Have a small bump on your eyelid and wondering what it is? If it isn’t painful, it may be a chalazion. 

Chalazia are often mistaken for styes. However, they have different causes and are often found in slightly different areas from styes. 

If you want to learn more, read on as we go over all you should know about chalazia. This will also cover answers to common queries like “how to treat a chalazion fast”. 

What is a chalazion? 

A chalazion is a bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. These glands are named meibomian glands, so chalazia may also be called meibomian cysts. 

As explained in our introduction to the chalazion, chalazia do not always involve infection. Styes do, by comparison, which is why they are painful from the start. 

Styes are also typically located at the edge of the eyelid. Chalazia are located further back from the edge. This can help you differentiate one from the other when investigating the bump on your eyelid.

Frequently asked questions about the chalazion

Is a chalazion contagious?

No, a chalazion is not contagious. Chalazia are caused by blocked oil glands. 

In many cases, the cause of the blockage is something like poor eyelid hygiene. Poor eyelid hygiene practices are not easily transmissible, to put it simply.

Contrast this to pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. Because the virus or bacteria causing it can be transmitted to others, contagion is actually possible.

Can stress cause a chalazion?

Stress itself may not directly cause chalazia. However, it can lead to behaviours (like rubbing your eyes) or skin issues that increase the risk of developing one.

How to prevent a chalazion?

The best way to prevent a chalazion is to practise good hygiene. Wash your hands and avoid touching your face or eyelids otherwise.

What should I avoid if I have a chalazion?

If you have a chalazion, avoid anything that may lead to it being infected. That means avoid wearing makeup on that eyelid or touching it with unwashed hands.

How long does a chalazion last? 

Cases vary, but most chalazions last anywhere from a week to a month. 

How can I treat a chalazion quickly?

To treat a chalazion quickly, there are several things you can try:

• Apply warm compresses multiple times a day. 
• Use gentle cleaners like baby shampoo on the eyelid with the chalazion.
• Gently massage the chalazion towards the edge of the eyelid.

These can help with how to get rid of a chalazion because they can loosen the blockage in the gland. That said, the answer to how to cure a chalazion varies per case.

Some chalazia will require antibiotics due to an infection. Others may even require a doctor to drain them with a procedure. See our article on how to cure chalazion for more.

Can a chalazion burst on its own? 

Yes, a chalazion can sometimes burst on its own. If it does, it may drain fluid. You must still keep the area clean and monitor for signs of infection if so.

What happens if you don’t remove a chalazion?

If you don’t remove a chalazion yourself, it will usually heal by itself. However, this can take a month or longer. 

This could lead to infections and discomfort, aside from affecting your appearance.

What is the healing time after chalazion surgery?

Chalazion healing time after surgery varies. Most people experience significant improvement within a few days, however.

Complete healing may take one to two weeks, depending on individual circumstances and the size of the chalazion.

When can I wear makeup after chalazion surgery?

It's advisable to wait at least 1 to 2 weeks after chalazion surgery before applying makeup to the affected area.

How do you know if a chalazion is healing?

You know a chalazion is healing if it is getting smaller. This means the blocked gland is beginning to drain.

Which is worse, stye or chalazion? 

It depends, but a stye is usually worse than a chalazion. It is generally more painful as well.

This is because a stye involves an infection. A chalazion does not always involve an infection, so tenderness is not present from the outset.

Let us help you get rid of your chalazion

Chalazia are simple enough to treat in most cases. However, there may be moments when these blockages fail to resolve by themselves.

When this happens and home treatment fails to fix your chalazion after weeks, consider reaching out to us. Some chalazions simply need treatment from a doctor. Some may also end up becoming infected or even affecting your vision. 

Call us to enquire or book an appointment for an eye screening today.