What is the difference between hordeolum and chalazion?
Chalazia and hordeola (styes) are sudden-onset localized swellings of the eyelid. A chalazion is caused by noninfectious meibomian gland occlusion, whereas a hordeolum usually is caused by infection. Both conditions initially cause eyelid hyperemia and edema, swelling, and pain.
What is the best treatment for chalazion?
A chalazion will often go away without treatment in a month or so.
- The first treatment is to place warm compresses over the eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes at least four times a day. Use lukewarm water (no hotter than you can leave your hand in comfortably).
- DO NOT push or squeeze the chalazion.
How do you manage chalazion and hordeolum?
Home treatment is all that is needed for most styes and chalazia.
- Apply warm, wet compresses for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 6 times a day. This usually helps the area heal faster.
- Use an over-the-counter treatment.
- Let the stye or chalazion open on its own.
- Don’t wear eye makeup or contact lenses until the area has healed.
What antibiotic is used for chalazion?
Long-term oral tetracycline, doxycycline, or metronidazole may be useful in the setting of chronic, recurrent chalazia. Topical steroids can be helpful in minimizing inflammation and in reducing edema, thereby facilitating any drainage that may take place.
How is a chalazion removed?
Surgery to treat a chalazion is an office procedure that takes about 15 to 20 minutes to perform. The doctor injects a numbing agent into the eyelid and makes a small incision in the bump. The doctor then drains the fluid and removes the material collected within the nodule. Typically, no stitches are required.
What ointment is good for chalazion?
After removing the chalazion clamp, a topical antibiotic ointment covering the normal skin flora (bacitracin, bacitracin/polymyxin B [Polysporin], or erythromycin) can be applied to the incision site to prevent infection. A few minutes of pressure usually suffices to establish hemostasis.
Is hordeolum serious?
Internal styes are less common than external styes. However, they can be more painful and cause more complications. Internal styes don’t usually last very long and may go away on their own. You might need treatment for an internal stye if it’s serious or long-lasting.
Do I need antibiotics for a chalazion?
Infected chalazions (hordeolums), with or without cellulitis, require oral antibiotics.
Do styes need antibiotics?
Although most styes do not require medical treatment, a doctor can often prescribe antibiotics or pain relief medication to ease the symptoms and quickly clear the infection. If symptoms interfere with daily life or become very painful, it is best to see a doctor.