Stye treatment

Lid hygiene + antibiotic plan

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed June 2026

About Stye treatment

A stye visit confirms an acute eyelid infection of an oil gland and prescribes warm compresses applied for 10–15 minutes several times daily as the foundation of treatment. Topical antibiotic ointment is sometimes added when drainage is present. Persistent firm bumps are usually chalazia rather than active infection and may need referral for in-office incision or intralesional steroid. Worsening pain, fever, periorbital swelling, or vision changes raise concern for cellulitis and require urgent in-person evaluation.

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