Stye (Chalazion)
A tender, red bump near the edge of the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland.
Symptoms
Common signs to watch for.
- A red, swollen lump on the eyelid
- Pain or tenderness at the site
- Crusting along the eyelid margin
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
- A small pus-filled spot at the centre of the bump
Home Care Tips
Things you can do at home to relieve symptoms.
- Apply a warm compress for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily
- Gently massage the area to help unblock the gland
- Keep the eyelid clean with diluted baby shampoo
- Avoid wearing eye makeup until healed
- Do not squeeze or pop the stye
- Replace old eye makeup to prevent reinfection
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:
- The stye does not improve after 2 weeks
- It grows larger or more painful
- Vision is affected
- The entire eyelid becomes swollen and red
- You develop multiple styes at once
- The eye itself (not just the lid) becomes red and painful
About Stye (Chalazion)
Understanding Styes and Chalazia
A stye (hordeolum) is a localized, tender red bump that develops near the edge of the eyelid when an eyelash follicle or oil-producing gland becomes acutely infected by bacteria, typically Staphylococcus. While uncomfortable, a stye usually comes to a head within a few days and resolves with warm compresses.
A chalazion, by comparison, is a non-infectious inflammatory lump that forms deeper inside the eyelid when a meibomian gland becomes chronically blocked. While chalazia are generally less painful than acute styes, they tend to be firmer, can persist for weeks or months, and may press on the cornea to cause mild blurred vision if they grow large enough.
Common Contributing Factors
- Blepharitis or chronic eyelid margin inflammation
- Inadequate makeup removal or using expired eye cosmetics
- Touching or rubbing eyes with unwashed hands
- Skin conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
Sources & Medical References
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