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Eyelid bump



Eye
Eye
Stye
Stye


Eyelid bump

Alternative Names:

Bump on the eyelid; Stye
Treatment:
  • Styes and chalazions can be treated by applying warm compresses. Apply for 10 minutes. Do this 4 times a day.
  • DO NOT attempt to squeeze a stye or any other type of eyelid bump. Let it drain on its own.
  • Antibiotic creams may help recurrent or persistent styes. Some large styes need to be lanced to drain the infection.

Expectations (prognosis):


Styes often resolve on their own. However, they may recur. The outcome is generally excellent with simple treatment.


Complications:
  • Recurrence of a stye
  • Spread of infection to other eyelash follicles
  • Spread of infection to the tissue of the eyelid (eyelid cellulitis)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your doctor if:

  • Your have problems with your vision.
  • The eyelid bump worsens or does not improve within a week or two of self-care.
  • The eyelid bump or bumps become very large or painful.
  • You have a blister on your eyelid.
  • You have crusting or scaling of your eyelids.
  • Your whole eyelid is red, or the eye itself is red.
  • You are very sensitive to light or have excessive tears.
  • A stye comes back soon after successful treatment of another one.
  • Your eyelid bump bleeds.

References:

Pasternak A, Irish B. Opthalmologic infections in primary care. Clin Fam Pract. 2004; 6(1): 19.

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, Inc. 2001.




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