Styes and Chalazia

A stye is a small, painful bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland.

A chalazion is a small, painless bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland that has become infected.

The symptoms of a stye include pain, swelling, and redness.

The main symptom of a chalazion is a small, painless bump on the eyelid.

Styes and chalazia can be treated with warm compresses, antibiotic ointment, or surgery.

The most common cause of styes and chalazia is blocked oil glands.

People with oily skin, people who wear contact lenses, and people with diabetes are all at increased risk for developing styes and chalazia.

Styes and chalazia can be prevented by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your eyes, and using clean towels and washcloths.

You should see a doctor about a stye or chalazion if it is painful, red and swollen, or does not go away after a week.

A stye is painful, while a chalazion is not. A stye is caused by a blocked oil gland, while a chalazion is caused by a cyst. A stye is usually located on the eyelid margin, while a chalazion is usually located on the eyelid surface.

The most common complication of a stye or chalazion is infection.

A stye or chalazion can be treated at home with warm compresses, antibiotic ointment, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

A stye or chalazion should be treated with surgery if it is large and painful, if it is causing vision problems, or if it does not respond to home treatment.

Most styes and chalazia go away on their own. Treatment can usually resolve a stye or chalazion if it does not go away on its own. Surgery is rarely necessary to treat a stye or chalazion.