How To Soothe A Little One Who Has A Stye

Styes are incredibly common amongst children. These small painful lumps can develop on or inside the eyelid and are caused by a bacterial infection of a blocked gland. They're as unpleasant as they sound! And if you have a young child with a stye, it can be incredibly worrying.

Eye conditions and infections like these are commonplace amongst children, often caused by bacteria and oil clogging up their oil glands. Although not to be confused with conjunctivitis (pink eye), styes can cause irritation, redness, and even a few sleepless nights due to discomfort.

Can I treat the stye at home?

Thankfully, these irritating bumps on the eyelid aren't usually serious and will heal on their own. However, you may be more inclined to try and get rid of them yourself to help relieve your little one of any discomfort they're experiencing. Click here for info on how to get rid of a stye. Home treatments vary, but some of the easiest remedies include:

-          Keeping their eyelids clean using diluted baby shampoo and a clean cotton pad

-          Encouraging them to wash their hands regularly – especially if they’re rubbing the stye

-          Use a warm compress to reduce swelling and to aid the healing process

What are the symptoms I should look out for

Even when styes are treated successfully at home, they can return. Recognizing the symptoms of styes in your children will help you start treatment faster and prevent the stye from getting worse. The classic symptoms of a stye include:

-          A red bump inside/on the eyelid. This can look like a pimple, and usually has a small pus-filled spot.

-          The eyelids are red, sore looking and your child is itching them

-          Your little one is complaining of something in their eye. This is a bump forming on the lid.

-          Of course, if you're concerned about your child's stye, reach out to their doctor as soon as possible.

How can I soothe my little one if they have a stye

Styes, although common, are still unpleasant and your child may be fed up, irritable, and showing signs of discomfort. This makes the experience unpleasant for parents too! The best way to soothe a child who is suffering from a stye is:

-          To apply warm compresses (using a clean washcloth) three to four times a day

-          Give them age and dosage recommended children’s pain relief medicines

-          Lots of cuddles and reassurance

When should I see a doctor?

Thankfully, most styes go away on their own within a few days and don’t require any curative treatment from your doctor. However, if your child is showing certain signs of discomfort and pain then you should reach out to your healthcare provider immediately. Look out for the following:

-          They have a fever that lasts for over 24 hours

-          The fever is triggering seizures

-          The stye is getting bigger and looking angrier

-          The stye is weeping and draining profusely

-          It won’t go away

-          Is impacting your child’s vision

Final thoughts…

Thankfully, most styes go away on their own, but when it comes to children we should always be extra cautious. Speak with your doctor if you’re concerned about your child’s stye.