Stye / Hordeolum
Get convenient online consultation for Stye (Hordeolum) with DocOnTrip during your travels – diagnose symptoms and receive expert advice for effective treatment.
About Stye (Hordeolum)
A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a common and often painful red lump that forms on the edge or inside of the eyelid. It typically results from a bacterial infection of an oil gland or hair follicle. While generally harmless, a stye can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and bothersome, especially when traveling. DocOnTrip offers convenient online consultations to help diagnose and manage your stye, providing relief and guiding you through the appropriate treatment steps.
Symptoms
- A red, painful, and often tender lump on the edge of the eyelid, resembling a pimple or boil.
- Localized swelling of the eyelid.
- Tenderness to the touch.
- Crusting of the eyelid margin, especially upon waking.
- Mild light sensitivity (photophobia).
- Tearing of the affected eye.
- A gritty feeling in the eye.
Causes & Risk Factors
- Bacterial infection, most commonly by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
- Blocked oil glands (Meibomian glands) or hair follicles along the eyelid margin.
- Poor eyelid hygiene, such as not removing eye makeup thoroughly or touching eyes with unwashed hands.
- Using old or contaminated eye makeup.
- Blepharitis (chronic inflammation of the eyelids) is a common underlying condition.
- Contact lens use, especially if lenses are not properly cleaned or handled.
Diagnosis via Teleconsultation
Our experienced doctors can assess the appearance of the stye and your associated symptoms through a secure video consultation. This visual assessment combined with your medical history helps confirm the diagnosis and rule out other eye conditions that might present similarly, ensuring you receive the correct advice.
Treatment Options
- Warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily, to help the stye drain.
- Gentle eyelid massage after applying warm compresses can encourage drainage.
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be prescribed if the infection is severe, spreading, or if you have recurrent styes.
- Keeping eyelids clean by gently washing with mild soap and water.
- Avoiding eye makeup and contact lenses during the healing process to prevent irritation and further infection.
When to Seek Emergency Care
- Stye is getting significantly larger quickly or not improving after a week of consistent home treatment.
- Swelling extends beyond the eyelid to involve the entire eye, cheek, or other parts of the face.
- Vision changes, such as new blurriness or vision loss.
- Severe pain in the eye itself (not just the eyelid).
- Fever or chills accompanying the stye.
- The stye makes it difficult to open your eye.
Why Choose DocOnTrip?
- Fast and convenient access to medical advice from experienced doctors for eye conditions.
- Digital prescriptions for eye ointments or drops (if needed), available for pickup at local pharmacies.
- Expert guidance on effective home care and clear instructions on when to seek in-person follow-up if necessary.
- Avoid discomfort and potential complications by getting timely advice while traveling.
FAQ
Can a stye be treated online? Yes, many cases of styes can be effectively diagnosed and managed via online consultation, focusing on appropriate home care and, if needed, prescribing topical medications.
How long does a stye typically last? Most styes resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks with consistent application of warm compresses and good eyelid hygiene.
Can I pop a stye? No, you should never try to pop a stye yourself, as this can spread the infection, make it worse, or lead to more serious complications.