Hot or Cold Compress After Chalazion Surgery: What to Do Next?

Q: Hot or Cold Compress After Chalazion Surgery: What to Do Next?

Hello： Regarding your question, here are my suggestions： 1. <br>The reason for different medical advice from the physician may be due to the varying conditions of the wound that require different management approaches. <br>Generally, if the wound is still inflamed, applying ice c

After the recurrence of a stye and having seen an ophthalmologist to drain the pus, should I apply warm compresses or cold compresses one week later?

Hello, Doctor.
Since mid-January, I have been experiencing redness and swelling of the eyelid, followed by the development of pus-filled bumps.
In mid-February, I underwent a surgical incision and drainage at an ophthalmology clinic in Taichung, where the doctor diagnosed it as a chalazion.
Two weeks later, a pus head reappeared in the same location, and I visited an ophthalmology clinic in Taipei, where the doctor expressed it directly and diagnosed it as an acute hordeolum.
I was prescribed medication, including eye drops and ointment.
The doctor advised me to start warm compresses three days after the consultation, which I have been following, and I have not experienced any discomfort from the warm compresses.
It has been a week since my last appointment, and there is still slight redness and swelling of the eyelid (it tends to be more swollen in the morning).
Today, I returned to the ophthalmology clinic in Taichung for a follow-up on my recovery.
The doctor indicated that the wound has healed but there is still a bit of inflammation.
He prescribed medication (oral medication, eye drops, and ointment) and advised me to use cold compresses.
I mentioned that the doctor in Taipei recommended warm compresses, but the Taichung doctor insisted on cold compresses.
Since I frequently travel between Taichung and Taipei, I feel a bit confused by the differing advice from the two clinics.

I would like to ask:
1.
Since the stye wound has healed but there is still slight redness and swelling, should I use warm or cold compresses?
2.
Due to work requirements, I need to wear contact lenses and apply makeup.
Is it safe to do so given that the stye has healed? Could this potentially cause a recurrence of the stye? Thank you.

Ms. W, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/09

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Regarding your question, here are my suggestions: 1.
The reason for different medical advice from the physician may be due to the varying conditions of the wound that require different management approaches.
Generally, if the wound is still inflamed, applying ice can help reduce swelling and pain; if the wound has healed but there is still slight redness and swelling, applying heat can promote blood circulation and accelerate recovery.
2.
If you must wear contact lenses and apply makeup, it is advisable to wait until the wound has completely healed before doing so, to avoid secondary infection or recurrence of the wound.
Additionally, please ensure that your contact lenses and cosmetics are clean to prevent bacterial growth.

Reply Date: 2023/03/09

More Info

After chalazion surgery, it’s common to experience some residual redness and swelling, as you have described. The conflicting advice from the two different clinics regarding hot and cold compresses can indeed be confusing, but both methods have their specific indications based on the stage of healing and the symptoms present.

1. Hot vs. Cold Compress:
- Hot Compress: Typically, heat is recommended in the initial stages of chalazion or stye (marginally different conditions) to promote drainage and reduce blockage in the oil glands. Heat helps to increase blood flow to the area, which can facilitate healing and reduce inflammation. If your doctor initially recommended heat and you have not experienced discomfort from it, it may still be beneficial.

- Cold Compress: On the other hand, cold compresses are often used to reduce swelling and numb pain. If your eye is still slightly swollen and red, as your doctor in Taichung noted, applying a cold compress can help alleviate these symptoms. It’s important to follow the advice of the physician who is currently managing your care, especially since they have assessed your condition in person.

Given that your eye has healed but still shows signs of mild inflammation, alternating between warm and cold compresses might be a reasonable approach. You could use a warm compress to promote comfort and healing, followed by a cold compress to manage any swelling. Always ensure that any compresses are applied gently and that you do not apply extreme temperatures directly to the skin.

2. Wearing Contact Lenses and Makeup:
- After chalazion surgery, it is generally advisable to avoid wearing contact lenses and applying makeup until the area has fully healed. This is to prevent any potential irritation or infection that could arise from foreign substances coming into contact with the healing skin. Even if the chalazion has healed, the skin may still be sensitive, and wearing contact lenses could introduce bacteria or irritants that might lead to a recurrence of the chalazion or other complications.

- If you must wear contact lenses for work, consider discussing this with your ophthalmologist. They may provide specific guidance based on the current state of your healing. If they determine that it is safe for you to wear contacts, ensure that you maintain excellent hygiene practices, such as washing your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses and avoiding touching your eyes unnecessarily.

In summary, follow your current doctor's advice regarding compresses, and consider postponing the use of contact lenses and makeup until you receive clearance from your healthcare provider. This will help ensure that you do not inadvertently compromise your healing process. If you notice any worsening symptoms or have concerns about the healing process, do not hesitate to reach out to your ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

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