Blepharitis, Chalazia, Styes, and Contact Dermatitis: Eyelid Conditions Explained

Blepharitis

Chronic eyelid margin inflammation. Symptoms: redness, swelling, itching, crusting, dry/watery eyes, photophobia, styes. Treatment: warm compresses, lid scrubs, artificial tears; sometimes topical antibiotics/steroids.

Chalazion

Lipogranuloma from blocked meibomian gland. Painless, firm nodule. Often resolves spontaneously; persistent cases: warm compresses, massage, intralesional steroid, or incision and curettage.

Stye (Hordeolum)

Acute bacterial infection of eyelash follicle (usually S. aureus). Painful, red, purulent. Self-limited in days. Prevention: hand hygiene, avoid eye touching, separate towels, no shared eye makeup.

Contact Dermatitis

Allergic/irritant reaction to cosmetics, eye drops, contact lenses. Symptoms: erythema, edema, vesicles, crusting, itching. Management: allergen avoidance, topical corticosteroids/antihistamines.