Dear doctor;

I have often get sty infections on the eyelids and boils at least five times in a year. What could be the problem and how do I permanently deal with both stye and boil? What causes boil?

Lois, 17.

Dear Lois,

Recurrent sty infections and boils usually occur due to reduced visual acuity. It is said that if vision is impaired, one tends to rub eyes frequently to see better. This causes recurrent infection. One may have a boil at a time which may not heal completely and relapse again. Poor hygiene of hands or eyes can also predispose to it. Diabetes, HIV infection and other immune suppressive ailments make one more prone to develop infections anywhere in the body including eyes. It is better to get vision tested. Even if there is a small impairment, it can be corrected by suitable measures including eye glasses. Exclude diabetes by doing a blood glucose test.  Suitable antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs can help to cure the boil completely.