The stye on my 8 year old child's eyelid is getting worse. should i do something or let it get bigger and burst?

Warm compresses: Most chalazia (styes) will improve on their own, but will usually resolve faster with application of warm washcloth (warm compress) to the affected area three or four times daily for 5-10 minutes. If the stye is not improving after several days, may be time to see an ophthalmologist for possible topical or oral medication. A few styes will not resolve and require excision.

Depends on pain: If painful, it can be "lanced", likely needing a short episode of general anesthesia unless the 8 year old is stoic! if not painful and only ugly, warm compresses, drops/ointment, cleansing and patience may be all that is needed to resolve the problem although. A chalazion (seen as a lump under the skin) rather than a hordeolum (pimple on the edge of the lid), may not resolve without surgery.