Can you use erythromycin or vigamox on a stye?

A stye is a small boil on the eyelid and will respond to warm (not hot) compresses. An antibiotic is also useful. Erythromycin is an excellent choice for the gram positive organisms usually responsible and is available as an ointment. Eyedrops will not help and are not meant for use on the skin. Vigamox is not available as an ointment. If you are allergic to the antibiotic such as erythromycin or culture shows that you need a fluroquinolone, ciloxin (Cipro) is available as an ointment. These are prescription drugs and you may wish to use Neosporin, which is available over the counter. Do not use the generic triple antibiotics, as they may burn or worse if they get into the eye, whereas Neosporin won't.

A stye should come to a head, drain, and completely disappear in days. If it does not, see an ophthalmologist, as it may be a chalazion or eyelid tumor and require further treatment.


This question was originally answered on Dec. 9, 2012.