Treatment
- Styes and chalazions can be treated by applying warm compresses. Apply for 10 minutes. Do this four times a day.
- Do NOT attempt to squeeze a stye or any other type of eyelid bump. Let it drain on its own.
- Antibiotic creams may help recurrent or persistent styes. Some large styes need to be lanced to drain the infection.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Styes often get better on their own. However, they may recur. The outcome is generally excellent with simple treatment.
Complications
- Recurrence of a stye
- Spread of infection to other eyelash follicles
- Spread of infection to the tissue of the eyelid (eyelid cellulitis)
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your doctor if:
- You have problems with your vision.
- The eyelid bump worsens or does not improve within a week or two of self-care.
- The eyelid bump or bumps become very large or painful.
- You have a blister on your eyelid.
- You have crusting or scaling of your eyelids.
- Your whole eyelid is red, or the eye itself is red.
- You are very sensitive to light or have excessive tears.
- A stye comes back soon after successful treatment of another one.
- Your eyelid bump bleeds.
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Eyelid bump : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Eyelid bump : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Eyelid bump : Treatment
Review Date : 11/10/2008
Reviewed By : Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
