Sty (cont.)
What is the treatment for a sty?
Application of a warm compress or warm washcloth to the affected area for 10 minutes,
four to six times a day, can speed rupture of the sty and
aid in the relief of symptoms. A sty should not be pressed or squeezed to
facilitate drainage. If a sty persists for several days, a doctor may lance
(drain) the infection under local anesthesia in his or her office. Children who
require surgical drainage of a sty may need a general anesthetic. Antibiotic
ointments and/or steroid ointments sometimes are prescribed to treat a sty.
Rarely, systemic (oral) antibiotics are recommended for persistent or multiple styes. Over-the-counter pain medications may be used
to alleviate pain and tenderness. Contact lenses and eye makeup should never be
worn during treatment for a sty.
What is the prognosis (outcome) of a sty?
A sty is harmless in the majority of cases. In most cases, a sty ruptures on its own within a few days to a week, leading to relief from symptoms. Some people will require medical or surgical treatment of a sty,
as described in the following section. A sty does not cause intraocular damage (damage to the eye). Styes often recur. Complications of styes are rare (see below).
Are there any potential complications resulting from a sty?
Complications of a sty are rare. The infection may spread to other eyelash follicles, leading to multiple styes. A chalazion (a form of scarring of the glands in the eyelid that may include the formation of cysts) is the most common complication that develops from a sty. Chalazia can be large enough to deform the cornea of the eye and interfere with vision, and they may cause a cosmetic problem. Other potential
complications include a generalized infection (cellulitis) of the eyelid, and improper drainage of a sty may lead to deformity or disruption of eyelash growth. Progression of a sty to a systemic infection (spreading throughout the body) is extremely rare, and only a few instances of such spread have been recorded.
Can a sty be prevented?
While it is impossible to completely prevent the development of a sty, good hygienic practices, including proper hand washing, can help prevent all forms of infection, including a sty. Other measures that can
help prevent styes include
- never sharing cosmetics or cosmetic eye tools (such as
lash curlers or eyelash combs) with others,
- keeping eye tools clean,
- discarding old or contaminated eye makeup,
- keeping all cosmetics clean, and
- not touching the eye and surrounding areas.
Last Editorial Review: 12/11/2007
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