Treating styes in children

There are various eye infections that a person can end up suffering from and styes and chalazia are some of them. These are the inflammations that affect the tiny oil glands on the eyelids. Sty is considered to be one of the more common eye infections. People who do not know what it is should know that it an infection of an oil gland on the surface of the upper or lower eyelids at the base of the eyelash. Sty is also known by the name of external hordeolum. On the other hand, chalazion is an inflammation of the deep oil glands that are located within the eyelid which are developed into a small hard mass.

Description

At first, styes will appear as red and pimple-like bump on the eyelid. When that happens, a person may also experience water and itch of the eye and the eyelid may swell up and even cause pain in some cases. Once the styes open and drain, it takes about three days for the infection to fully heal.

Transmission

According to the experts, out of all the causes of styes, a certain bacteria known as staphylococcus aureus is the one responsible for most cases of styes. A person should not rub the eyes, especially when the sty is oozing pus because that will only spread the infection and cause other styes to appear. Apart from that, there is also a chance that some of the other parts of the body get infected by the bacteria in sty. If that happens, a person will suffer from a certain skin condition known as impetigo.

Causes and symptoms

The bacteria that cause styes in most cases known as staphylococcus aureus usually enters the eye through unwashed hands or contaminated contact lenses. In case of styes, the child will usually complain of something in the eye. Itching and tearing are almost always present. The eyelid may appear swollen and red. Blurred vision is also a sign of styes.

Treatment

The most commonly treatment used when child suffers from styes is the application of warm washcloth soaked in warm water. Heat is helpful because it betters the blood supply. Apart from that, it will remove the pus and open the blocked oil gland. A person can even add salt or rosewater to warm water. This treatment should be performed four times per day for 15 minutes. Popping the sty needs to be avoided and a person should let the sty break on its own. A person can also use over-the-counter eye washes as well. Washing the eyelid and eyelash area with a mild soap helps as well.