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Styes in Children

A sty is a small, tender lump on the eyelid. It usually develops near the eyelashes and may look like a red pimple.

A sty forms when an oil gland or hair follicle in the eyelid becomes blocked and inflamed, often with bacteria present. Irritation and chronic eyelid inflammation can make styes more likely.

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AAP Guide to Styes in Children

The AAP guide below explains home care, what to avoid and when an eyelid lump needs medical attention.

AAP Symptom CheckerSty

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • The whole eyelid becomes red, swollen or increasingly painful.
  • Your child develops fever.
  • Vision changes or eye movement becomes painful.
  • The lump does not improve or keeps returning.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child develops severe swelling around the eye, vision loss or another serious eye emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

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