First, determine whether the lump on your eyelid is a stye or chalazion. Chalazion occur when an oil gland in the eyelid is blocked, triggering an immune response consisting of a firm, roundish, red lump, usually on the upper eyelid.
It develops over several weeks and may take a month or more to go away by itself, though medical treatment is often used.
A stye occurs when an oil or sweat gland in the eyelid, usually associated with an eyelash follicle, becomes infected by staph or other bacteria. A small yellowish spot inside the inflamed lump indicates where pus has collected.
Styes usually occur on the outside of the eyelid. They are more painful than a chalazion and last a week or two. They swell, subside, and can rupture and drain.
A stye can also occur on the inside of the eyelid, which is especially painful.
How to treat them
Early on, it can be hard to tell a chalazion from a stye, but very warm compresses are recommended for both. Apply for 15 to 20 minutes four times a day. The heat eases discomfort and helps unclog the oil gland so a chalazion can resolve. And it helps a stye to heal.
* To prevent a stye infection from spreading, avoid touching your eyelid or rubbing your eyes.
* Don't wear makeup or contact lenses until a stye is resolved. See a doctor or ophthalmologist if the stye or chalazion doesn't improve significantly within a month, or if you have them often, indicating an underlying condition.
How to prevent them
Make a habit of keeping your hands clean and not touching or rubbing your eyes. Use a cotton ball to clean your eyelids daily with diluted baby shampoo. Or use an over-the-counter lid scrub.
Always remove eye makeup before going to bed. Never use eye makeup the is more than four to six months old.
Disinfect contact lenses and wash your hands before putting them in and taking them out.
