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Please note prescriptions are only available in Canada and given at the doctor's discretion.

Stye treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

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Can a doctor treat a stye on Maple?

Yes, a Maple doctor can diagnose and treat a stye. They’ll ask you some questions about your symptoms, and ask to see your eye. From there, they can give advice on next steps and any necessary medication.

Can I get a prescription on Maple?

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

What is a stye?

A stye is an infection on the eyelid, near or on the lash line, that causes mildly painful red lumps resembling a pimple.

The appearance of a stye might follow a period of time where dead skin, oil or dirt has been left to build up on your lash line, causing the tiny holes that make up your eyelash follicles to become clogged.

What are the symptoms of a stye?

The common symptoms of a stye include:

  • An itchy, sore eye
  • Swollen eyelid
  • Excessive eye-watering

Styes usually heal themselves by breaking open and draining after around 3 days. Stye complications are unusual, but if swelling spreads to other areas of the face or the stye doesn’t begin to heal after a few days, let your doctor know right away.

What causes a stye?

Styes are caused by a bacterial infection in the follicles at the base of the eyelash. You’re more likely to get a stye if you:

  • Touch your eyes with dirty hands
  • Sleep with makeup on
  • Put in contacts without cleaning your hands first
  • Are diabetic
  • Have rosacea (a skin condition that causes redness in the face)
  • Have blepharitis (chronically inflammation along the eye line)
  • Have had a stye before
  • Have high cholesterol
How is a stye treated?

Stye treatment might consist of at-home remedies, like a warm compress held over the eye to reduce swelling and open up the pores, encouraging the release of trapped bacteria. Regularly cleaning the area with soap and water will also help.

Avoid touching the stye or squeezing it unnecessarily, as the pus released could cause the infection to spread. To control the bacteria, Polysporin or other topical antibiotic ointments can help with stye treatment.

If you’re wondering when to see a doctor, a stye that remains the same size, or continues to grow for more than a few days may be cause for further medical attention. A doctor may then give a prescription for stye medication, which is sometimes an antibiotic taken orally.

What is Maple?

With Maple, you can start talking to a doctor about your symptoms in a matter of minutes. We’re a healthcare app for fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

You simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll immediately connect you to a doctor via live chat or video. You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

Our doctors can assess symptoms, and provide treatment, including prescriptions as necessary.

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Patients love using Maple

Read our social media reviews, or download the app

A fantastic way to get medical advice when you are unable to see someone in person. The app is so simple to use. Highly recommend. I am not a tech savvy person but the doctor was kind enough to patiently walk me through every step of the process. Thank you.

— Google Play Store

This app is amazing! The doctor was so professional. I just waited 1-2 mins to get served! I highly recommend this app.

— Google Play Store

The service has been amazing for our family. The doctors are kind, thorough, and ask all the right questions. As a busy family of five, this app has been a life saver

— App store review

Super impressed with this service. Without a family doctor, it’s easy to feel alone with no care. Very thankful to have options.

— Google Play Store User

So fast and efficient. A process that would have ordinarily involved a referral and a six months wait was completed in less than 72 hours. Wholeheartedly recommend Maple.

— Google Review

At 1:30 am, I realized I had a UTI and was desperate for help. I went online and within ten minutes, I had my prescription faxed to my pharmacy. This service gave me peace of mind.

— Trustpilot Review

Maple was there for me when other doctors couldn't be. So convenient. Any time, any day. I am grateful for this service.

— Trustpilot Review

We needed to see a doctor over the weekend as our pediatrician was not available. Logging into Maple and choosing from a selection of specialties was quick and easy. Excellent service!

— Trustpilot Review

Very easy to navigate Maple. It’s secure and trusted. Maple has truly gone above and beyond with their app. Highly recommended.

— Trustpilot Review

Amazing service! It was great being able to connect with a doctor from the comfort of home late at night.

— Trustpilot Review

Treatable conditions

Mental health

Our doctors are available to provide advice and treatment for common mental health conditions.

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Women’s/men’s health

Doctors can advise on family planning and treat conditions, including urinary tract infections and erectile dysfunction.

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