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, since this can spread or worsen the infection. 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.
- A sty (sometimes spelled stye and medically referred to as a hordeolum) is a tender, painful red bump located at the base of an eyelash or under or inside the eyelid.
- 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.
- Styes are common and are generally harmless.
- 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.
Reference:
eMedicine, Hordeolum and Sty, http://www.medscape.com/article/798940-overview.
Last Editorial Review: 9/10/2009
- Over-The-Counter Products -
- Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) - Read about Staph infection symptoms, signs (boils, rash), causes (Staphylococcus aureus bacteria), types, treatment (antibiotics) and complications (impetigo, cellulitis).
- Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.
Latest Medical News
Eyesight RSS