Can I Use Wenketong for My 3-Year-Old's Stye?

Medication Consultation for a 3-Year-Old

We live in Hualien, and it's not easy to see a doctor.
I would like to ask if it's safe to apply "Wen Naka Tong" on a stye for a three-year-old child? Our appointment to see a doctor is tomorrow, and we need something urgently! The child suddenly developed gum inflammation with white lesions (we consulted a family physician, but he was unsure of the cause and prescribed medication).
Two days later, a stye appeared (based on personal experience, we have an appointment to see a doctor).
So, can we use Wen Naka Tong as a temporary measure?

Cai Xiaoxue, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/17

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Hello! Is gingivitis simply a herpes virus infection? Oral antiviral medication (ACYCLOVIR) can be used to shorten the duration of the illness.
Winacort Eye Ointment (3.5g) contains a combination of a steroid and an antibiotic (Neomycin + Triamcinolone) and is indicated for inflammatory eye conditions such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, scleritis, and iritis, as well as acute, chronic, allergic, and post-surgical eye disorders.
If there are symptoms of irritation or worsening of the treated condition, or if another infection occurs, the use should be discontinued.
Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Ren-Sheng.

Reply Date: 2018/12/17

More Info

When it comes to treating a stye (hordeolum) in a 3-year-old child, it's essential to approach the situation with caution, especially regarding the use of medications like Wenketong (Winacort Eye Ointment). This ointment contains a combination of a steroid (Triamcinolone) and an antibiotic (Neomycin), which is typically used for various inflammatory eye conditions, including blepharitis and conjunctivitis.

While the immediate concern is the stye, it's crucial to understand that styes are usually caused by bacterial infections, often involving the glands in the eyelid. The standard treatment for a stye typically includes warm compresses to help alleviate discomfort and promote drainage. In some cases, if the stye is persistent or particularly bothersome, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic ointments or drops specifically designed for eye use.

Using Wenketong on a stye in a young child is not generally recommended without a physician's guidance. The steroid component can potentially exacerbate certain infections or lead to other complications, especially in a child with a developing immune system. Moreover, the use of antibiotics should be targeted and appropriate for the specific type of bacteria causing the infection.
Given that your child has also experienced gingivitis with white lesions, it would be wise to consider the overall health context. The presence of oral lesions could indicate a viral infection, which may not directly relate to the stye but could affect the child's immune response. Therefore, using a medication that combines a steroid and antibiotic without a clear diagnosis could lead to unintended consequences.

In your situation, since you have a doctor's appointment scheduled for tomorrow, it would be best to wait for that consultation. The physician can provide a thorough examination and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for both the stye and any other symptoms your child is experiencing. In the meantime, applying warm compresses to the affected eye can help soothe discomfort and may assist in the natural drainage of the stye.

If you find yourself in a situation where immediate care is necessary and you cannot wait for the appointment, consider reaching out to a local pharmacy or urgent care center for advice. They may be able to provide guidance on over-the-counter options that are safe for young children or suggest alternative treatments.

In summary, while Wenketong may seem like a quick solution, it is not advisable to use it on a stye in a 3-year-old without professional medical advice. The best course of action is to manage symptoms with warm compresses and seek medical attention as planned. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of your child by consulting with healthcare professionals before administering any medication.

Similar Q&A

Alternative Approaches for Treating Styes in Toddlers

Hello, my two-year-old child has developed three styes. The doctor at Cathay said that before the surgery, we need to perform an enema and then administer anesthesia via injection on the eyelid. However, these two steps are difficult for a young child to cooperate with. I would l...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: When a stye cannot be resolved with medication or eye drops, it may be necessary to incise and drain it. Performing surgery on a child can be quite challenging due to their fear, which often leads to a lack of cooperation. To ensure the smooth progression of the surgery, a...

Can Winston Ointment Be Used for Treating Styes?

Hello, doctor. May I ask if "Winston" Wenna Soft Ointment is suitable for the symptoms of a stye? Thank you.

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Only ophthalmic antibiotic ointment is allowed. Thank you.

Understanding Strabismus in Children: Botox Treatment and Safety Concerns

My child is 6 years old. Since the age of 3 or 4, the right eye has been turning inward (esotropia). After a doctor's diagnosis, corrective glasses for hyperopia were prescribed. Over the past year, the degree of strabismus has decreased, but it has not been completely resol...

Dr. Huang Bozhen reply Ophthalmology
Botulinum toxin is commonly used for facial wrinkle reduction or for conditions such as blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, strabismus, congenital esotropia, and nystagmus. Your condition falls under congenital esotropia, so the treatment effect should be quite favorable. As for sid...

Can Three-Year-Olds Safely Take Traditional Chinese Herbal Remedies?

Hello Dr. Lin: My child is currently three years old and was diagnosed with macrocephaly at over one year old, which has resulted in cognitive and language developmental delays. We are currently undergoing rehabilitation and acupuncture treatment. I would like to ask if Liu Wei D...

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear Mrs. Chuang / 31 years old / female netizen, Hello, 1. It seems that last year you inquired about your child's language development delay on the Taiwan e-hospital platform. Currently, your child is three years old and was diagnosed with macrocephaly at over one year ...