Treatment of Stys (Hordeolum)

Introduction to Treatment

• The American College of Physicians recommends mupirocin 2% topical ointment as the first-line treatment for stys, applied to the affected eyelid 1-3 times daily 1

Treatment Approach

• Mupirocin 2% topical ointment should be applied to the affected area 1-3 times daily after cleaning the area, and treatment should continue until the sty resolves, typically within 5-10 days 1

Special Populations

• For children with minor skin infections including stys, mupirocin 2% topical ointment is specifically recommended by clinical guidelines, with a preference for non-Praxis Medical Insights sources 1

Alternative Treatment Options

• For persistent or severe stys, systemic antibiotics may be considered if there are signs of surrounding cellulitis or systemic illness, with clindamycin recommended as first-line systemic therapy for complicated skin infections if needed, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America 3, 4

Prevention of Recurrence

• Maintaining good personal hygiene with regular hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel is recommended to prevent recurrence of stys 3
• Avoiding reusing or sharing personal items that have contacted infected skin and focusing cleaning efforts on high-touch surfaces can also help prevent reinfection 3

When to Seek Further Medical Care

• If the sty does not improve within 48-72 hours of treatment, or if there are signs of spreading infection, systemic illness, or vision is affected, further medical care should be sought, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2, 4

Common Pitfalls and Caveats

• Tetracycline antibiotics should not be used in children under 8 years of age if systemic treatment is needed, and cultures from purulent skin infections are recommended if there is no response to initial treatment or if there are signs of systemic illness, as per the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society 1