Eyelids 5 min read

Stye and chalazion: what to do about a lump on the eyelid?

A small red, tender lump, or a firmer swelling that settles at the eyelid margin: styes and chalazia are common and benign. Responding correctly often allows you to clear them up without any complicated procedure.

Applying a warm compress to the eyelid
Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene: the first steps when dealing with a stye or chalazion.

In brief: a stye is an infection of an eyelash, red and painful; a chalazion is a cyst caused by a blocked eyelid gland, firmer and more persistent. Both are benign. Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene are the cornerstone of treatment. Never lance them yourself.

Stye or chalazion: how to tell them apart?

Both affect the eyelid but have different origins:

  • A stye is an acute infection at the base of an eyelash: a small red, warm and painful spot at the eyelid margin, sometimes with a white head;
  • A chalazion results from a blocked eyelid gland (which produces the oily layer of the tear film): a firmer, deeper swelling, little or not painful, which may persist for several weeks.

A stye can evolve into a chalazion, and both can coexist.

Why do they occur?

The glands along the eyelid margin can become blocked, particularly in cases of blepharitis (chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin), dry eye, or poor drainage of secretions. Fatigue, eye rubbing, and a predisposed constitution encourage recurrences.

The right approach

  1. 1

    Warm compresses

    Apply a warm compress to the closed eyelid several times a day to soften the blockage and help drain the gland.

  2. 2

    Gentle massage

    After applying heat, a light massage of the eyelid in the direction of the lashes may help.

  3. 3

    Eyelid hygiene

    Gently clean the eyelid margins, especially in cases of blepharitis, to prevent recurrences.

  4. 4

    Patience

    Most resolve within a few days to a few weeks with this care.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Do not lance or squeeze the lesion yourself: risk of worsening and infection;
  • avoid wearing eye make-up during the episode;
  • do not wear contact lenses while the discomfort persists;
  • avoid self-medicating with antibiotics without advice.

When to consult?

Most styes and chalazia resolve on their own. A consultation is advisable if:

  • the lesion persists despite treatment (a chalazion may require a minor procedure);
  • it grows larger, becomes very red, or the eyelid swells significantly;
  • redness spreads, with fever or severe pain;
  • recurrences are frequent, or the lesion keeps returning in the same spot.

An examination allows the diagnosis to be confirmed and, if needed, a treatment to be proposed (topical anti-inflammatory, or a minor procedure for a persistent chalazion).

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a stye and a chalazion?

A stye is an infection of an eyelash, painful and red; a chalazion is a cyst caused by a blocked gland, firmer, less painful and more persistent.

Should you lance a stye or chalazion?

No, never yourself. Warm compresses and hygiene are usually sufficient. Any procedure, if necessary, is performed by a professional.

Can a chalazion come back?

Yes, especially in cases of meibomian gland dysfunction. Regular hygiene helps to prevent it.

Is it contagious?

Styes and chalazia are not considered contagious, but good hand hygiene is still recommended.

This article is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation. It does not constitute individual medical advice.

Further reading

Prevention & longevityVisual fatigue and screensRead more → Eye healthDry eyeRead more → Eye healthConjunctivitisRead more →
Portrait of Dr Sarra Gattoussi, ophthalmologist in Paris

Article written by

Dr Sarra Gattoussi

Ophthalmologist in Paris 11th, subspecialised in medical and surgical retina. She also provides refractive surgery and cataract care. Sector 2 fees.

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