A small area of redness and pain on the margin of your eyelid may
indicate that you have a stye, known in medical terms as an external
hordeolum. A stye is a blocked gland at the edge of the lid that has
become infected by bacteria, usually
.
The area of redness and pain will eventually form a 'point'. Until
this occurs, warm compresses should be applied to the area for 15
minutes three-to-four times a day. The compresses should be followed by
the application of sulphonamide or antibiotic ointment to the stye,
available by prescription. Check with your eye care practitioner.
Once the stye has 'pointed', it can usually be expressed (squeezed
gently to empty its contents), after which the lids should be cleaned.
Treatment with the ointment should be continued until symptoms have
cleared. Sometimes it is necessary for the stye to be lanced to assist
with expression.