From the Guidelines
To treat a stye, start with warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily, as this helps bring the stye to a head and promotes drainage. Keep the area clean by gently washing your eyelids with mild soap and water or using over-the-counter eyelid cleansers. Avoid wearing eye makeup and contact lenses until the stye heals. For pain relief, take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen 200-400mg every 6 hours or acetaminophen 500-1000mg every 6 hours as needed. If the stye doesn't improve within a week, becomes increasingly painful, affects your vision, or spreads to other areas, see a doctor who may prescribe antibiotic ointments like erythromycin or bacitracin, or oral antibiotics for severe infections 1. Never squeeze or pop a stye yourself as this can spread the infection. Styes occur when oil glands in the eyelid become infected with bacteria, typically Staphylococcus, and proper hygiene helps prevent recurrence.
Key Considerations
- Warm compresses are the primary treatment for styes, promoting drainage and healing.
- Keeping the area clean and avoiding irritants like eye makeup and contact lenses are crucial for recovery.
- Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage discomfort, but severe or persistent cases may require medical attention.
- Antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics may be prescribed for severe infections, but should only be used under medical guidance 1.
Prevention and Hygiene
- Proper hygiene, including gentle washing of the eyelids, can help prevent stye recurrence.
- Avoiding sharing of makeup or makeup tools and keeping the eyes clean can reduce the risk of infection.
- Recognizing the signs of a stye, such as redness, swelling, and pain, and seeking medical attention if necessary, is important for effective treatment and preventing complications 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE: For the treatment of superficial ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by Bacitracin susceptible organisms. The answer to stye treatment is not directly addressed in the provided drug label for bacitracin (OPHTH) 2. Stye is not explicitly mentioned, and the label only discusses treatment of superficial ocular infections.