Styes and Chalazia: Causes, Treatments, and Recurrence

Q: Styes and Chalazia: Causes, Treatments, and Recurrence

Hello Weiwei： Typically, after a scraping procedure, the eyelid should not have a white wound. <br>This usually relates to individual constitution, diet, and lifestyle habits. <br>Dr. <br>Liao provided a great introduction; please take a look at http：//www.shutien.org.tw/dr_doc_d

Hordeolum and Chalazion

Hello, Doctor.
I developed a stye at the end of September last year, located near the inner corner of my right eye.
I visited an ophthalmology clinic where I was initially prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and eye drops.
The doctor informed me that if there was no improvement, I should return for drainage of the pus, as it would not be painful and did not affect my vision.
Since there was no pain and it did not impact my eyesight, I did not pay much attention to it.
However, by November, I noticed signs of swelling and consulted another ophthalmology clinic.
They prescribed eye drops and an eye ointment (erythromycin).
After a week, there was still no reduction in swelling, so I went to a third ophthalmology clinic.
The doctor prescribed two different eye drops and used a sterilized needle to puncture the pus, but nothing came out.
I was advised to go to a major hospital for surgical excision if there was no improvement after a week.

A week later, there was indeed no improvement, so I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.
I informed the doctor of my previous situation, and she prescribed additional ointment while continuing the original eye drops, with a follow-up appointment scheduled for a week later.
On November 26, during my follow-up, the doctor performed the excision surgery.
There was not much pus, but after applying the ointment, the stye near the inner corner of my eye became more swollen, extending into the eye itself.
I then consulted another doctor who suggested it might be a chalazion.
On December 26, I underwent another excision surgery, and it was discovered that there were two lumps inside, along with some pus.
This time, I was prescribed antibiotic eye ointment.

After scraping some of it out, the swelling reduced, but on January 4 of this year, I experienced pain near the outer corner of my right eye when blinking, and the next day it swelled again, extending from the outer corner to the middle of the eye.
Additionally, is it normal to have a white wound in the eyelid where the previous scraping was done? I apologize for the lengthy explanation.
Could this recurring issue be due to my lifestyle habits, or is it related to my personal constitution? Thank you!

Wei Wei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/07

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Weiwei: Typically, after a scraping procedure, the eyelid should not have a white wound.
This usually relates to individual constitution, diet, and lifestyle habits.
Dr.
Liao provided a great introduction; please take a look at http://www.shutien.org.tw/dr_doc_detail.aspx?bookid=588.
Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi Hospital Ophthalmology: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2016/01/07

More Info

Styes and chalazia are common eyelid conditions that can cause discomfort and concern for those affected. Understanding their causes, treatments, and potential for recurrence is essential for effective management.

Causes:
A stye, or hordeolum, is an acute infection of the oil glands in the eyelid, typically caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. It presents as a painful, red bump on the eyelid. In contrast, a chalazion is a chronic inflammatory lesion that occurs when an oil gland becomes blocked and is not necessarily caused by an infection. Chalazia can develop after a stye has resolved or can occur independently.

Several factors can contribute to the development of styes and chalazia, including:
1. Poor Eyelid Hygiene: Inadequate cleaning of the eyelids can lead to the accumulation of oils and debris, increasing the risk of blockage and infection.

2. Skin Conditions: Conditions like blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins) can predispose individuals to these issues.

3. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can affect oil production in the glands, leading to blockages.

4. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or seborrheic dermatitis can increase susceptibility.

5. Environmental Factors: Exposure to irritants, allergens, or excessive rubbing of the eyes can also contribute.

Treatments:
The treatment for styes and chalazia varies based on the severity and duration of the condition. Initial management typically includes:
- Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day can help to reduce swelling and promote drainage of the gland.

- Topical Antibiotics: If an infection is suspected, antibiotic ointments or drops may be prescribed.

- Oral Antibiotics: In cases of severe infection or if the stye does not improve, oral antibiotics may be necessary.

- Incision and Drainage: For persistent chalazia or styes that do not respond to conservative treatment, a minor surgical procedure may be performed to drain the contents of the lesion.

Recurrence:
Recurrence of styes and chalazia can be frustrating. Factors that may contribute to repeated occurrences include:
- Chronic Blepharitis: If the underlying cause of inflammation is not addressed, styes and chalazia may recur.

- Lifestyle Factors: Poor hygiene, such as not removing makeup before bed or touching the eyes with unwashed hands, can lead to new infections.

- Skin Conditions: Persistent skin conditions may require ongoing management to prevent recurrence.

In your case, it seems that you have experienced multiple episodes of styes and chalazia, which may be related to a combination of factors, including your personal hygiene practices, underlying skin conditions, or possibly even anatomical factors that predispose you to blockages in the oil glands. It is crucial to maintain good eyelid hygiene, which includes regular cleaning of the eyelid margins, avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, and managing any underlying skin conditions.

If you continue to experience issues, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in ophthalmology. They can provide tailored advice and may recommend additional treatments or preventive measures to help reduce the frequency of these conditions. Regular follow-ups and adherence to prescribed treatments can significantly improve your situation and minimize the risk of recurrence.

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