As a parent, it’s not uncommon to see your child develop a stye, a small bump that forms on or near the edge of the eyelid. While these bumps are often harmless and can be treated at home, it’s essential to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for styes.
If your child has a stye or other eye concerns, our experienced team at Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, Texas, is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
A stye is a small, painful bump that forms along the edge of the eyelid, typically caused by an infection in one of the oil glands of the eyelid. Styes can appear as red, swollen lumps and may be filled with pus. Though they are usually not serious, they can cause discomfort and temporary eyelid pain.
Styes develop when bacteria, often Staphylococcus aureus, infect one of the oil glands along the eyelid. These bacteria can enter the glands through poor hygiene, contact with dirty hands, or rubbing the eyes.
The most common symptom of a stye is eyelid pain, which is typically localized to the affected area. Other symptoms may include:
If your child complains of discomfort in or around their eye, it could be a sign of a stye.
Styes are caused by bacteria but are generally not highly contagious. However, the bacteria that cause styes can spread to others through direct contact with the infected area, particularly if your child touches the stye and then touches someone else’s eyes or face. It’s important to encourage good hygiene and prevent your child from touching their stye or rubbing their eyes to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
A healthcare provider can typically identify a stye through a simple eye exam. They will examine the child’s eyelid and the affected eye to check for signs of infection. If necessary, your child’s provider may ask about their child’s symptoms and child’s health history to rule out other conditions.
Most styes resolve on their own with basic home care. Here are some common options for child’s treatment:
Avoid squeezing or popping the stye, as this can spread the infection or cause a serious infection to develop.
While styes are generally not dangerous, they can lead to complications if not treated properly. Some potential complications include:
It’s important to monitor your child’s condition and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
While most styes resolve with home care, there are times when you should contact your child’s provider:
A healthcare provider may recommend further treatment, such as a referral to a specialist, or prescribe antibiotics if the infection is more severe.
Styes are a common and typically mild condition in children that can be managed effectively with proper care. At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates, we have experience treating many types of childhood illnesses, including eye conditions in children, and are here to support your child’s eye health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your child’s well-being.
Medically reviewed by Debra Bootin, MD
A stye is a small, red, and often painful bump that appears along the edge of the eyelid. It forms when one of the tiny oil glands near the eyelashes becomes infected, typically with bacteria. The bump may resemble a pimple and can sometimes contain pus.
Styes are most often caused by infection with Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria can enter the oil glands when children rub their eyes with unwashed hands or touch their eyelids after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. Poor eyelid hygiene can increase the risk.
Children with a stye may complain of eyelid pain or tenderness in one specific spot. You may notice redness, swelling, a visible bump along the lash line, mild crusting, or increased tears. The area may feel sore to the touch, and younger children might rub their eyes due to irritation.
Styes themselves are not highly contagious, but the bacteria that cause them can spread through direct contact. Encourage your child to avoid touching or squeezing the bump and to wash their hands frequently. Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or pillowcases during this time.
Most styes resolve on their own within several days. Applying a warm compress to the affected eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes several times daily can help the gland drain naturally. Gently cleaning the eyelid can also support healing. In some cases, a pediatrician may prescribe an antibiotic ointment if the infection persists or worsens. It is important not to squeeze or pop the stye, as this can spread infection.
If a stye does not drain and heal properly, it can sometimes develop into a Chalazion. A chalazion is typically less painful but may appear as a larger, firm lump on the eyelid. Medical evaluation is recommended if this occurs.
Contact your child’s healthcare provider if the stye does not improve after several days of home treatment, becomes increasingly swollen or painful, spreads redness around the eye, or causes vision changes. Frequent or recurring styes also warrant evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.
Styes are common in children and usually mild, but proper care and monitoring can ensure quick healing and protect your child’s eye health.
