What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Stye (Hordeolum) in Children

Audience: pediatric

A stye, also called a hordeolum, is a common eye infection in children that causes a red, painful bump near the edge of the eyelid. After a telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will guide you on how to care for the stye at home. This often includes warm compresses to help it heal and advice on keeping the eye clean. Most styes get better within a week or two without needing antibiotics. However, if the stye worsens or your child develops new symptoms, you may need an in-person visit. Telemedicine is a helpful way to get advice quickly and safely, but it cannot replace a full physical exam if the problem is severe or does not improve. Following the care plan and watching for warning signs will help your child recover comfortably and safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• The eyelid swelling spreads rapidly or becomes very painful — seek urgent medical care.
• Your child has vision changes, such as blurriness or difficulty seeing — get immediate evaluation.
• Your child develops a fever or appears very sick — contact healthcare provider or emergency services promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of stye symptoms via video or phone.
• Providing guidance on home care such as warm compresses and hygiene.
• Determining when in-person care is needed based on symptoms.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical procedures like draining the stye.
• Diagnosing complications that require detailed eye examination.
• Treating severe infections requiring intravenous antibiotics or surgery.

What Is a Stye (Hordeolum)?

A stye is a small, red bump that appears on the eyelid, usually near the eyelashes. It happens when an oil gland or hair follicle gets infected, often by bacteria. Styes can be painful and may cause the eyelid to swell. They are common in children and usually heal on their own.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will look at your child's eye through video and ask about symptoms. They will likely recommend warm compresses to reduce pain and help the stye drain naturally. You may get advice on gentle eyelid cleaning and when to use medications if needed. The provider will also explain what signs to watch for that mean your child needs more care.

Home Care Tips for Your Child

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When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child develops any of the following, seek in-person medical care promptly:

These signs may mean the infection is more serious and needs closer treatment.

How Telemedicine Helps and Its Limits

Telemedicine allows you to get quick advice from a healthcare provider without leaving home. It is useful for initial assessment and guidance on home care. However, telemedicine cannot perform a full physical exam or procedures like draining a stye if needed. If your child's condition is severe or does not improve, an in-person visit is important.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit.
• Have your child's symptoms and history ready to discuss.
• Prepare to show the affected eye clearly on camera.
• List any medications your child is taking.
• Write down any questions or concerns you have.

After your tele-visit

• Apply warm compresses as instructed, typically 3–4 times daily.
• Keep the eye area clean and avoid touching or rubbing.
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily for improvement or worsening.
• Follow medication instructions if prescribed.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

FAQs

How long does a stye usually take to heal?

Most styes heal within 7 to 10 days with home care like warm compresses. If it lasts longer or gets worse, contact your healthcare provider.

Can my child go to school with a stye?

Usually, yes. A stye is not highly contagious if good hygiene is maintained. Avoid sharing towels or pillows and encourage hand washing.

Should antibiotics be used for a stye?

Many styes improve without antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will decide if medication is needed based on the severity and signs of infection.

Is it safe to put ointment or drops in my child's eye?

Only use eye medications prescribed or recommended by your healthcare provider. Do not use over-the-counter products without advice.

What if the stye bursts on its own?

If the stye drains naturally, keep the area clean and continue warm compresses. If there is pain, swelling, or spreading redness, seek medical care.

Sources

1. Stye (Hordeolum) — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Hordeolum (Stye) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Eye Infections in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms worsen or you have concerns, seek direct medical attention promptly.