How Is a Stye Treated?
• To help relieve your child’s symptoms, apply a warm compress to the stye 3–4 times a day. This can be done with a warm, clean washcloth. A bottle filled with warm water, or a potato warmed in the microwave and wrapped in a towel, can also be used as a compress. • Do not squeeze or touch the stye. If the stye drains on its own, cleanse the eye with a warm, clean washcloth. • While most styes do not require treatment, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or eye ointment. • If your child does not get better within 4–6 weeks, he or she may be referred to an ophthalmologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating eye problems. In rare cases, a stye may need to be drained or removed.
