18 month stye

[Linda 91]

I've had a stye on my lower lid for 1 1/2 years.  It comes to a head, drains, relaxes, flairs up, comes to a head, drains, relaxes, flairs up...etc. but never heals!  Same thing over and over again.  Comes to a head at least once a week, sometimes more.

I've seen two different opthamologists.  One said I have blepharitis and gave me antibiotic ointment, the other recommended hot compress 4 times a day.  Which I will admit, I wasn't doing.

Then, two weeks ago, I developed an internal stye or a chalazion on the inside of the lid, right under where the external stye is.  This internal stye is healing nicely so far.  Much smaller than it was 2 weeks ago.

My main concern is the external stye that remains active and won't heal.  Guess it's time for opthamologist number three?

After researching online, now I'm worried maybe I have underlying cancer?  Yikes!  I'm a 42 yo female.

Thanks for any info.

[Linda 91]

Thank you for your reply.  I will seek another doctor, and I have now become religious with the warm compresses.

Have you heard of a stye that remained active (repeatedly coming to a head and draining) for 18 months?  Is that unheard of?  I don't believe it is a chalazion; I think it remains an active stye.

Why won't it heal after draining?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Linda91,

I would recommend that you begin by following the instructions of your eyeMD and speaking with them about your concerns. Try to seek the care of a doctor whom you trust.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California