Styes and Chalazia

Styes and chalazia are common eyelid bumps that develop when eyelid glands become blocked or inflamed. They can look similar but are not the same condition.

Most resolve with time and proper care, though some require evaluation by an eye care professional.

Quick takeaway

  • Styes are usually tender and red
  • Chalazia are usually firm and painless
  • Both are linked to blocked eyelid glands
  • Warm compresses and lid hygiene are commonly recommended

Stye versus chalazion

Stye

  • Acute infection or inflammation of a lash follicle or oil gland
  • Often red, swollen, and tender
  • May develop a visible white or yellow center
  • Can cause localized pain or soreness

Chalazion

  • Blocked oil gland with chronic inflammation
  • Usually firm and painless
  • Develops more slowly than a stye
  • May persist for weeks or months

Why they happen

Styes and chalazia form when eyelid glands become blocked or inflamed. Common contributing factors include:

  • Blepharitis or chronic eyelid inflammation
  • Meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Poor eyelid hygiene
  • Touching or rubbing the eyes
  • Makeup buildup along the lash line

At home care commonly recommended

  1. Warm compress
    Applying warmth helps soften blocked oils and may promote natural drainage. Compresses are often recommended for several minutes at a time.
  2. Gentle eyelid cleansing
    Cleaning the lash line helps remove debris and reduce ongoing inflammation.
  3. Avoid squeezing
    Attempting to pop a stye or chalazion can worsen inflammation or spread infection.

Your eye care professional may recommend additional steps based on exam findings.

When professional care may be needed

Many eyelid bumps improve with routine care, but evaluation is important if:

  • The bump is painful or rapidly worsening
  • Vision is affected
  • Redness spreads beyond the eyelid
  • A chalazion does not improve over time
  • Styes or chalazia recur frequently

Where Zocular fits in eyelid care

Because styes and chalazia are linked to blocked glands and eyelid inflammation, many clinicians emphasize ongoing eyelid hygiene even after a bump resolves. Zocular products are designed to support gentle daily care as part of that routine.

  • ZocuFoam daily foaming eyelid cleanser
  • ZocuWipe pre-moistened wipes for consistent lash-line hygiene

Related topics

Blepharitis

Chronic lid inflammation can increase recurrence.

Learn about blepharitis →

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Blocked oil glands are a common root cause.

Learn about MGD →

When to contact your eye doctor

  • Severe pain or rapid swelling
  • Vision changes
  • Fever or spreading redness
  • A lump that does not improve or keeps returning