Red flags & when to go in person for Stye (Hordeolum) in Children

Audience: pediatric

A stye, or hordeolum, is a common, often painful bump that appears on the eyelid when an oil gland becomes infected. In children, styes usually cause redness, swelling, and tenderness near the eyelid edge. Most styes improve with simple home care like warm compresses and gentle cleaning. However, some signs mean a child should see a healthcare provider in person promptly. These include worsening pain, spreading redness, vision changes, or if the stye does not improve with home treatment. Telemedicine can help guide families on care steps and when to seek further help, but it cannot replace a physical exam when serious symptoms appear. This guide explains when to use telemedicine for a stye in children and when to get in-person care to keep your child safe and comfortable.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Increasing eyelid pain and swelling that worsens over time — seek in-person medical care promptly.
• Redness spreading beyond the eyelid onto the surrounding skin — urgent evaluation needed.
• Vision changes, difficulty opening the eye, or fever accompanying the stye — go to a healthcare facility immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild stye symptoms and guidance on home care.
• Advice on hygiene and prevention to avoid spreading infection.
• Monitoring symptom progress and deciding if in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe pain or swelling requiring physical examination.
• Vision changes or eye movement problems.
• Signs of spreading infection or systemic illness like fever.

What is a Stye (Hordeolum)?

A stye is a small, red bump on the eyelid caused by an infection of an oil gland. It often looks like a pimple and can be painful or tender. Styes usually appear near the edge of the eyelid and may cause swelling and redness around the eye.

Common Symptoms in Children

Children with a stye may have:

These symptoms often improve with warm compresses and gentle cleaning.

When to Use Telemedicine for a Stye

Telemedicine can help if your child has a mild stye. A healthcare provider can:

This can save time and reduce exposure to other illnesses.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

Some signs mean your child needs to see a healthcare provider in person right away:

These symptoms may require a physical exam or treatment beyond home care.

How to Care for a Stye at Home

To help a stye heal:

If symptoms worsen, seek medical advice.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a clear photo of the child's affected eye area ready to show the provider.
• Note when symptoms started and any changes over time.
• List any treatments already tried, such as warm compresses.
• Prepare to describe any other symptoms like fever or vision changes.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's instructions on home care and medication use.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Keep the affected eye clean and avoid touching or rubbing it.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve as advised.
• Seek immediate care if red flags develop after the tele-visit.

FAQs

Can a stye go away on its own?

Yes, many styes improve without medical treatment by using warm compresses and keeping the eyelid clean. However, if the stye worsens or does not improve in a few days, medical advice is recommended.

Is it safe for my child to use warm compresses?

Yes, warm compresses are a safe and effective way to help a stye heal. Use a clean cloth soaked in warm (not hot) water and apply it gently to the eyelid several times a day.

When should I worry about my child's stye?

Seek medical care if your child has increasing pain, spreading redness, fever, vision changes, or if the stye does not improve after a few days of home care. These could be signs of a more serious infection.

Can I pop or squeeze the stye?

No, do not try to pop or squeeze the stye. This can spread the infection and make it worse.

How can I prevent styes in my child?

Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly, avoid rubbing their eyes, and keep their face and eyelids clean. Avoid sharing towels or pillows with others.

Sources

1. Stye (Hordeolum) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Hordeolum (Stye) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Eye Infections — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Hordeolum and Chalazion — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.