Stye Treatment Online

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Image of a person holding a phone displaying a smiling doctor on the Doctorsa telehealth platform, symbolizing convenient access to online medical consultations. Below, a selection of pills implies available treatments, and a woman with glasses gently pressing her eyes suggests the need for stye treatment online, highlighting easy access to care for eye discomfort.

See a doctor for a fast stye treatment online

Care + Script

€20 starting from
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Availability

24/7 for urgent care online
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Response time

5 mins for ONLINE stye TREATMENT
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How Can Doctorsa Help with Eye Stye Treatment Online?

If you’re looking for stye treatment online, it’s easier than ever to get the help you need. With Doctorsa, you can connect with a licensed doctor and receive a diagnosis from the comfort of your home, hotel, or wherever you are. No need to rush to a clinic or wait in long lines.

During your online consultation for stye treatment, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, such as localized pain, redness, or swelling. They may inquire about other relevant information, like any recent exposure to infection or skin irritants that could be causing the lesion. Although a physical exam isn’t possible, you can send photos to help the doctor assess your condition accurately.

If your case requires additional care—such as in the presence of severe symptoms or if the lesion does not improve—the doctor may recommend a follow-up or referral to a specialist to ensure you receive optimal treatment. For travelers, Doctorsa can guide you to a nearby pharmacy or help arrange medication delivery for hassle-free access.

Receiving the Right Treatment for Eyelid Lesions

Once diagnosed, you’ll receive appropriate treatment online, such as warm compresses, topical antibiotics, or other medications depending on the lesion type. These treatments can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Additionally, the doctor may offer general tips for faster recovery, like avoiding eye makeup or maintaining proper eyelid hygiene.

Remember, recovery may take one to two weeks for common eyelid lesions like hordeola (styes), while other conditions may require a longer period or more targeted treatments. Doctorsa provides a free 7-day chat feature with your provider to monitor your progress and address any follow-up questions.

Getting eyelid lesion treatment online is a quick and convenient way to manage your health, giving you expert care and the medications you need for a smoother recovery.

Guide for
Stye Treatment Online

By Medical Editor: 
Dr. Francesco-Maria Serino, MD, PhD

October, 2024

Summary

A stye, or hordeolum, is a painful, red bump caused by a bacterial infection of the eyelid’s oil glands. It commonly appears at the eyelid edge or inside the eyelid. Styes are typically self-limiting and resolve within one to two weeks. Symptoms include eyelid swelling, redness, and tenderness. Styes differ from chalazia, which are non-infectious, painless lumps due to blocked oil glands. For treatment, warm compresses can relieve pain and facilitate drainage. If home care doesn’t help, antibiotic ointments or minor surgical drainage may be needed. Though not contagious, bacteria can spread, so hygiene is important. Styes are common, and factors like blepharitis and stress can increase the risk. Effective prevention includes regular eye hygiene and avoiding contaminated makeup.

What is a Stye?

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a painful red bump that forms on the eyelid due to an infection of the oil glands. This common eyelid infection can occur near the base of the eyelashes or under the eyelid. Styes can cause significant discomfort, often presenting with symptoms like eye inflammation, swelling, and tenderness.

Types of Styes

Styes are categorized into two main types:

  • External stye – This type appears along the edge of the eyelid, usually at the base of an eyelash, caused by an infected hair follicle.
  • Internal stye – This occurs inside the eyelid due to an infection in the meibomian gland, which produces oil to keep the eyes lubricated.

Causes of Eye Stye

An eye stye is typically caused by a bacterial infection, usually from Staphylococcus aureus. Poor hygiene, touching the eyes with unwashed hands, and not removing makeup can contribute to the spread of bacteria. Other factors, like chronic conditions such as blepharitis or eye inflammation, can increase the likelihood of developing a stye.

Did you know that...

People with skin conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis are more prone to developing styes. These conditions affect the skin's oil production and can lead to blockages in the eyelid glands, increasing the likelihood of infection.

Symptoms of a Stye on the Eyelid

Common symptoms of a stye include:

  • Swollen eyelid and localized redness
  • Eye irritation or itching
  • A small, painful lump that resembles an eyelid lump or eye bump
  • Increased tear production or mild eye discharge
  • Crusting around the eyelid, sometimes called eye crust

Stye vs. Chalazion

chalazion is another type of eyelid lump that can be mistaken for a stye. Unlike styes, chalazia are usually painless and result from a blocked oil gland rather than an infection. Chalazia grow slowly and are typically not associated with the painful eyelid symptoms seen with styes.

Eye Stye vs. Pink Eye

Both eye stye and pink eye (conjunctivitis) can cause a red eye and discomfort, but they differ in causes and symptoms. A stye is an eyelid infection caused by bacteria affecting the oil glands, resulting in a localized, painful bump on the eyelid. In contrast, pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, often due to viral or bacterial infection, allergies, or irritants, and typically affects the inner eyelid and white part of the eye without a distinct bump.

While a stye often causes a swollen eyelid and a tender lump, pink eye is more likely to produce extensive redness across the eye and may come with more noticeable eye discharge. Proper diagnosis is important to distinguish between the two for effective treatment.

Is a Stye Contagious?

Styes themselves are not contagious, but the bacteria that cause them can spread. Good hygiene, such as avoiding eye rubbing and washing hands frequently, can help prevent the transmission of bacteria that may lead to an eyelid infection.

