From the Research
The recommended treatment for a hordeolum (stye) primarily involves warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 4-6 times daily, as this helps to promote drainage of the blocked gland by softening the material within the stye and increasing blood circulation to the area, which accelerates healing. This approach is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which suggests that conservative measures are effective in managing hordeolum 1. Gentle massage of the area after applying the warm compress may help express the contents of the blocked gland. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (200-400mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) can help manage discomfort.
Key Considerations
- Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye has healed completely.
- If the stye doesn't improve within a week, becomes increasingly painful, affects vision, or recurs frequently, medical attention should be sought.
- A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment such as erythromycin or bacitracin for bacterial infection, although the use of antibiotics has been found to not significantly improve the resolution of hordeolum in most cases 1.
- For persistent styes, minor surgical drainage by a healthcare professional may be necessary.
- Never attempt to pop or squeeze a stye yourself as this can spread infection.
Evidence Summary
The most recent study on the efficacy of care and antibiotic use for chalazia and hordeola found that the addition of an antibiotic to conservative measures for a hordeolum was not associated with an increased likelihood of treatment success 1. This suggests that antibiotics may not be necessary for the treatment of hordeolum, and conservative measures such as warm compresses and gentle massage may be sufficient.
Clinical Implications
In clinical practice, the treatment of hordeolum should prioritize conservative measures, with antibiotics reserved for severe cases or when there is evidence of bacterial infection. The use of warm compresses and gentle massage can help promote drainage and accelerate healing, while over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. It is essential to avoid attempting to pop or squeeze the stye, as this can spread infection and lead to further complications.