Is It A Stye Or Chalazia? Important Facts You Should Know

Those With Inflammatory Diseases Are At Risk

Aside from age being a risk factor for styes and chalazia, anyone with an underlying inflammatory-based disease is at risk for developing styes or chalazia. Individuals with inflammatory diseases can develop styes and chalazia at relatively young ages. Individuals with Crohn's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Sjogren's Syndrome, and other autoimmune diseases that involve bodily inflammation are all at risk for developing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. When a person has an autoimmune disorder, their body will produce too many antibodies to fight off a perceived invader when none is actually present. This causes the body to attack its own organs and tissues, leading to inflammation throughout the body.

Unusual Chalazia Are Rare But Serious

Most chalazia remain small, relatively painless, and go away on their home with minor at-home treatments. Therefore, they generally do not require a trip to the doctor's office. However, on rare occasions, unusual chalazia occur and can be difficult to treat. These chalazia should be taken seriously. Severe cases of chalazia need to be seen by an ophthalmologist, who can provide the most effective prescription treatment available. If the entire eyelid appears to be swollen and is painful, this indicates a serious infection or blockage that might prove to be too difficult to treat with at-home remedies. Recurring chalazia will require the individual to take preventative measures in order to keep the inflammation from worsening.