Stye

What is a stye?

A stye is an infection of the area where an eyelash is attached to the eye (hair follicle). It is usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. The stye will look like a red bump at the base of an eyelash and will be tender.

How long does it last?

It usually comes to a head and forms a pimple in 3 to 5 days. In a few more days, it usually drains and heals. Recurrences are common in children who rub their eyes.

How can I take care of my child?

• Antibiotic eye ointment

  These ointments do not cure styes, but they may keep them from spreading and recurring. Your child's eye ointment is ___________________________. Apply it to the stye ______ times per day for __________ days.

• Cleansing and warm compresses

  Wash the eyelids daily with an antibacterial soap (like Dial or Safeguard). Apply a warm washcloth to the eye for 10 minutes four times a day to help the stye come to a head. Continue to cleanse the eye several times a day even after the stye drains.

• Opening the pimple

  When the stye does display a center of pus, open it by pulling out the eyelash that comes out of the pimple with a tweezers. Your other option is just to continue using warm compresses. Most styes will drain spontaneously in a few days after they come to a head.

• Prevention

  Ask your child not to touch his eyes because rubbing can cause spread of the infection to other eyelashes.

When should I call my child's health care provider?

Call IMMEDIATELY if:

• The eyelid becomes very red and causes a fever.

Call during office hours if:

• The stye is not draining or improved by 3 days.
• The stye is not completely healed by 10 days.
• Styes recur.
• You have other concerns or questions.