From the Guidelines
Yes, a chalazion can acutely flare up, and this is often due to infection or intensified inflammatory response in the blocked meibomian gland. A chalazion is a small, typically painless bump that forms on the eyelid due to a blocked meibomian gland. During a flare-up, the chalazion may become more inflamed, red, swollen, and painful. These acute exacerbations often occur when the blocked gland becomes infected or when the inflammatory response intensifies, as noted in the context of blepharitis management 1.
To manage an acute flare-up, applying warm compresses to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 4-6 times daily, can help soften the hardened oil and promote drainage, as suggested for posterior blepharitis/MGD treatment 1. Gentle massage of the area after applying warm compresses may help express the contents. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Key considerations for managing a chalazion flare-up include:
- Applying warm compresses to soften and promote drainage
- Gentle massage to express the meibomian gland contents
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers for symptom management
- Seeking medical attention if the chalazion becomes very painful, significantly larger, affects vision, or shows signs of infection, as these could indicate a need for antibiotic or steroid treatment, or even surgical intervention 1.
It's crucial to recognize that flare-ups can occur due to the nature of the blocked gland material triggering inflammatory responses, which can be influenced by bacterial involvement in the blocked secretions. Thus, proper and timely management is essential to prevent complications and reduce the risk of severe or persistent chalazia, which may require more invasive treatments like surgical drainage by an ophthalmologist.
From the Research
Chalazion Flare-Up
- A chalazion is a non-inflammatory process that develops due to retained secretion of the meibomian or Zeis glands 2.
- While chalazia are typically characterized by a slow, painless progression, some cases may present with atypical symptoms or rapid onset 3, 4.
- In some instances, a chalazion may be mistaken for other conditions, such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or sinus infections, which can cause acute inflammation and swelling 3, 4.
- Treatment options for chalazia include conservative management with warm compresses, lid hygiene, and antibiotic ointment, as well as more invasive procedures like incision and curettage or steroid injections 2, 5, 6.
- The effectiveness of conservative treatment may depend on the duration of the chalazion, with lesions present for more than 2 months being less likely to resolve with conservative therapies alone 5.
Acute Flare-Up
- There is limited evidence to suggest that a chalazion can acutely flare up, but some cases may present with rapid onset or atypical symptoms 3, 4.
- Sinus infections can cause orbital involvement and eyelid swelling, which may be mistaken for a chalazion or cause a chalazion to appear more severe 4.
- In rare cases, a chalazion may be masking a more serious diagnosis, such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, which can cause rapid growth and inflammation 3.