Styes and chalazia are both eyelid lumps related to the oil glands, but they differ in cause, appearance, and symptoms. Understanding the distinction helps guide treatment expectations.
Stye (Hordeolum)
A stye is an acute, painful infection of a lash follicle or meibomian gland. The lid is red, tender, and often swollen, sometimes with a small yellow point suggesting pus.
- Onset is sudden over hours to a couple of days
- Associated with soreness, local warmth, and sometimes discharge
- Commonly linked with active blepharitis
- Usually improves with warm compresses and, if needed, short courses of antibiotics
Chalazion
A chalazion is a chronic, non-infectious granulomatous reaction to a blocked meibomian gland. It presents as a firm, painless or mildly tender lump within the lid that develops over weeks.
- Skin overlying the lump is usually not very red once acute inflammation settles
- May persist despite conservative care and cause cosmetic or visual concerns
- Treated with prolonged warm compresses and lid hygiene; persistent lesions can be drained surgically
- Addressing underlying blepharitis helps reduce recurrences
