Team PSA 2026: Caroline Diamantis FPS, Prof Mark Naunton MPS and Bridget Totterman MPS[/caption]
A/Prof Fei Sim and Prof Mark Naunton[/caption]
Clinical features 
Warm compresses are the cornerstone of treatment, helping to soften the lesion, bring pus to the surface and encourage spontaneous drainage. A clean face cloth soaked in warm (not hot) water should be applied to the closed eyelid for 2–5 minutes, twice daily during the active phase. Once the stye begins to drain, any discharge should be gently wiped away using a clean, warm washcloth. After resolution, continuing warm compresses once daily may help prevent recurrence.2 
Case scenario
Kon is a student and resident of a shared university dormitory who has come into your pharmacy complaining of red and ‘icky’ eyes. He mentions it started yesterday and that it was a little difficult to open his eyes this morning. He describes some discomfort but not pain. You rule out any red flag symptoms such as photophobia or vision changes and ensure he does not have symptoms suggestive of more sinister bacterial infection. Kon is otherwise well and does not use corrective eyewear. He tells you that one of his friends had red eyes last week.
Learning objectivesAfter reading this article, pharmacists should be able to:
Competency (2016) Standards addressed: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5. Accreditation expiry: 31/01/2027 Accreditation number: CAP2402OTCLB |
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Introduction
Conjunctivitis is a common ophthalmic condition characterised by inflammation of the conjunctiva.1,2 Cause
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