Will My Child Ever Outgrow Chronic Styes and Chalazion? 🤔

 

 

Hello, dear parents! I'm Dr. Tanya Gill, OD, and I understand your stress and concerns when it comes to your child's eye health. I used to work in a pediatric ophthalmology practice, so I'm well versed on this subject! Chronic styes and chalazion are so annoying and stressful. Parents, I feel for you! Today I'll explain what they are, why they occur, and whether your child might eventually outgrow these conditions.

 

Understanding Styes and Chalazion

• What is a Stye?
  A stye is an acute, painful infection (think bacteria) of the oil glands on the eyelid, resulting in a red, painful, infected bump. 😊
• What is a Chalazion?
  A chalazion is a chronic, usually painless inflammation caused by a blocked oil gland, leading to a firm bump. It can look large and ugly which is always stressful for parents.
• Common Causes:
  Both conditions can be triggered by poor eyelid hygiene, allergies, underlying skin issues, and/or also simply - your child is growing and THERE IS TOO MUCH OIL for the SIZE OF THEIR OIL GLANDS, so they get clogged!

 

Will My Child Outgrow Them?

 

• Developmental Factors:
  As children grow, their immune system and hygiene practices improve, and their oil gland anatomy catches up with the oil production – which can lead to a reduction (and elimination!) of these issues.
• Management and Treatment:
  Consistent (every night) eyelid cleaning, warm compresses, and timely treatment can significantly reduce recurrence. See Kids N Oil Glands Cleansing System: here. 
• Individual Variation:
  I always say that no 2 cases are exactly the same. Every child is unique. While many outgrow chronic styes and chalazion, some may experience them longer if underlying factors (poor eyelid hygiene, allergies, underlying skin issues) are not addressed.
• When to Seek Help:
  See an optometrist on the first chalazion / stye flare up so parents can initiate an eye care routine. For my parents, I tell them recurrence is expected so they are properly prepared.

Tips for Parents

• Maintain Good Hand and Eyelid Hygiene:
  Just like brushing teeth, encourage your child to wash their hands, face and eyelids daily. Cleanliness is key! 🧼
• Apply Warm Compresses:
  Rolling Focused Eye Roll daily can help open blocked glands and reduce inflammation.
• Monitor Symptoms:
  Keep an eye on the frequency and severity of the styes and chalazion, and note any changes.
• Regular Eye Check-ups:
  Children prone to stye / chalazion should see their optometrist once a year for their regular annual eye exam PLUS every 3-6 months for an office visit depending on severity. Here I give parents a progress check and look for clinical signs that could indicate a flare-up. 
• Parents! Don't Beat Yourself Up:
  Usually it's just the oil production / oil gland anatomy paradox. Meaning, it's NOT YOUR FAULT. As the parent, your job is to help your child get over this very unconfortable period. It's usually just a temporary eye problem that requires a lot of TLC. You got this! 

 

Key Takeaway:

While chronic styes and chalazion can be a recurring challenge for some children, many will experience a decrease in frequency as they grow older and with a proper eye care routine. Always consult with your optometrist for a personalized treatment plan.