should a cook with an eye stye work

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should a cook with an eye stye work

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Rod Moser, PA, PhD

Primary Care

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Styes (hordeolum) are not contagious or infectious, like conjunctivitis (pink eye). They are really just inflamed oil-glands. Yes, these things can be very nasty-looking, but they do not pose any risk to customers. As long as the cook maintains a high-level of personal hygiene (hand washing, not trying to touch/squeeze these painful lesions), he is capable of working.

If the cook is in full-view of customers as he is preparing their meals, it could result in a few double-takes from people who may not understand the nature of styes. I work closely with children and babies every day. If I had a big stye, I would probably just stay home, apply some hot compresses, and wait for it to resolve. I pose no risk to the babies, but I would get tired of explaining my eye to parents.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.

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Michael W. Smith, MD

Internal Medicine

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In general, a stye is not contagious so it's not a problem for a cook to continue to work. As always, you would want to still practice good hand hygiene.

Here's a previous answer by Dr. Hoffman on this same issue:

http://answers.webmd.com/answers/1200084/are-styes-contagious

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