A stye is a painful pimple-like nodule in the eyelid near the lashes. It is a blockage of an eyelid gland and mild infection leading to swelling, tenderness, and a small red bump, often with a pustule at the center.
What are the symptoms?
- A red, painful bump at the margin of the eyelid, at the base of the eyelashes.
- There may be a whitehead or small amount of drainage from the bump.
- The bump may come and go for several days.
What causes a stye?
There are glands in the eyelid that provide lubrication to the eyelashes; the gland opens right at the edge of the eyelid. Like the skin glands when they develop pimples, these glands can become blocked and infected with skin bacteria, usually Staphylococcus. Things that irritate the skin of the eyelid, like frequent rubbing, eye makeup, or wearing contacts can increase the risk.
What should I expect?
It starts as mild irritation or pain of the eyelid. The bump is usually present at this point but may not appear until the next day. Sometimes a small white blockage can be seen at the edge of the eyelid. Styes are painful. The infection can spread if untreated.
How is it treated?
- It is best treated with warm compresses. Soak a washcloth in warm water and place on the bump several times a day.
- After soaking, you can gently rub the bump to dislodge any blockage.
- You can wash the eyelid with the washcloth using water and baby shampoo.
- Sometimes antibiotic eye ointment used if it is worsening or failing to improve.
- Surgery is sometimes necessary to drain the infection.
What complications should I look for?
- Sometimes pink eye can develop, with redness of the whites of the eyes and eye discharge.
- The infection can spread to other parts of the eyelid, with increased and spreading redness and swelling.
How can I prevent my child from developing styes?
- Good hygiene can help prevent styes. Be sure your child washes her hands before touching her eyes, applying makeup, or putting in contacts.
- Wash face regularly.
- Be sure eye makeup is clean and not too old.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes.
When can my child return to school?
It is not contagious and your child can return to school anytime.
When should I seek further care?
Call your doctor if:
- The stye does not clear up in a week.
- It is worsening, with increasing redness or swelling.
- There is eye pain, change in vision, or symptoms of conjunctivitis (pink eye).
