What is a stye and how should it be treated?

A stye is also called a HORDEOLUM. It is a pimple caused by skin germs that infect the tunnel through which the eyelashes emerge. A stye is usually tender and eventually develops a pointy white head before it bursts. A moist, hot compress will speed resolution. Antibiotics are not necessary. The stye has to drain, whether on its own or with a doctor’s help. Sometimes it can grow so large that surgical drainage is advised. There are some look-alike lesions that can mimic a stye, so if it doesn’t clear promptly in 5-7 days be sure you see Dr. Koganovsky for an evaluation.