A localized, purulent staphylococcal infection, a stye (or hordeolum) can occur externally (in the lumen of the smaller glands of Zeis or in Moll’s glands) or internally (in the larger meibomian gland). A stye can occur at any age. Generally, styes are self-limiting and respond well to hot, moist compresses. More than one may occur at the same time. If untreated, a stye can eventually lead to cellulitis of the eyelid. Styes can also develop into a chalazion if gland ducts are fully blocked.
Skin bacteria that enter eyelash hair follicles and cause inflammation can result in stye formation. Risk factors include blepharitis, diabetes and other chronic debilitating illnesses, and seborrhea.
Typically, a stye produces redness, swelling, and pain. An abscess frequently forms at the lid margin, with an eyelash pointing outward from its center. (See Recognizing a stye.)
Visual examination generally confirms this infection. Culture of purulent material from the abscess usually reveals a staphylococcal organism.
Treatment consists of warm compresses applied for 10 to 15 minutes, four times a day for 3 to 4 days, to facilitate drainage of the abscess, to relieve pain and inflammation, and to promote suppuration. Drug therapy includes a topical sulfonamide or antibiotic eyedrops or ointment and, occasionally, a systemic antibiotic for secondary eyelid cellulitis. If conservative treatment fails, incision and drainage may be necessary.
❑ Instruct the patient to use a clean cloth for each application of warm compresses and to dispose of it or launder it separately.
❑ Warn against squeezing the stye; this spreads the infection and may cause cellulitis.
❑ Teach the patient or his family members the proper technique for instilling eyedrops or ointments into the cul-de-sac of the lower eyelid.
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Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
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More About This Book:
Title: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition) Authors: Springhouse Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2005 ISBN: 1-58255-370-X 
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