How to Treat a Stye or Eyelid Bump: Effective Remedies and When to See a Doctor
If you've noticed a red, swollen bump on your eyelid, it might be a stye or chalazion — two conditions that, while similar in appearance, require different approaches to treatment. These are two different terms with slightly different treatment aspects. While generally not serious, these conditions can be uncomfortable and affect your appearance. Here's what you need to know about these eyelid issues and how to treat them.
Have you ever woken up with your eyelid feeling sore, swollen, and red?
What is a Stye?
A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a bacterial infection of the oil glands in the eyelid. It appears as a painful, red bump near the edge of the eyelid, sometimes accompanied by a small pus spot at the center. Styes are primarily caused by bacteria, typically Staphylococcus aureus.
What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion, on the other hand, is a blocked oil gland that leads to a swollen bump on the eyelid. Unlike styes, chalazia are usually not painful and develop farther from the eyelid edge. They start small but can grow to the size of a pea. Typically, they are remnants of a previous stye that is no longer infectious, but where white blood cells have clustered to the previous infection along edge of the eyelid margin and are now stagnant within the eyelid.
Symptoms
Both conditions present similar symptoms, though a stye is very painful to touch and a chalazion is not, as it is not an active infection:
Swelling of the eyelid
Redness and tenderness
Sensation of something in the eye or irritation
Crustiness around the eyelids
Home Treatment for Styes & Chalazions
For a stye, which is an active and painful infection, it's wise to seek medical advice. While styes may resolve on their own within a few weeks, getting a prescription for an antibiotic can significantly speed up the healing process, often leading to a cure in just a few days.
25-50% of chalazions can resolve on their own within 1-6 months of onset. Chalazions are not painful or an active infection but can be uncomfortable and affect appearance of the eyelid. Here are some steps you can take to aid recovery and alleviate discomfort at home:
Warm Compresses: Apply a clean, warm, microwavable eye mask to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes at a comfortably warm temperature (around 42°C or 108°F) several times a day. The heat should be sufficient to aid in melting the granulomatous cyst without burning the skin, helping the gland to clear the blockage and drain naturally.
Massage Gently: After applying a warm compress, gently massage the area to promote drainage, but do this carefully and cleanly.
Avoid Touching or Squeezing: Do not attempt to pop or squeeze the bump. This can spread the infection or cause further irritation.
Keep it Clean: Maintain eyelid hygiene. Gently wash the affected area with mild soap and water or use pre-moistened eyelid wipes.
When to See a Doctor - In Office Treatments
Consult your eye care specialist if:
The stye or chalazion does not improve within a week or worsens.
You experience pain, significant swelling, or vision problems.
The bumps recur, which could indicate an underlying issue or malignancy.
Treatment options for a painful hordeolum (active stye) include a medical eye exam and being prescribed an antibiotic for the pain and inflammation. Once the active infection subsides, it often leaves behind a non-infectious bump known as a chalazion.
For persistent chalazion, treatments tailored to the severity and duration of the condition include:
Steroid Injections: Effective for persistent cases, these injections require 1-3 rounds and can lead to depigmentation around the eyelid. They aren’t what we could consider a first-in-line treatment option for chalazions.
Surgical Curettage: Performed by a surgeon, this procedure physically removes the blockage for cases resistant to less invasive treatments.
IPL + RF Treatments: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy has been identified as an effective treatment for reducing the size and recurrence of chalazions, while also enhancing the function of the meibomian glands. It is increasingly being recommended as a primary treatment option for initial and recurring cases of chalazion that are accompanied by inflammation.
Innovative EyeCare offers a combination of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radio Frequency (RF) therapies that can significantly expedite the healing process, often resolving the condition within 3-5 days. Early treatment with IPL + RF can lead to quicker resolution.
Persistent and longstanding chalazions, which become a hardened granulomas, can be more challenging to treat and might require 6-8 sessions with IPL+RF. In contrast, a chalazion treated immediately upon emergence can often be resolved with just one session. Many patients favor this option as it avoids the need for surgery or injections.
IPL + RF technology was used to decrease the patient’s persistent bump on the eyelid (chalazion), from a previous stye infection.
Prevention
Preventing styes and chalazia starts with good eyelid hygiene:
Regularly clean your eyelids using hypochlorous cleaning spray or lid wipes.
Avoid makeup that irritates your eyes. Using makeup companies founded by eye care professionals ensures that the ingredients uses are non-irritating to the eye.
Do not share towels or washcloths.
Ensure proper cleaning and handling of contact lenses. Daily disposable contact lenses also help reduce contamination.
Understanding these common eyelid issues can help you manage them effectively at home and know when to seek professional advice. By following simple care steps, most styes and chalazia can be resolved without complications.
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If you are in the Scottsdale or Phoenix area and are concerned about an eyelid bump, you can book a consultation or choose the button below. Join us at our clinic for a thorough evaluation of your condition.
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