Where does a chazalion come from?
Chalaziondefinition: This condition is a mild eyelid inflammation caused by engorgement of one of the many meibomian glands. Located in the thickness of the eyelid, the latter produce mebium, a lipid component of tears which makes them more moisturizing and less prone to evaporation.
However, it can happen that a Meibomian gland cannot drain its mebium. Experts cite several reasons. Sometimes the fluid produced by the gland is just too thick and forms a plug. The presence of pollutants in the air can also prevent evacuation. Some patients also suffer from dry eye.
Whatever the reason, the Meibomian gland becomes engorged and then swells. A cyst forms on the edge or the inner part of the eyelid: this is the chalazion.
What are the symptoms of chalazion?
There are many signs that inform about the occurrence of such a cyst on the eyelid. The first symptom is usually a little pain, located on the eyelid. The latter blushes and throbs slightly. After a few hours or days, the area begins to swell. Depending on the severity, this swelling can be limited to a small lump, or extend to the entire eyelid: this is called oedema. Other symptoms appear: photosensitivity (sensitivity to light), tears, irritation, even conjunctivitis. Sometimes it is the vision that is impacted: you can see blurry or double.
Rest assured: this condition heals spontaneously in most cases. However, this process can take between 2 and 8 weeks. This is why it may be necessary to consult a general practitioner or an ophthalmologist. This will prescribe an appropriate treatment and rule out any possibility of sebaceous gland tumours, for people at risk.
How to effectively treat a chalazion?
Treatment for this condition aims to unclog the affected Meibomian gland. The first aid can be delicate massages of your eyelids using hot compresses, which allow the plug formed to be evacuated. If this treatment does not work, the general practitioner or ophthalmologist may prescribe a anti-inflammatory cream to reduce inflammation and eliminate the risk of infection. If, despite your best efforts, the cyst resists treatment, surgery may be necessary.
In any case, do not try to pierce the cyst. Indeed, this kind of pimple is not purulent and does not result from an infection, but from the simple obstruction of a gland inside the eyelid. Doing so could introduce germs into your eye. During the entire duration of the treatment, we also advise you not to wear make-up and not to wear contact lenses.
How to avoid getting a new chalazion?
Some simple rules of hygiene prevent the appearance of such recurrent cysts. To start, massage your eyelids thoroughly when you shower or bathe. Hot water liquefies fatty substances while light pressure helps to evacuate dust and liquids, which cause obstructions.
Also carefully clean your eyelids, avoiding products that are too harsh on the skin. Finally, change your bed linen regularly, especially the pillowcases. This simple measure reduces the risk of inflammation of your eyelids.