to prepare an eye wash.
Leave the liquid on the affected eye for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Do this twice a day until the inflammation disappears.
5. Coriander
Many of you probably eat coriander, but did you know that it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties? Boil 1-2 tablespoons of coriander with half a cup of water. Let the liquid cool for at least an hour and then rinse the eye with it. Repeat if necessary.
6. Milk
Heat milk and dip a cotton ball in it. Leave the cotton ball on the eyelid overnight to shrink the barley. You can also add turmeric to the milk.
7. Apple cider vinegar
Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. Drink the mixture every day for several days or make a compress with it.
8. Salt
Salt works great to relieve inflammation and swelling. Pour a few teaspoons of salt into a glass of warm water and apply to the eyelid with a compress.
9. A gold ring
Believe it or not, some people claim that a gold ring can do wonders when it comes to curing barley. Rub a ring that is at least 14 karat gold on the affected area for 5 minutes several times a day. It is said to ease the pain and shorten the recovery time.
10. Potato
The enzymes in the potato can ease the inflammation and pain. Grate potatoes and put it in a cotton cloth to make a patty. You can also use the peel and place it directly on the eye.
Here are some things you can do to prevent barley in the eye in the future:
Avoid sharing your makeup or using dirty makeup brushes
Remove contact lenses before going to bed
Wash your hands before touching your eyes
Keep your eyes clean