A stye and a chalazion are both common eyelid lumps that can cause swelling and discomfort, but they have different causes and treatment approaches. Because they appear in similar locations, many people confuse the two, leading to uncertainty about the best way to manage them.
A stye is usually a painful, red lump caused by a bacterial infection in an eyelash follicle or oil gland. It tends to develop quickly and may resemble a small abscess or pimple. In contrast, a chalazion is a painless bump that forms when an oil gland in the eyelid becomes blocked, leading to gradual swelling without signs of infection.
Understanding the difference between a stye and a chalazion is important for choosing the right treatment and preventing recurrence. This guide explains their causes, symptoms, and treatment options, helping you identify which condition you may have and when to seek professional advice.
Key Differences Between a Stye and a Chalazion
Although styes and chalazia both appear as lumps on the eyelid, they have distinct causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Understanding these differences can help determine the best course of action for relief and prevention.
Causes and How They Develop
- Stye (Hordeolum): Caused by a bacterial infection, often from Staphylococcus aureus, that affects an eyelash follicle or oil gland. The infection leads to inflammation, redness, and pus formation.
- Chalazion: Develops when an oil gland (meibomian gland) becomes blocked, preventing oil from draining properly. Over time, the trapped oil triggers a slow-growing, painless lump. Unlike a stye, a chalazion is not caused by an infection.
Symptoms and Appearance
| Feature | Stye | Chalazion |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Level | Painful, often tender to the touch | Painless, may cause slight discomfort |
| Swelling | Localised red bump on the eyelid | Firm lump, usually inside the eyelid |
| Redness | Surrounding skin may be red and irritated | May cause minor redness, but not always |
| Pus or Drainage | Can develop a yellow or white head that drains | No pus or drainage |
| Growth Speed | Appears quickly (1–2 days) | Develops slowly over several weeks |
| Location | Usually near the base of an eyelash | Forms deeper inside the eyelid |
Pain, Swelling, and Duration
- A stye is usually short-lived, often resolving within a week, especially if it drains naturally.
- A chalazion can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, though it may gradually shrink on its own.
- If a chalazion becomes large, it may press on the eye and affect vision, whereas a stye typically causes discomfort but does not interfere with eyesight.
Identifying whether you have a stye or a chalazion is key to choosing the right treatment.
Treatment and Home Care
At City Dermatology Clinic, our ophthalmologists, including Dr Sing Yue Sim, Mr Sher Aslam, and Mr Derek Kwun-Hong Ho, provide expert assessment and treatment for styes and chalazia. While many cases resolve on their own, some require professional care to prevent complications or recurrence.
How to Treat a Stye vs. a Chalazion
| Treatment Method | Stye | Chalazion |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Compresses | Helps drain the infection and reduce swelling | Softens the blockage and encourages natural drainage |
| Gentle Eyelid Massage | Can help the stye drain naturally | Helps break down the trapped oil |
| Topical Antibiotics | Sometimes recommended if infection is spreading | Not required, as chalazia are not caused by infection |
| Oral Antibiotics | Used for severe or recurring infections | Not typically needed unless an infection develops |
| Avoid Squeezing | Squeezing can spread infection | Pressing too hard can worsen inflammation |
| Steroid Injection | Not usually necessary | May help reduce swelling in persistent cases |
| Surgical Drainage | Rarely needed, but may be required if the stye does not drain | May be performed for large or long-lasting chalazia |
Specialist Treatment at City Dermatology Clinic
- Persistent styes and chalazia that do not resolve with home care may require a minor procedure to drain the lump and relieve discomfort.
- Steroid injections are sometimes used to reduce inflammation in larger chalazia.
- In severe cases, our ophthalmologists can perform a quick and painless surgical drainage procedure under local anaesthesia.
When to Seek Professional Help
A consultation with an eye specialist is recommended if:
- The lump does not improve after several weeks of home treatment.
- There is significant pain, swelling, or vision changes.
- The lump continues growing or frequently recurs.
At City Dermatology Clinic, our specialist ophthalmologists provide safe, effective treatments tailored to each patient’s condition. Book a consultation for expert care in managing styes, chalazia, and other eyelid conditions.
Prevention and Long-Term Eye Health
Preventing styes and chalazia starts with proper eyelid hygiene and eye care. Since both conditions are linked to blocked oil glands and bacterial buildup, simple daily habits can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
Reducing the Risk of Styes and Chalazia
- Maintain good eyelid hygiene – Regularly clean the eyelids with a gentle cleanser or specialised eyelid wipes to remove excess oil and debris.
- Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes – This can introduce bacteria and irritate the oil glands.
- Remove eye makeup before bed – Leaving makeup on overnight can clog oil glands and increase the risk of infections.
- Use clean contact lenses – Poor lens hygiene can introduce bacteria to the eyelids. Always wash hands before handling lenses.
- Manage underlying conditions – Blepharitis, rosacea, and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can increase the likelihood of developing styes and chalazia.
Eye Hygiene and Skincare Tips
At City Dermatology Clinic, our ophthalmologists, including Dr Sing Yue Sim, Mr Sher Aslam, and Mr Derek Kwun-Hong Ho, provide personalised recommendations for maintaining healthy eyelids and preventing recurring styes or chalazia. This may include:
- Warm compress therapy to improve oil gland function.
- Prescription eye drops or cleansers for patients with chronic eyelid inflammation.
- Professional assessments for those experiencing frequent or persistent eyelid lumps.
References
- Stye and Chalazion – Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
BMJ Best Practice
https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/214 - Styes and Chalazia: Inflammation of the Eyelid
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557372/ - Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) – Eye Disorders
Merck Manuals Professional Edition
https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/eye-disorders/eyelid-and-lacrimal-disorders/chalazion-and-hordeolum-stye - What Is the Difference Between a Stye and a Chalazion?
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-chalazia-styes - Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) – Diagnosis and Treatment
Emergency Care BC
https://emergencycarebc.ca/clinical_resource/clinical-summary/chalazion-hordeolum-and-stye-diagnosis-and-treatment/ - Chalazion Treatment: A Concise Review of Clinical Trials
Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02713683.2023.2279014 - Chalazion Management: Evidence and Questions
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) EyeNet Magazine
https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/chalazion-management-evidence-questions - Chalazion and Stye Treatment
Stanford Health Care
https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/eyes-and-vision/chalazion-stye/treatments.html - Chalazion and Stye
University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center
https://www.umkelloggeye.org/conditions-treatments/chalazion-stye - Chalazion Treatment & Management
Medscape Reference
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1212709-treatment
