Stye and Chalazion: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Medically Reviewed Content This content has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Opr. Dr. Sinan Goker.

What are Styes and Chalazia?

Styes and chalazia (eyelid cysts) are lumps that form on or along the edge of the eyelid. They can be painful or irritating but often disappear on their own without medical treatment.

A stye is an infection that causes a painful red swelling on the eyelid. Styes usually form on the edge of the eyelid. When they occur inside the eyelid, they are referred to as internal hordeolum (eyelid gland inflammation).

A chalazion is a swelling that occurs on the eyelid. While similar to a stye, they are generally larger, firmer, and painless. Both conditions can be associated with blepharitis, a common problem that leads to eyelid inflammation.

What Causes Styes and Chalazia?

A bacterial infection causes a stye. The bacteria usually grow in the root of an eyelash (follicle). Internal eyelid inflammation results from an infection in the small oil glands inside the eyelid.

A chalazion forms when the oil glands in the eyelid become blocked. If an internal stye does not drain or heal, it can turn into a chalazion.

What are the Symptoms?

Styes usually begin with a red bump that looks like a pimple on the eyelid. As it grows, the eyelid becomes swollen and painful, and the eye may water. Most styes swell for about three days before they rupture and drain. They typically heal within a week.
Chalazia form as a firm lump or cyst under the skin of the eyelid. They grow more slowly than styes and, if they become large enough, can interfere with vision. Inflammation and swelling may spread to cover the area around the eye. A chalazion usually disappears within a few weeks without treatment.

How are Styes and Chalazia Diagnosed?

A doctor will diagnose a stye or chalazion by carefully examining the eyelid. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between the two. If there is a firm lump inside the eyelid, the doctor will likely diagnose it as a chalazion.

How are They Treated?

Home treatment is sufficient for most styes and chalazia.

Apply warm, moist compresses to your eye 3 to 6 times a day. This helps the area heal faster and can assist in opening blocked pores so the inflammation can drain.
Over-the-counter products can be used. Try ointments, solutions (such as eye washes), or medicated pads.
Wait for it to open on its own. Do not squeeze or try to pop a stye or chalazion.
Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until the area is fully healed.
Consult a doctor if the condition does not improve with home treatment. You may need prescription antibiotic ointments or eye drops. If the infection spreads to the eyelid or surrounding eye area, oral antibiotics may be required.

If a stye or chalazion becomes very large, a doctor may drain it (make an incision with a scalpel) to facilitate healing. Do not attempt this yourself.

How Can You Prevent Styes or Chalazia?

Do not rub your eyes. This can irritate the eyes and introduce bacteria. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes.
Replace eye makeup, especially mascara, every 6 months, as bacteria can thrive in these products.
Treat any eyelid inflammation or infection promptly. If you experience frequent styes or chalazia, regularly wash your eyes with a mixture of warm water and a small amount of baby shampoo.