Stye or chalazion (eyelid bump)

Overview

A stye is like a pimple on the eyelid edge, often from staph bacteria.

A chalazion forms when an oil gland is blocked. It can last weeks.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Painful red bump on the eyelid
• Swollen or puffy eyelid or eye

Less common

• Tearing
• Feeling of something in the eye

When to get medical care

Causes

Blocked or infected oil glands in the eyelid.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Blepharitis
• Rosacea
• Old eye makeup

Possible complications

• Cellulitis: Spreading infection

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can tell by looking.

Questions you may be asked

• How long it's been there

The exam

An eye and eyelid exam.

Treatment

Warm compresses help both drain.

Self-care

• Use a warm, clean washcloth: 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day
• Don't squeeze or pop it
• Skip eye makeup and contacts until it heals

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

A doctor can drain a chalazion that doesn't go away.

Prevention

To prevent them:

• Wash hands before touching eyes
• Replace eye makeup every 3 months

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most heal on their own.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Does it need draining?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Stye or chalazion (eyelid bump)