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What is a stye (hordeolum)?

A hordeolum, more commonly known as a stye, is an inflammation of part of the eyelash.

  • Styes are seen more often in children than adults.
  • A stye is caused by an infection in the oil-producing sebaceous or sweat glands in the eyelid.
  • Treatment may include applying warm, wet compresses or antibiotic ointments, or having your child wash his or her face daily and refrain from wearing make-up until the infection heals.

Symptoms & Causes

What are the symptoms of a stye?

Each child may experience symptoms differently, but the most common symptoms of a stye include:

  • Swelling of the eyelid
  • Redness at the edge of the eyelid
  • Pain over the affected area
  • Tenderness

Because the symptoms of a stye may resemble other conditions or medical problems, you should always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

What causes a stye?

A stye is caused by an infection in the oil-producing sebaceous or sweat glands in the eyelid. The infection is usually caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.

Diagnosis & Treatments

How is a stye diagnosed?

A stye is usually diagnosed based on a complete medical history and physical examination of your child. Additional tests are not usually required to confirm the diagnosis.

How is a stye treated?

Treatment may include:

  • Applying warm, wet compresses to your child's eye for a period of approximately 15 minutes, several times throughout the day
  • Instructing your child not to squeeze or rub the stye
  • Having your child wash his or her hands frequently
  • Applying antibiotic ointments for the eye, which doesn't make the stye go away faster but can help stop the spread of the infection to other parts of the eye
  • Having your child wash his or her face daily, including the eye
  • Having your child refrain from wearing makeup until the infection heals

Practitioners Who Specialize In This Condition

Mary Whitman, MD, PhD

Mary Whitman, MD, PhD

Ophthalmologist, Department of Ophthalmology
Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School
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General Pediatrics

The Division of General Pediatrics seeks to enhance the lives of children and families through clinical care, teaching, research, and community service.

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