Styes and chalazions

A chalazion usually appears gradually. It manifests as a small swelling on the eyelid, visible either on the inner side of the eyelid (internal chalazion) or on the outer side (external chalazion). Slight secretions at the edge of the eyelashes may sometimes be observed.
A stye usually starts more acutely. The most characteristic sign is the appearance of a whitish, pus-filled bump at the base of an eyelash. Here too, there may be slight discharge at the edge of the eyelashes.
In both situations, the eyelid is often red, swollen and painful, with the pain generally being more pronounced in the case of a stye. The swelling can sometimes spread to the entire eyelid, making it difficult to open. There may also be secretions with crusting upon waking, as well as a feeling of discomfort or a foreign body in the eye. Symptoms usually appear quickly, sometimes within a few hours. A tingling sensation or discomfort may precede the swelling

Certain situations or conditions promote the development of chalazions and styes.
Poor eyelid hygiene, rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands or incomplete make-up removal are common factors. Wearing contact lenses, dry eyes and allergies can also increase the risk.
Certain skin conditions can cause obstruction of the eyelid glands, including rosacea (chronic inflammation of the face), blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins) and seborrheic dermatitis.
Hormonal imbalances, stress, lack of sleep, hyperlipidaemia, air pollution, exposure to ultraviolet rays, and certain autoimmune, bacterial or parasitic diseases may also be involved.

The diagnosis is essentially clinical and is based on examination of the eyelid. In most cases, no additional tests are necessary.
In the case of a chalazion, eversion of the eyelid, a simple, quick and painless procedure in ophthalmology, often reveals a yellowish nodule on the inner surface of the eyelid.
If the lesion looks unusual, does not heal despite appropriate treatment, or recurs in the same place, a biopsy may be considered to rule out a rarer cause, particularly a malignant one.

It is possible to significantly reduce the risk of chalazions and styes by taking simple measures on a daily basis:

• Wash your hands regularly, especially before touching your eyes
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially with unclean hands
• Clean your eyelids thoroughly, especially if you have a history of blepharitis or oily skin
• Remove all make-up every evening using suitable products
• Do not share make-up and replace cosmetic products regularly
• Care for contact lenses properly by following the cleaning and replacement instructions

In the case of associated skin conditions, such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis, appropriate treatment also helps to reduce the risk of recurrence

These conditions are benign and usually heal without sequelae.
In exceptional cases, a secondary infection may occur, progressing to preseptal cellulitis. This manifests as swelling, redness and diffuse pain in the eyelid, sometimes accompanied by fever, and requires prompt oral antibiotic treatment. In the case of a stye, the infected eyelash can be removed directly during the consultation.

The first-line treatment consists of conservative measures aimed at reducing inflammation and promoting spontaneous healing.
The application of local heat is the fundamental treatment: warm compresses are applied to the closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes, several times a day. The heat helps to thin the thickened secretions and facilitate the drainage of the contents of the blocked gland. Gentle eyelid massage, directed towards the free edge of the eyelid, improves the effectiveness of drainage.
During this period, it is recommended that you temporarily stop wearing eye make-up and contact lenses.
Local treatment with an ointment combining an antibiotic and a corticosteroid is frequently prescribed for both chalazions and styes.
In the case of chalazions, an oral antibiotic, used for its anti-inflammatory properties, may be considered in certain situations. For chronic or persistent forms, a local corticosteroid injection may also be offered.
If there is no improvement after two months of proper treatment, surgery is indicated. Chalazion curettage is performed under local anaesthetic, through the eyelid, leaving no visible scar

A medical consultation is recommended in the following situations:

• No improvement after 7 to 10 days despite warm compresses
• Increased pain or size of the lesion
• Redness or swelling spreading to the entire eyelid or cheek
• Impaired vision or difficulty opening the eye
• Presence of pus, blood or thick scabs
• Fever or frequent recurrences in the same place

At Hôpital de La Tour, chalazions and styes are treated in Dr Franceschetti's office. Each consultation begins with a thorough assessment of symptoms in order to establish a clear diagnosis of stye, chalazion or other eyelid condition.
The ophthalmology team works in collaboration with dermatologists and general practitioners to take into account any underlying causes, such as rosacea or blepharitis.
When surgical curettage is necessary, patients are referred to Dr. Stéphan Tobalem, an ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon specialising in eyelid surgery at La Tour Hospital

Are styes contagious?

No. Although it is an infection, a stye is not transmitted from one person to another. However, poor hygiene can promote its development.

Can a stye or chalazion be lanced?

No. It is strongly advised not to lance a stye or chalazion. This can aggravate the inflammation or infection, cause it to spread and lead to complications, including scarring.

How long does a stye or chalazion last?

On average, it takes 7 to 10 days to heal. Applying warm compresses regularly can help speed up the healing process.

What is the difference between a stye and a chalazion?

A stye is a localised infection of an eyelash, while a chalazion is a non-infectious inflammation caused by a blocked Meibomian gland in the eyelid. Chalazions generally take longer to disappear