What should you know about a chalazion and stye?

A chalazion is a blocked eyelid gland, while a stye is a tender inflamed spot near an eyelash or gland. A stye may begin with soreness and redness at the lid edge; a chalazion is often a firmer, deeper lump that becomes less painful. Either can cause local swelling and irritation.

A stye is often linked to inflammation around an eyelash follicle or oil gland and may have a small tender point. A chalazion forms when oil becomes trapped inside an eyelid gland. The two can overlap: a blocked gland may become inflamed, and a residual lump may remain after a stye improves. Looking at the eyelid and asking about tenderness helps a clinician separate them from other lumps.

Use a clean, comfortably warm compress on the closed eyelid for several minutes and repeat during the day. Keep hands and eyelids clean, avoid rubbing, and pause eye makeup and contact lenses while symptoms continue. Do not pop, cut, or squeeze the lump. If symptoms persist or recur, a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can clarify whether further treatment is needed.

Seek prompt medical advice for spreading redness, worsening swelling, fever, severe pain, reduced vision, or pain when moving the eye. Arrange review for a lump that repeatedly returns or interferes with sight. [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/) or persistent [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) also deserves assessment because it may point to another eye condition.

Ask which feature suggests a stye or chalazion, how to perform eyelid care safely, whether your contact lenses or cosmetics should be paused, and when a persistent lump needs specialist review.