A chalazion is eyelid cysts that look like small lumps under the skin of the eyelid. Sometimes it is also confused with stye, as they contain similar symptoms such as red, tender, or swollen eyes.
Generally, chalazion could be removed surgically. However, not only is the procedure expensive, but it also tends to scare a lot of patients. There have been several natural and alternative treatments that have been effective in treating chalazion.
Chalazion(1), is usually larger and less painful than a stye(2). On its onset, your eyelid will start to swell and may occasionally cause mild pain, irritation, and tearing. Within a few days, a hard lump appears on the eyelid. If it’s infected with bacteria, it could get more swollen, painful.
The only factor that causes chalazion is the blockage of the ducts of the glands present around the eye. Each eye has around 30 – 40 Meibomian glands, oil-producing glands that are present in the upper and lower eyelids. When these glands get blocked due to dirt, dead cells, and makeup, oil builds up inside.
In due course, the glands die and excess oil leaks, causing the surrounding tissues to swell. The chances of suffering from a chalazion are high in individuals who are aged between 30-50, and this is mostly seen in women.
Chalazions enlarge and irritate your eyeballs, causing corneal distortion or visual instabilities.Chalazions can be an after-effect of a stye, but unlike styes, they are usually lodged deep inside the eyelid
Certain conditions that are associated with the recurrence of Chalazions include
Warm compress on the cyst will increase blood circulation in the area and prompt the hardened oil duct to soften and drain. Warm compresses also reduce swelling and pain.
[ Read: Natural Treatment for Stye ]
One of the effective treatments for chalazion is washing your eyelids, especially the edges with baby shampoo.
Massaging your eyelid improves blood circulation in the eye, which furthermore triggers the cyst to soften and drain.
[ Read: Home Remedies for Stye ]
Garlic is an effective healer. It’s been used in many modern and traditional therapies. So it will definitely work out for your chalazion.
Did you know ear wax is a marvelous ingredient to treat chalazion naturally at home? Yes, it is an effective home remedy for chalazion and itchiness, although it sounds totally gross. But sometimes we should not judge a book by its cover.
Acacia leaves have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively help you to get rid of eyelid cysts. It reduces pain and swelling and can be used for treating styles as well.
Castor oil contains an anti-inflammatory agent that is used to treat chalazion. It reduces the pain and inflammation associated with eyelid cysts.
[ Read: Essential Oils for Stye ]
Well, even Guava leaves work wonder on your eyelid cyst. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling.
Once the swelling recedes, it drains the accumulated oil in the duct. Like turmeric, guava leaves’ natural healing properties also speeds the healing process.
We all know that green tea is a rich source of antioxidant, and otherwise, green tea is also used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic property as it is rich in tannic acid. It will keep any bacteria that may develop in the eyelid away.
Chalazions are a painless lump that develops on the eyelid, unlike the stye. This condition causes irritation and discomfort and is usually harmless, and they clear up on their own within a few weeks.
Treating this condition doesn’t require any conventional medication, rather you could use the above-mentioned alternative and natural treatment plans to treat your chalazion without the risk of side effects.
Do remember to visit your ophthalmologist if your chalazion doesn’t go even after a month, or if you suspect an eye problem/infection.
As mentioned earlier, this is a milder version of the stye, and hence without treatment, a chalazion could stay somewhere between a few weeks to a month.
No, they aren’t usually painful and, as mentioned, tend to cure rather quickly. However, if you are suffering from it for a few months, it is strongly recommended that you get it surgically removed.
No, as it is an accumulation of dust and bacteria, there is almost no chance that it could turn cancerous.