Comparing Chalazion vs Stye: Understanding Eyelid Bumps and Irritations
Imagine waking up to find a lump on your eyelid, causing pain and irritation when you blink.
Is it a Stye or a Chalazion?
As per a study published by the National Center of Biotechnology Information, Stye is generally caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.
On the other hand, Chalazion is caused due to blocked oil glands.
You may get confused about what you have, as both have similar appearances.
In this article, we will learn about the difference between Chalazion vs Stye based on their symptoms and treatment options.
A quick review: Chalazion vs Stye
| Chalazion | Stye | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A bump or lump in the eyelid | An infection of the eyelid |
| Cause | Blockage of an oil gland | Bacterial infection of a gland |
| Location | Inside the eyelid | At the base of an eyelash |
| Appearance | Painless and larger | Red, swollen, and tender |
| Symptoms | Swelling, tenderness, and sometimes mild pain | Redness, pain, and discomfort |
| Duration | Can last for several weeks | Few days or a week |
| Treatment | Warm compresses, gentle eyelid massages, and in some cases, steroid injections or surgery | Warm compresses, antibiotic ointment or drops (in some cases), and in some cases, incision and drainage |
| Prevention | Good eyelid hygiene, avoid touching or rubbing the eyes | Good eyelid hygiene, avoid sharing eye makeup, and avoiding eye irritants |
What is Stye
Stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a small, painful, red lump growing at the base of your eyelid.
Mostly Styes are caused due to a bacterial infection.
But, if Stye is present for several weeks, it may develop into a Chalazion.
There are two types of Styes known as External Hordeolum and Internal Hordeolum.
External Hordeolum is when the Stye begins at the base of your eyelid.
When Stye is present inside the eyelid, it is known as Internal Hordeolum.
What is Chalazion
A Chalazion or Chalazia is a swollen bump on the eyelid caused by oil glands clogging.
It may start as a Stye, and you may not know if you have Chalazion.
But as it grows, the eyelid may get red, swollen, and tender to the touch.
When Chazalion gets large, it can press your eyes and cause blurry vision.
Difference between Stye and Chalazion
It can be very hard to tell the difference between Stye and Chalazion if a person faces it for the first time.
A Stye is very painful and often appears at the edge of the eyelid due to an infection in the eyelash root.
It often swells and can sometimes affect the eyelid completely.
On the other hand, Chalazion is generally not painful and develops inside the eyelid.
A blocked oil gland generally causes it and can rarely swell the entire eyelid.
Symptoms of Stye and Chalazion
Some symptoms, such as swollen eyelids and pain, are common in the Stye and Chalazion.
Some of the other symptoms of Stye are as follows:
- Painful bump along the edges of the eyelid at the base of the eyelash
- Irritation in the eye
- Light sensitivity
- Tearing in the eye
- A small pus spot may be present at the center of the bump
However, the symptoms of Chalazion include the following:
- A red swollen bump on the eyelid
- Blurry vision (if Chalazion is large and presses the eyeball)
Stye and Chalazion treatment options
Both Stye and Chalazion are eye conditions affecting the eyelids.
They have some similarities, and treatment methods are also somewhat the same.
Following are the treatment for Stye and Chalazion:
Warm compress
Warm compresses can help in both Stye and Chalazion by increasing blood flow to the affected area and reducing inflammation.
It can also help in draining the blocked oil in the gland with the help of massaging.
To perform a warm compress, you can follow these steps:
- Soak the clean washcloth in hot water and wring (twist and squeeze) the washcloth to remove excess water
- Hold the cloth to your eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes
- Keep the cloth warm by dipping it in hot water often
- Do this activity 3 to 5 times a day to get some relief
This will help Chalazion by opening the clogged oil gland and draining the excess oil.
Antibiotics
Stye is caused due to bacterial infection, so it is essential to treat it using antibiotics.
Your ophthalmologist may prescribe you antibiotic eyedrops or topical cream to apply to your eyelids.
If Stye is unaffected by drops and topical creams, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotic tablets.
Steroid injections
If the Chalazion is swollen and doesn’t respond to warm compresses, your doctor may administer a steroid injection.
As per the National Library of Medicine, Corticosteroid injections are a safe and easy method for treating Chalazion.
Surgery
If you are facing vision problems due to Stye or Chalazion and they are not going away, you must get it drained.
This is done by performing a surgical procedure at a doctor’s office using local anesthesia.
In case you are facing Stye and Chalazion again and again, your ophthalmologist may do a biopsy.
The removed piece of the tissue is then studied to check for any other serious eye problems.
Which is worse, Stye or Chalazion
A Stye may be more bothersome and uncomfortable, as it can cause pain, irritation, and sensitivity to light.
It may also affect your vision if it is large enough to press on your eye.
A Stye usually goes away within a few days or weeks with proper treatment, such as warm compresses and antibiotics.
Chalazion may not have any symptoms at all except for a hard lump on your eyelid.
However, it may take longer to heal than a stye, sometimes up to several months.
A chalazion may grow larger than a stye and affect your vision if it presses on your eye.
Both styes and chalazia are usually harmless and do not cause serious complications.
However, they can sometimes lead to infections or inflammation of the eyelid or the eye, such as conjunctivitis.
Conclusion
It is important to distinguish between Chalazion and Stye to manage these eyelid bumps.
A Chalazion slow-growing bump caused due to oil gland blockage; Styes are bacterial-infected lumps.
Treatment options include a warm compress, hygiene, and other preventive measures.
If necessary, you may need antibiotics, or surgery may be needed in severe cases.
You can maintain eye health after understanding the differences and avoiding frequent eye touching.
Consult your doctor if you face eye problems; they may suggest a proper treatment after diagnosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Stye and Chalazion the same?
No, Stye and Chalazion are not same. They are two different eyelid conditions having distinct causes and characteristics. Styes are bacterially infected lumps, while Chalazion is slow-growing bumps caused due to blocked oil glands.
Can you have a Stye and Chalazion at the same time?
Yes, you can have a stye and a chalazion on the same or different eyelids. They can also occur in both eyes at the same time. Having one does not prevent you from getting another one.
How long do Stye and Chalazion last?
The duration of Stye can last from a few days to a couple of weeks. However, Chalazion may persist for a few weeks to months. Timely treatment can speed up the healing process.
How do you know if you have a Stye or a Chalazion?
A Stye typically appears as a red, painful bump on the eyelid caused by an infected eyelash follicle. A Chalazion is a painless, slow-growing lump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland.
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