Styes and Chalazia: Care Instructions

Overview

Styes and chalazia (say "kuh-LAY-zee-uh") are both conditions that can cause swelling of the eyelid.

A stye is an infection in the root of an eyelash. The infection causes a tender red lump on the edge of the eyelid. The infection can spread until the whole eyelid becomes red and inflamed. Styes usually break open, and a tiny amount of pus drains. They usually clear up on their own in about a week, but they sometimes need treatment with antibiotics.

A chalazion is a lump or cyst in the eyelid (chalazion is singular; chalazia is plural). It is caused by swelling and inflammation of deep oil glands inside the eyelid. Chalazia are usually not infected. They can take a few months to heal.

If a chalazion becomes more swollen and painful or does not go away, you may need to have it drained by your doctor.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Do not squeeze or try to open a stye or chalazion.
• To help a stye or chalazion heal faster:
  • Put a warm, moist compress on your eye for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 6 times a day. Heat often brings a stye to a point where it drains on its own. Keep in mind that warm compresses will often increase swelling a little at first.
  • Do not use hot water or heat a wet cloth in a microwave oven. The compress may get too hot and can burn the eyelid.
• If the doctor gave you antibiotic drops or ointment, use the medicine exactly as directed. Use the medicine for as long as instructed, even if your eye starts to feel better.
• To put in eyedrops or ointment:
  • Tilt your head back, and pull your lower eyelid down with one finger.
  • Drop or squirt the medicine inside the lower lid.
  • Close your eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the drops or ointment move around.
  • Do not touch the ointment or dropper tip to your eyelashes or any other surface.
• Do not wear eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye or chalazion heals.
• Do not share towels, pillows, or washcloths while you have a stye.

What can you do to prevent styes and chalazia?

Here are some things you can do to prevent styes and chalazia.

• Don't rub your eyes. This can irritate your eyes and let in bacteria. If you need to touch your eyes, wash your hands first.
• Protect your eyes from dust and air pollution when you can. For example, wear safety glasses when you do dusty chores like raking or mowing the lawn.
• Remove eye makeup before you go to sleep. Replace eye makeup, especially mascara, at least every 6 months. Bacteria can grow in makeup.
• If you get styes or chalazia often, wash your eyelids regularly with a little bit of baby shampoo mixed in warm water.
• Treat any inflammation or infection of the eyelid promptly.