Skip directly to: Navigation for this section | Page content

Health Topics
Styes & Chalazions

Overview

Styes or chalazions appear as a small, pimple like bump along the eyelashes (sty) or within the eyelid (chalazion). They differ in that a sty is caused by an active bacterial infection while a chalazion is caused by inflammation only. Most styes heal within a few days on their own or with simple treatment. Chalazions often disappear on their own, but it might take a month or more. Both are harmless and rarely affect the eyeball or eyesight. They tend to periodically recur.

Signs & Symptoms

Stye:

  • Tender red lump or bump at the base of the eyelashes.
  • Tearing, light sensitivity and the sensation of having something in the eye may occur.
  • Swelling usually involves only a small area of the lid but sometimes can lead to irritation and redness of the whole eyelid.
  • A small, yellowish spot often appears in the center of a sty, when the pus collection becomes visible. It usually resolves within a week after the pus drains.

Chalazion:

  • Red lump or bump within the eyelid.
  • May at first appear as a tender red lump or bump but it eventually changes to a painless, slow growing, round mass in the lid.
  • The chalazion takes longer, sometimes months, to heal.

Prevention

  • Good hygiene is the best way to prevent styes and chalazions.
  • Keep your hands clean and don’t rub your eyes.
  • Don’t share eye make-up.

Treatment

  • Apply a warm compress for 10-15 minutes 4 times a day for several days. Compresses help relieve pain and inflammation, promote drainage and accelerate the healing process.
  • Never squeeze – allow it to open and drain on its own.

When To Seek Medical Attention

  • If a lump or bump on the eyelids impairs vision.
  • If a stye does not improve after 3 days of home treatment with warm compresses or if it does not heal in one week.
  • If a painless lump within the eyelid does not resolve after several months.
  • If the redness spreads to the entire eyelid.
  • If there is pain in the eye.
  • If you are experiencing recurrence.

How We Can Help

  • If you would like to be seen by our medical staff, please contact our Appointment Desk (530.752.2349) to schedule an appointment.
  • Also, our Advice Nurse (530.752.9649) service is free for all UC Davis students to discuss health concerns and the need for medical care.

Recommended Resources

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

last reviewed: Fall 2005