From the Guidelines
The treatment for a stye (hordeolum) primarily involves warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 4-6 times daily, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. This helps bring the stye to a head and promotes drainage.
- Gentle cleansing of the eyelid margins with diluted baby shampoo or commercial eyelid cleansers can help remove debris and excess oil.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (200-400mg every 4-6 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 4-6 hours) can reduce discomfort.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup until the stye resolves. If the stye doesn't improve within a week, becomes increasingly painful, affects vision, or recurs frequently, medical attention is needed.
- A doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointments like erythromycin or bacitracin, or oral antibiotics such as doxycycline (100mg twice daily for 7-10 days) for more severe infections, as suggested by previous studies 1. In some cases, a doctor might perform a minor procedure to drain a persistent stye. Styes occur when oil glands in the eyelid become infected with bacteria, typically Staphylococcus, causing inflammation and the characteristic painful red bump. It is essential to follow the treatment guidelines and seek medical attention if necessary to prevent complications and promote recovery, as emphasized by the guidelines 1.
From the Research
Treatment for a Stye (Hordeolum)
- The treatment for a stye (hordeolum) can vary depending on the severity and type of infection.
- According to a study published in 2013 2, ear-apex blood-letting therapy was found to be effective in relieving external sty, reducing the size and shortening the duration of disease.
- The study compared ear-apex blood-letting with routine treatment (medication) and found that the therapeutic effects of blood-letting were significantly superior to those of the medication group in relieving external sty.
- However, other studies 3, 4, 5 did not provide direct evidence for the treatment of a stye, as they focused on different topics such as stretch marks, acute internal hordeolum, and complicated skin and soft tissue infections.
- A study published in 2009 6 discussed the treatment of complicated skin and soft tissue infections, but did not specifically address the treatment of a stye.
- It is essential to note that the treatment for a stye should be guided by a healthcare professional, as they can assess the severity of the infection and recommend the most appropriate treatment.