Chalazion and Stye Removal

A hardened chalazion may eventually resolve on its own, but this process can take several months and isn’t guaranteed. The longer a chalazion persists, the more likely it is to require professional intervention such as steroid injection or IPL therapy. Waiting too long can also lead to complications like permanent scarring or changes to your eyelid structure, so seeking treatment sooner rather than later is advisable.

The most effective way to get rid of a chalazion is through professional treatment when warm compresses and eyelid hygiene don’t work. Steroid injections can shrink the chalazion within days to weeks, while IPL therapy addresses the underlying gland dysfunction to prevent recurrence. Dr. Wu evaluates your specific situation to recommend the treatment approach that will give you the fastest, most complete resolution without scarring.

A chalazion is a blocked oil gland in your eyelid that creates a firm, usually painless bump beneath the skin. It develops when the meibomian glands responsible for producing the oily layer of your tear film become clogged with thickened secretions. Unlike a stye, which is infected and painful, a chalazion is typically inflammatory rather than infectious, though it can become secondarily infected if left untreated.

Getting rid of a stye typically involves warm compresses applied several times daily to help the infection drain naturally, along with good eyelid hygiene. If the stye doesn’t resolve within a few days or becomes increasingly painful, professional treatment may include antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics. In some cases, a steroid injection can accelerate healing, especially if the stye is transitioning into a chalazion.

Styes themselves are not contagious from person to person, but the bacteria that cause them (typically Staphylococcus) can be transferred through direct contact or shared items. You should avoid touching your stye, sharing towels or makeup, and always wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your eyes. Proper hygiene prevents spreading bacteria to your other eye or to other people in your household.

A stye is a painful, red bump that develops at the base of an eyelash or inside the eyelid, caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland. It typically appears suddenly, feels tender to touch, and may cause swelling of the entire eyelid in more severe cases. Most styes come to a head like a pimple and drain on their own within a week, but persistent or recurrent styes warrant professional evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.