Difference Between Stye And Chalazion

Stye and chalazion are both conditions affecting the eyes, more specifically the eyelids. Despite being similar in appearance and the effects they have, there is substantial difference between stye and chalazion. Let us explore those differences.

What Are Styes?

Styes are tiny lumps that form in the eyelid, typically on the edge. They can be painful. They can be quite irritating. However, they are not very serious. In most cases, styes get cured on their own and you don’t need any medical intervention. Should a stye develop inside the eyelid, then it is known as an internal hordeolum.

What About Chalazia’s

Chalazia are lumps that typically form in the eyelid and they look like styes but they are larger in size. Also, they aren’t painful. They may look odd but wouldn’t be itchy or irritating. Like styes, chalazia do not require any medical intervention unless the lumps have existed for a really long time with no signs of getting healed or cured.

How Are They Caused?

Both stye and chalazion are caused due to inflammation in and around the eyelids. Stye is caused due to a bacterial infection. Chalazion is caused by the blockage of one or many oil glands in the eyelids. If a stye is actually an internal hordeolum which is caused by an infection in the oil glands inside an eyelid, then that can develop into a chalazion later.

What Do Styes Look Like?

A stye would appear as a bump, usually red. It can be equated with a pimple in shape, size and texture. A stye can grow in size and then contract. It can swell up and be severely painful. You may have watery eyes. A stye would typically break in three or four days and get drained. In worse case scenarios, you can expect a stye to get healed on its own in a week.

What Do Chalazions Look Like?

In contrast, a chalazion may appear like a cyst inside the eyelid, under the skin. It can become a firm and large lump. It would not hurt and you may not have any irritation or itchy sensation. However, the inflammation may spread leading to swelling of the eyelids. Chalazion can get naturally healed but it could take months without any medical intervention.

Caring For Them

If you have a stye or chalazion, then avoid touching your eyelids and when you do make sure you have washed your hands. Use lukewarm water and apply compresses four or five times a day. You could use eye washes and drops as recommended by a doctor or credible over the counter options. Avoid using eye makeup.

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