Sometimes, as a parent, you might notice a small bump forming on your child’s eyelid. These bumps are called styes and are one of the more common childhood illnesses affecting the eye area. While they can look concerning, most styes are mild and respond well to simple care at home.
If your child has a stye or you have concerns about your child’s eye health, our experienced team at Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, Texas, is here to help. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We offer same-day appointments for kids and are open on Saturdays.
A stye is a small, painful lump that develops along the edge of the eyelid. It often looks like a pimple or boil and may be filled with pus.
Styes form when an oil gland at the base of an eyelash becomes blocked and infected. While they can be uncomfortable, they are usually harmless and tend to go away on their own with basic care.
Styes are most commonly caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus, which naturally lives on the skin. When this bacterium enters a blocked oil gland, it can lead to infection.
Common causes and risk factors include:
Some children may be more prone to styes if they have sensitive skin or a history of frequent eyelid irritation.
Common symptoms of a stye in a child include:
Sometimes, the child’s eye may feel scratchy or irritated. While symptoms can vary somewhat from child to child, most styes remain localized and do not affect vision.
Styes themselves are not highly contagious, but the bacteria that cause them can spread through direct contact. If your child touches the stye and then touches another surface or another person’s face, the bacteria can be transferred.
Encourage your child to:
These habits help reduce the spread of bacteria and protect the overall health of your child.
To have a stye diagnosed, a simple exam will usually be conducted by your child’s healthcare provider. In most cases, no special testing is needed.
Your provider may ask about:
This helps rule out other conditions and ensures the correct diagnosis.
A child’s treatment for a stye is generally simple; most styes improve with home care. The goal is to reduce discomfort and help the stye drain naturally.
Common treatment steps include:
In some cases, your provider may recommend:
If your child wears contact lenses, it’s important to pause use until the stye heals and ensure lenses are properly cleaned before reuse.
Always follow your child’s provider’s instructions and attend any recommended follow-up appointments.
While most styes resolve without issue, complications can occur if the infection worsens.
Possible complications include:
Prompt care and good hygiene significantly reduce the risk of complications.
You should contact your child’s provider if:
A provider may recommend additional treatment or evaluate for underlying concerns based on your child’s medical history.
At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates, we have experience treating a wide range of childhood illnesses, including eye conditions such as styes. If your child has a persistent or painful stye, or if you simply want reassurance, our team is here to help.
Call one of our offices in Greater Houston today to schedule an appointment and support your child’s healthy vision and overall well-being. We offer same-day pediatric appointments and weekend pediatric appointments.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patti Savrick
Most styes improve within 7–10 days with proper home care, including warm compresses.
Yes, as long as your child feels well. Just encourage good hygiene to prevent the spread of bacteria.
No. Popping a stye can worsen the infection and increase the risk of a serious infection.
Yes. Regular handwashing, keeping eyelids clean, and keeping contact lenses clean can reduce risk.
If it doesn’t improve, spreads, or affects vision, it’s important to seek medical care for further evaluation.
