Chalazion or eyelid cyst is a small swelling or lump which usually appear on the upper eyelid and may also show up on the lower eyelid. It can be a worrying issue even though it usually goes away without the need for surgery.
Found in your upper and lower eyelids are meibomian glands that are responsible for making oil that mixes with tears to moisten and protect your eyes. However, if the glands are blocked to inflammation or the oil it produces become too thick, you may get chalazion.
Chalazion, which happens more often in adults than children, has the following symptoms:
- Swelling of the eyelid
- A small lump on the eyelid
- Soreness or discomfort
- Redness of the skin
- Watery eye
- Blurry vision
- Mild irritation in the eye
Though most eyelid cysts heal on their own within 2 to 8 weeks, you can use some home remedies to help them heal faster.
Treatment For Chalazion
Warm Compress
Try this classic solution when a chalazion begins to develop. The warm water can help open the glands, reduce swelling, and clear the blockages.
Massage
A gentle massage on the eyelid can promote faster healing as it helps in accelerating the process of draining.
After applying a warm compress on your closed eyelids for 5 minutes, gently massage the area with your fingers for 2 to 3 minutes a few times daily.
Onions
Onions have antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that can help get rid of inflammation. Gently rubbed an onion juice on the inflamed eyelid.
Aloe Vera
The anti-inflammatory property of aloe vera can help reduce redness, swelling, and inflammation because it effectively eliminates the hardened oil that is causing the blockage. It can quickly reduce discomfort and restore normal vision.
Cut open a fresh aloe leaf and extract the gel. Directly apply the gel on the affected area and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy a few times daily for a week until desired results are achieved.
Guava Leaves
Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory properties that work well at reducing pain and swelling as well as in speeding up recovery.
Boil 5 to 6 leaves in water for 5 minutes. Place the warm leaf on the affected eyelid. Replace it with a new leaf once it cools down. Do this twice daily for several days.
Green Tea Bags
Avoid throwing those used tea bags. You can refrigerate it and then place on your eyelids for 5 minutes. By doing this, antioxidants present in green tea deeply penetrates on the inflamed glands, thereby eliminating toxins and restoring normal order to the eyelid. Green tea is also rich in tannic acid that can help infection at bay.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for chalazion. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, and detoxifying properties that help reduce pain and inflammation, and even fight infection.
Mix 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Drink it twice daily for a few weeks. Also, you can soak a cotton ball in a solution made of 2 teaspoons of organic raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of hot water and apply it on the affected area for about a minute. Do this thrice a day for a few days.
Castor Oil
Castor oil has high anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the size of the swelling. Achieve positive results by using a small cotton swab to rub castor oil on the affected area. Do this twice daily for 1 to 2 weeks.
Parsley
Parsley helps promote healing by drawing out toxic materials from the eyelid cysts. Plus, it also has antibacterial properties that fight off infection.
In a small bowl, place a handful of fresh and a cup of boiling water. Allow the water to cool and dip a clean washcloth in it and wring out the excess. Place the warm cloth on the affected area for 15 minutes thrice a day for one week.
Tips to Prevent Chalazion
- Properly remove your make up before going to sleep.
- Wash your face with warm water in the evening before going to bed to clear out excess oil from the face.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes.
- Refrain from sharing your eye makeup.
- Replace your eye make up every 6 months.
- Protect your eyes from dust and air pollution.
- Make sure that the area around your eyes is always clean.
