Don't worry - a chalazion (aankh par gaanth) is a harmless bump on the eyelid that often resolves on its own! It's caused by a blocked oil gland and is NOT contagious or dangerous. While it may look concerning, most chalazions go away with simple warm compress treatment in 2-4 weeks. They're more common in children over 2 years, but can occur at any age.
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A chalazion is a small, painless lump or bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland (meibomian gland). These glands produce oil that keeps tears from evaporating too quickly.
Key Facts:
Chalazion vs Stye - What's the Difference?
| Feature | Chalazion | Stye (Hordeolum) |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | Usually painless | Painful |
| Location | Inner eyelid | Edge of eyelid |
| Cause | Blocked oil gland | Bacterial infection |
| Growth | Slow | Quick (1-2 days) |
| Appearance | Firm, round lump | Red, pus-filled bump |
| Contagious | No | No |
Main Cause:
Blockage of the meibomian (oil) glands in the eyelid. When the oil can't drain, it backs up and forms a lump.
Risk Factors:
In Babies and Toddlers:
Chalazions are less common in very young children. If your infant has an eyelid bump, it may be:
Consult your pediatrician for proper diagnosis in infants.
Typical Chalazion Signs:
Signs of Infection (Needs Medical Attention):
Warm Compresses - The Most Effective Treatment
How to do it:
Why it works:
For Children:
Gentle Massage (After Warm Compress):
Eyelid Hygiene:
Seek Immediate Care If:
Schedule Appointment If:
Conservative Treatment (Most Cases):
Medical Treatment (If Needed):
| Treatment | When Used | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic eye drops/ointment | If infected | Treats bacterial infection |
| Steroid eye drops | Persistent inflammation | Reduces swelling |
| Steroid injection | Large, stubborn chalazions | Reduces lump quickly |
| Incision and drainage | Very large, not resolving | Doctor drains contents surgically |
About Surgical Drainage:
Daily Habits:
For Children with Recurring Chalazions:
When in School:
Expert Insight: Dr. Sumitra advises: 'Growth charts are just one tool. Look at the overall trend, not individual measurements.'
A: In most cases, no! A chalazion is a harmless blocked oil gland that usually goes away on its own with warm compress treatment. It's not contagious and not dangerous. However, if it's painful, the whole eyelid is swollen, or your child has fever, see a doctor promptly.
A: With consistent warm compress treatment (3-4 times daily), most chalazions resolve in 2-4 weeks. Some may take up to 2-3 months. If there's no improvement after 3-4 weeks of home treatment, consult an eye doctor.
A: Yes! Chalazions are NOT contagious. Your child can attend school, play with friends, and participate in all activities. Just remind them not to touch or rub the bump, and ensure good hand hygiene.
A: No, never try to squeeze or pop a chalazion! This can:
Only an eye doctor should drain a chalazion if needed.
A: Some children are more prone to chalazions due to:
For recurrent chalazions, daily preventive care (warm compresses, eyelid hygiene) helps. Consult an ophthalmologist if they keep recurring.
A: Small chalazions don't affect vision. However, a very large chalazion can press on the eyeball and temporarily cause blurred vision or astigmatism. This is another reason to see a doctor if the chalazion is large. Vision returns to normal once the chalazion resolves.
A:
A stye can sometimes turn into a chalazion if the infection resolves but the gland remains blocked.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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