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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Hordeolum and Chalazion?

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A hordeolum and a chalazion are both infections of the eyelid, but they have different characteristics and causes:

  • Hordeolum (Stye): A hordeolum is a painful, infected lesion on the edge of the eyelid, usually caused by a bacterial infection. It can be external (from the eyelash follicles) or internal (from the conjunctival side where the meibomian glands are). Styes are often red, swollen, and tender to the touch, and may affect the entire eyelid.
  • Chalazion: A chalazion is a less painful, chronic infection on the inside edge of the eyelid (conjunctival side) affecting the Zeis or meibomian (oil-secreting) glands. It is caused by a blockage in the gland, which leads to swelling and thickening of the gland walls. Chalazia are not usually painful and may not cause redness or tenderness.

Treatment for these conditions also differs:

  • Hordeolum: Treatment for a hordeolum may include hot compresses, oral antibiotics, and incision and drainage if needed. In some cases, systemic antibiotics may be indicated when preseptal cellulitis accompanies a hordeolum.
  • Chalazion: Chalazion treatment may involve warm compresses for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day to hasten resolution. In some cases, a corticosteroid injection or incision and curettage may be required. If the chalazion is unsightly or persists for more than several weeks despite conservative therapy, further treatment may be necessary.

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have either a hordeolum or a chalazion.

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  • What is the Difference Between Hordeolum and Chalazion?
  • Comparative Table: Hordeolum vs Chalazion

    • Comparative Table: Hordeolum vs Chalazion

    Here is a table comparing the differences between a hordeolum and a chalazion:

    Feature Hordeolum Chalazion
    Definition A hordeolum is an acute, localized swelling of the eyelid, caused by a bacterial infection. A chalazion is a chronic, non-infectious obstruction of a meibomian gland, causing extravasation of irritating material.
    Cause Bacterial infection, usually staphylococcal. Blocked oil glands, often due to meibomian gland dysfunction or acne rosacea.
    Symptoms Pain, redness, tenderness, swollen eyelid, and sometimes fever or chills. Swollen eyelid, mild pain and irritation (initially), round painless swelling in the eyelid, occasionally causing slight blurring of vision.
    Diagnosis Clinical assessment, sometimes culturing bacteria from a ruptured hordeolum. Clinical assessment, may need biopsy to exclude eyelid tumor for chronic chalazia not responding to usual treatments.
    Treatment Hot compresses, possibly antibiotics if a secondary infection is present. Hot compresses, sometimes intralesional corticosteroids or surgical drainage if not resolved by hot compresses.
    Recurrence Recurrence is common and may require further treatment. Recurrence is possible but less common than hordeolum.

    Both hordeola and chalazia typically go away on their own, but if they persist or worsen, it is essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.