Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
What is a Stye?
- It is also called a sty and a hordeolum (medical term).
- A red lump or pimple on the edge of the eyelid.
- It is an infection in the hair follicle of the eyelash.
- It is usually a bacterial infection.
- It can occur on one eyelid or more.
- If your child has diabetes or high levels of “bad cholesterol” they may be more likely to get a stye.
- If your child has acne or dandruff, they may be more likely to get a stye.
- If your child had a stye before, they may be more likely to get one again.
What are the symptoms of a stye?
- It is a red, painful bump.
- It is often tender to the touch.
- It may cause swelling of the eyelid.
- It may look like an eyelid pimple.
- It may cause discharge or watering of the eye.
- It may cause crusting of the eyelid.
- Your child may tell you it feels scratchy or itchy.
- Your child may tell you it feels like something is in their eye.
- They may say that light bothers the eye.
What is the treatment for a stye?
- It is okay to give your child Tylenol or ibuprofen as needed.
- Warm compresses are helpful.
- Use of a gel pack 15 minutes four times a day is recommended.
- Avoid touching, rubbing, or trying to pop it.
- It usually will resolve on its own.
- You can gently clean the eyelash.
- You can use over the counter eye wipes.
- You can also gently clean the area with baby shampoo.
- In some cases, antibiotics are needed to get rid of the infection.
- Your child should avoid using make-up or contact lenses until the stye has resolved.
How do I prevent my child from getting a stye?
- Wash hands regularly.
- Wash hands before and after using contact lenses.
- Replace contact lenses as advised by your child’s eye care provider.
- Never share contact lenses with another person.
- Wash face nightly before going to bed.
- Includes washing all make-up off.
- It is good practice to replace all eye make up every 2 to 3 months.
- Never share eye make-up with another person.
When to contact your child’s healthcare team:
- Your child has eye pain and a fever.
- Your child has eyelid swelling and a fever.
- Your child’s symptoms are getting worse.
- Your child is complaining of trouble with vision.
- You think your child needs to be seen.
- You have any other questions or concerns.
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org
Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 04/2024