Common stye medications

Warm compresses

supportive treatment

Icon of a prescription cream

Tobramycin/Dexamethasone

topical antibiotics/steroids

Stye Treatment

Most styes can be treated at home with simple remedies. A warm compress for eye stye is an effective way to relieve discomfort and promote drainage of the stye. Place a clean, warm cloth over the affected eye for 5-10 minutes, several times daily.

In rare cases where the stye does not improve, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment for stye treatment to reduce infection. Over-the-counter eye drops may also be recommended to ease eye irritation and red eye symptoms. In some cases, if the stye persists, minor surgical drainage may be needed under medical supervision.

For chronic cases or recurring styes associated with blepharitis or other underlying issues, follow-up care with an eye specialist can ensure proper management and prevent recurrence.

References

Merck Manual. (2024). Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye). This source provides detailed descriptions of chalazia and hordeola, their symptoms, and treatments, emphasizing the effectiveness of warm compresses and, if needed, surgical drainage. Retrieved from Merck Manual​

Mayo Clinic. (2024). Stye (Sty): Diagnosis & Treatment. Mayo Clinic offers insights into the symptoms, causes, and treatments of styes, including recommendations for home care with warm compresses and information on medical interventions if the stye persists. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic​

Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Internal Stye: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. This resource explains the differences between internal and external styes, highlighting their symptoms, causes, and when to seek medical help, including the use of antibiotics in certain cases. Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic​

BMJ Best Practice. (2024). Stye and Chalazion: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. This source compares styes and chalazia, covering diagnosis and treatment options, including warm compresses and the potential for minor surgical intervention. Retrieved from BMJ Best Practice

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How does it work?

99% of our users solve their issue within 1 hour. No waiting, no language barriers, no insurance needed.

Answer a few questions

Just answer a few questions about your stye symptoms and choose a convenient time for your online session. It’s simple and hassle-free, with no need to sign up.

Select and connect

Doctors respond in minutes. Select your preferred one and start your virtual consultation right from your web browser.

7-day free follow-up chat

Reach out to your doctor with any questions you might have, at no extra cost for 7 days following your consultation.

A tourist in Europe taking a picture of a picturesque street, mobile phone shows Doctorsa intake questionnaire, a medication pill bottle

How does it work?

99% of our users solve their issue within 1 hour. No waiting, no language barriers, no insurance needed.

Answer a few questions

Just answer a few questions about your stye symptoms and choose a convenient time for your online session. It’s simple and hassle-free, with no need to sign up.

Select and connect

Doctors respond in minutes. Select your preferred one and start your virtual consultation right from your web browser.

7-day free follow-up chat

Reach out to your doctor with any questions you might have, at no extra cost for 7 days following your consultation.

Your questions answered

A stye typically lasts about one to two weeks. With at-home care, like warm compresses, many styes resolve more quickly. However, if the stye persists or worsens after two weeks, it’s best to consult a doctor.

While the stye itself is not contagious, the bacteria that cause it can spread. Practicing good hygiene, like washing hands frequently and avoiding eye rubbing, helps prevent passing bacteria to others or developing additional styes.

The best initial treatment for a stye is a warm compress applied to the eyelid several times a day to help drain the infection. Over-the-counter eye drops may reduce irritation. If the stye does not improve within two weeks or causes significant pain, see a doctor, who may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or recommend minor drainage.

Yes, travel-related stress can sometimes contribute to styes. Stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections like those causing styes. Maintaining good hygiene, getting enough rest, and managing stress while traveling can help reduce the risk.

Open the intake form and choose one of the following options:

  • Urgent Care: For immediate treatment of your stye via virtual care.
  • Set Up an Appointment: To schedule a same-day or future appointment.
  • Prescription Refill: Use this option if you have lost or forgotten your medication.

Next, select how you would like to receive appointment offers from doctors.
We recommend using WhatsApp as it is faster and more reliable. You will quickly receive various visit options. Choose the one that suits you best and proceed to online payment.

Video visits are browser-based, so no apps are needed. Simply click the link you receive to start your video visit in your browser.

After the consultation, expect to receive an invoice and an e-prescription via email. You can show or print the e-prescription to purchase medication at the pharmacy of your choice.

Following the consultation, the doctor will either email the e-prescription to you or send it via WhatsApp. You can then either print it out or show it directly to the pharmacist when purchasing the medication.

It’s important to understand that doctors must responsibly evaluate each case individually. They can’t simply prescribe medication solely based on a patient’s request or a recommendation from another doctor without confirming that it’s suitable for the patient’s specific condition.

The total cost may differ based on the providers. Each one competes for your request, offering a fair price tailored to your needs. On average, an online doctor visit costs 25 Euros. Prices for in-person appointments, specialists, and lab work vary by city. You can send a request to learn more—there’s no commitment to book, and you can select your provider.

Please note that the visit fee doesn’t cover medication expenses, but common antibiotics are quite affordable in Europe. The cost of antibiotic treatment typically ranges from 5 to 15 euros approximately.

Yes, whenever you submit your request it is instantly received by the doctors active at that time. Whether it’s late at night, on a Sunday morning, or on New Year’s Eve, there’s always someone on the other side who’s ready to see you. When you receive an option for an appointment, there’s a person behind it (a doctor) who’s read your request and is willing to assist you.

You can message your physician with follow-up questions at no additional cost for up to 7 days after the video visit.

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