What is the antibiotic treatment for a hordeolum (stye)?

Antibiotic treatment is typically not necessary for most styes, as they often resolve on their own within 7-10 days with warm compresses applied 4-6 times daily for 10-15 minutes. However, if a stye is severe, worsening, or not improving after a few days of home treatment, topical antibiotic ointments like erythromycin or bacitracin can be applied to the affected area 2-3 times daily for 5-7 days. For more severe infections, oral antibiotics may be prescribed, with dicloxacillin 250-500mg four times daily or cephalexin 500mg four times daily for 7-10 days being common choices. These antibiotics target Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria most commonly responsible for styes. If you have signs of spreading infection (increasing redness, swelling, pain, or fever), seek medical attention promptly. Never attempt to squeeze or pop a stye as this can spread the infection. Continue warm compresses even when using antibiotics to help bring the stye to a head and promote drainage.