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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