From the Research
Topical antibiotics like bacitracin ointment are typically used to treat styes (hordeolum), as evidenced by a study showing the effectiveness of triple-antibiotic ointment containing bacitracin, polymyxin, and neomycin in eradicating resident bacteria on the skin 1. These are applied directly to the affected eyelid 3-4 times daily for 7-10 days. For more severe or internal styes, oral antibiotics may be prescribed, with dicloxacillin or cephalexin being common choices, as they have been shown to be effective in treating streptococcal and staphylococcal skin infections 2. Some key points to consider when treating styes include:
- Warm compresses applied to the affected eye for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily, should accompany antibiotic treatment to help bring the stye to a head and promote drainage.
- Styes are typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria infecting an eyelash follicle or oil gland, which is why antibiotics targeting these bacteria are effective.
- Most styes resolve within a week with proper treatment.
- If symptoms worsen, the stye doesn't improve after 48 hours of antibiotic treatment, or if vision becomes affected, medical attention should be sought promptly. It's also worth noting that the use of topical antibiotics may be useful in preventing streptococcal pyoderma, especially in children known to be at increased risk for such infection, as shown in a study on the natural history of streptococcal skin infection 3.