Stye

A STYE is the common term used for an acute infection of a hair follicle or gland at the edge of the eyelid. The Staphylococcus germ usually causes it. The correct medical term is EXTERNAL HORDEOLUM.

These are very common in children, in those with chronic lid infections such as ocular rosacea, in diabetics, and sometimes in debilitated patients with poor hygiene. Styes tend to be painful, especially in the early stages when swelling and redness are prominent. With time, they often form an abscess and a point on the skin; more rarely facing inward toward the eyeball itself. They are not contagious!

TREATMENT consists of frequent hot packs which usually speed up the white head formation and pointing to the surface. Hot packs should be applied to the area for a minimum of 10 minutes, four times a day. Hot packs may be purchased, or simply made from a clean white sock filled with dried beans or rice. These can be heated in a microwave, wrapped with a hot, wet facecloth, and applied to the closed eye for treatments.

Antibiotics may be helpful to decrease the number of germs present once the gland bursts and may prevent the spread of infection. Plucking out the lash from the middle of a stye will often promote its drainage. Rarely is surgical drainage or lancing necessary. For chronic problems, newer therapies include topical azithromycin, i.e. AzaSite, as well as oral antibiotics. These may be helpful in maintaining comfort. Scarring is a very rare consequence of styes.