Childhood medical issues are long and extensive. From sore throats and ear pain to sinusitis, coughs, and of course, pink eye and lice. Yikes! Some of these infections and bugs are unavoidable, and common issues with eyes are also a familiar childhood problem. When your little one develops a small, pimple-like bump on their eyelid, it can be pretty worrying, but on closer inspection, you might decipher that this little bump, is in fact, a stye.
As a parent, you’re bound to be wracked with worry. How did they catch it? Is it contagious? Are they in pain? What about their vision? Should I call the doctor? Thankfully the truth is that styes are incredibly common and easy to treat at home. You can find out how to treat a stye by clicking this link.
To help put your mind at ease, here are some simple pieces of information that all parents should know about styes and children.
What causes a stye?
Styes form when there is a clogged oil gland or eyelash follicle. These glands can easily become clogged with dirt, dead skin cells, and old bacteria before becoming infectious. The infected glands then form a red bump, which can be painful and sore. They can form on the upper or lower eyelid and it usually looks like a pimple. This bacterial infection can clear up on its own, however, if it’s painful and you’re worried about your child’s vision then you should speak with your doctor.
Why has my child developed one?
There are numerous reasons why your little one might have developed a stye, the most common one is failing to wash their hands thoroughly and regularly. When we have bacteria on our hands and then rub our eyes, it can lead to all kinds of eye problems including pink eye and styes. Sharing towels and washcloths is another potential cause of styes so clean surfaces and hand towels really help to prevent them. But don’t feel bad! Styes are incredibly common, so don’t let mom guilt take over!
Photo by Mael BALLAND on Unsplash
How can I treat it?
Thankfully, you can treat a stye at home, without medical intervention. One of the key things to remember, however, is not to pop the stye! As it looks like a pimple, it’s tempting to remove the pus inside, however, this can delay the healing process and make the infection worse. You can treat the stye on your child’s eyelid by:
- Keeping their eyelids clean. You can do this with mild, diluted baby shampoo, warm water, and a cotton pad. (Always wash your hands before and after this).
- Try a warm compress. You can accelerate the healing process and relieve some of the discomfort your little one is in, with a warm compress. It’s soothing and plenty of cuddles will also help!
- Painkillers: Giving your little one some age-appropriate pain killers within the right dosage can help with their discomfort.
Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash
And finally, when should I see a doctor?
If the stye doesn’t clear up within a week, if your child is distressed and unwell with a temperature and fever, or you’re worried about their vision, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
Hope this tips help you protect your child and help them heal!
