Dr Bernadette Carr answers your questions on eye infections and rosacea

Q. My eight-year-old daughter has eczema. Last week, she got a stye on her eyelid. It did heal on its own but was painful. Is there any way to avoid a recurrence?

A. A stye on the eyelid is a very common infection and most people will experience one at least once in their lifetime.

Styes are pus filled (yellow) spots along the edge of the eyelid at the base of an eyelash that are painful to touch.

They usually start as a small red lump, last a week or two and get better by themselves when the stye bursts and the pus drains away.

It corresponds to a boil of the skin elsewhere. It is important not to try and burst the stye; if it is painful a hot compress may ease the pain. Soak a face cloth in hot water for a few minutes and then wring it out firmly.

Gently hold the face cloth against the closed eye for five to 10 minutes, three or four times a day, given your daughter’s age I would suggest you do this for her.

The bacterium which usually causes a stye is the Staphylococcus aureus and can be found on healthy skin without causing any harm. Sometimes they can get into the skin and cause boils or abscesses.

It is possible that your daughter might have transferred the bacteria by rubbing her eye. It is not always possible to prevent the infection but here are some general suggestions which might help to reduce the risk:

Try not to rub your eyes.

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with an anti- bacterial soap, this is particularly important if you have a stye and rub your eyelids.

Don’t share face cloths or towels if you have a stye.

Medical treatment is usually not necessary, however if the stye is very painful, the eye becomes red, stye spreads to the lower eye lid or it does not heal then you need to make a GP appointment for your daughter.

Q. I am a woman in my 40s and I wonder if I have rosacea. I have noticed that the skin on my face gets very red at times particularly in the cold weather and after having a hot drink.

A. Rosacea is a condition which causes the face to flush or become red on fair-skinned people affecting the forehead, cheeks, nose, and often the chin. It can also cause spots, thickening of the skin and dry eyes.

Symptoms are usually mild and not everyone will experience the full range.

It is more common in women, but it tends to be more severe in men and as many as one in 10 people may have the condition.

It occurs in the second half of life and is associated with facial flushing.

It is known as a relapsing condition as there are periods when it will be severe and other periods when it will be mild.

Although there have been many suggestions, the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, a number of triggers have been identified and these include:

Exposure to sunlight.

The weather — either hot or cold.

Stress.

Hot drinks.

Alcohol and caffeine.

Hot or spicy foods.

Hot baths.

Skin products and cosmetics, particularly incorrect use of topical steroids.

Exercise.

Indoor heating.

I would advise you to make an appointment to visit your GP who can examine your skin and make a diagnosis. In the meantime, here are some suggestions to consider:

Try to reduce your exposure to the triggers you have experienced.

Reduce stress.

Use a gentle non-abrasive cleanser on your face twice a day.

Avoid alcohol-based products on your face and scented soaps.

Avoid toners as they may irritate the skin.

Reduce your consumption of alcohol and caffeine-based drinks.

When outdoors in the cold wear a hat and cover your lower face with a scarf.

I am sure your GP will be able to advise on the most appropriate management.