Medically reviewed by Holly McCain. Last updated on July 15, 2025
General Illness Information
Common Name:
Chalazion
Medical Term: None Specified.
Description: Chronic inflammation of the meibomian gland in the eyelid. Meibomian glands are long thin oil glands found in the eyelid, and serve to lubricate the lid margins.
Causes: Blockage of a duct leading to the surface of the eyelid from the meibomian gland. The blockage may be due to infection (usually staphylococcal) around the duct opening.
Prevention: If you have a tendency to get chalazions, wash eyelash area daily with water and baby shampoo applied with a cotton swab. At the first sign of eye irritation, apply warm compresses several times a day.
Signs & Symptoms
- Painful focal tenderness of one eyelid.
- Mild redness of the white of the eye (conjunctivitis).
Risk Factors
Skin conditions such as acne rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis.
Diagnosis & Treatment
General Measures:
- Use warm-water soaks to reduce inflammation and hasten healing. Apply soaks for 20 minutes, then rest at least 1 hour. Repeat as often as needed.
- If the chalazion does not heal spontaneously in 6 weeks, surgical removal under local anesthesia in the doctor’s office may be a recommended treatment.
Medications:
- Topical antibiotic ointments or creams, such as erythromycin or bacitracin may be prescribed. Apply a thin layer of medication to the lid edges 3 or 4 times daily. A heavy layer wastes medicine and is no more beneficial than a thin layer.
- Antibiotic eye drops to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the eye. Oral antibiotics or antibiotic injections usually are not needed.
Activity:
No restrictions.
Diet:
No special diet.
Possible Complications :
None expected.
Prognosis
A chalazion may heal spontaneously. If not, it is usually curable with surgical removal.
Other
Nothing specified.
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