Understanding Stye (Hordeolum)
What is it? A stye is a small, painful red bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked or infected oil gland.
Common Types:
- External stye: starts at the eyelash follicle or lid margin.
- Internal stye: forms deeper in the eyelid from a blocked oil gland.
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's stye at home when:
- Stye is small, red, and painful but your child is otherwise well.
- No spreading redness, severe swelling, or vision changes.
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for stye:
- Warm compresses: 5–10 minutes, 3–4 times daily.
- Quick tip: Fill a clean sock with uncooked rice, microwave with a cup of water for 1 minute, test temp on wrist, then apply.
- Gently massage the eyelid after warm compress to help drainage.
- Keep the area clean.
- Avoid makeup or rubbing the eye.
Safe Medications
- Erythromycin ointment may be prescribed if symptoms last more than 1 week despite compresses.
- Most styes heal on their own in 1–2 weeks and do not need antibiotics.
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- If the stye is not improving after 1 week of proper warm compresses.
- If a new stye forms while this one is healing.
- For a follow-up check if the stye lasts more than 2 weeks.
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
- If swelling worsens, spreads, or your child is in significant pain.
- If there is no improvement after 2 weeks.
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is:
- Severe eyelid swelling or redness spreading beyond the eyelid
- Fever with eye swelling
- Vision changes (blurry vision, unable to open the eye)
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
