Difference Between Chalazion and Stye

Chalazia are enlargements of an oil gland (similar to a pimple) deep in the eyelid caused by an obstruction of the gland's opening. Styes are usually infected eyelash follicles. A chalazion is inflamed but not infected. A stye is usually caused by a staphylococcal infection.

1. How can you tell the difference between a stye and a chalazion?
2. Can stye turn into chalazion?
3. How do you get rid of a chalazion on your eyelid?
4. How long do Chalazions last?
5. What happens if a chalazion is left untreated?
6. What's inside a chalazion?

How can you tell the difference between a stye and a chalazion?

Most styes occur along the edge of the eyelid. When a stye occurs inside the eyelid, it is called an internal hordeolum (say "hor-dee-OH-lum"). A chalazion (say "kuh-LAY-zee-on") is a lump in the eyelid. Chalazia (plural) may look like styes, but they are usually larger and may not hurt.

Can stye turn into chalazion?

styes. Often larger than stye, a chalazia usually isn't painful. It is not caused by an infection from bacteria, and it is not a cancer. Sometimes, when a a stye doesn't heal, it can turn into a chalazion.

How do you get rid of a chalazion on your eyelid?

Chalazia and Stye Treatment

1. Warm compresses. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water and hold it to your eyelid for 10–15 minutes at a time, 3–5 times a day. ...
2. Antibiotics. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe an antibiotic for an infected stye.
3. Steroid shots. ...
4. Surgery to drain the area. ...
5. Do not squeeze or try to pop a stye or chalazion.

How long do Chalazions last?

Chalazions typically aren't painful and often go away on their own within two to eight weeks. But if you've had one for several months or it's starting to interfere with your vision, your healthcare provider may recommend surgical removal.

What happens if a chalazion is left untreated?

If left untreated, most chalazion should eventually heal by themselves, but this may take many months and could cause infections, discomfort and affect your child's vision during this time.

What's inside a chalazion?

A chalazion is a small, slow-growing lump or cyst that develops within the eyelid. They are not usually painful and rarely last longer than a few weeks. A chalazion can develop when a meibomian gland at the edge of an eyelid becomes blocked or inflamed. These glands produce oil that lubricates the surface of the eye.