Styes (Chalazions) | Student Health and Counseling Services

Overview of Styes (Chalazions)

Styes or chalazions appear as a small, pimple like bump along the eyelashes (sty) or within the eyelid (chalazion). They differ in that a stye is caused by an active bacterial infection while a chalazion is caused by inflammation only. Most styes heal within a few days to a week 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

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 or try to pop the lesion – 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 1 week of home treatment with warm compresses.
If a painless lump within the eyelid does not resolve after several weeks.
If the redness spreads to the entire eyelid.
If there is pain in the eye, drainage, or worsening.
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 to schedule an appointment.
Also, our Advice Nurse service is available at no charge for all UC Davis students to discuss health concerns and the need for medical care.

Resources

Styes and Chalazia (Web MD)