From the Research
A stye in a toddler's eye is typically caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus bacteria, that inflames an oil gland at the edge of the eyelid. This occurs when the gland becomes blocked and infected, resulting in a painful, red bump. Common causes include:
- Touching the eyes with dirty hands
- Sharing towels or washcloths with someone who has a stye
- Using contaminated eye makeup (though this is rare in toddlers) Poor hygiene, rubbing eyes frequently, or not removing eye makeup can increase the risk. Toddlers are particularly susceptible because they often touch their faces with unwashed hands and may not communicate eye discomfort until the stye has formed. As noted in a study on hand hygiene 1, teaching proper hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections, including those that cause styes. Treatment usually involves warm compresses applied to the affected eye for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily to help the stye drain naturally. Keep the area clean by gently washing with mild soap and water. Avoid squeezing the stye as this can spread the infection. If the stye persists beyond a week, grows very large, affects vision, or is accompanied by fever, consult a pediatrician who may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment such as erythromycin or bacitracin for 5-7 days, as discussed in a review of topical ophthalmic antibacterial preparations 2. Prevention includes teaching your toddler proper hand hygiene, regularly washing their face, and avoiding sharing personal items that touch the face. It's also important to note that antibiotic resistance is a concern, and the use of antibiotics should be guided by the most recent and highest quality evidence, such as the study on topical triple-antibiotic ointment 3.