From the Guidelines
A stye can typically be treated at home with warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. This helps bring the stye to a head and promotes drainage. Gently massaging the area after applying the warm compress may help the stye drain faster. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. Some key points to consider when treating a stye include:
- Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye heals, and never attempt to pop or squeeze a stye as this can spread infection.
- If the stye persists beyond a week, worsens, 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 for more severe infections, as suggested by recent studies 1.
- In some cases, a healthcare provider might need to surgically 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 proper treatment guidelines to prevent complications and promote healing, as outlined in the most recent blepharitis preferred practice pattern 1.
From the Research
Treatment for a Stye
- The treatment for a stye can include ear-apex blood-letting, which has been shown to be effective in relieving pain, reducing the size, and shortening the duration of the disease 2.
- Local application of hydrochloric levofloxacin and erycin ointment to the affected eyelid lining, as well as local warm compress of the affected eyelid, can also be used as a treatment for a stye 2.
- There is limited evidence for the use of topicals in the management of striae distensae (stretch marks), and no topical formulation has been shown to be most effective in eradicating or improving stretch marks 3.
- For acute internal hordeolum, there is no evidence for or against the effectiveness of non-surgical interventions, and controlled clinical trials would be useful to determine which interventions are effective for treatment 4, 5.
- Incision and drainage can be used to treat superficial abscesses, including those that may occur on the eyelid, and postoperative care includes warm soaks, drains or wicks, analgesia, and close follow-up 6.