Does your child's eyelid look swollen and a small lump appears? This eye lump could be a chalazion, which typically affects adults but can also affect children.

So, should you be concerned about a chalazion in your child's eye? This article will help answer that question and explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this condition.

Definition of Chalazion

A chalazion, also known as a meibomian cyst, is a small lump that forms on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. A chalazion usually causes mild pain when it first appears, but the pain gradually subsides, although the lump remains visible.

This condition usually affects adults aged 30 to 50 years, but children can also experience this condition.

Causes of Chalazion

A chalazion occurs due to a blockage of the meibomian glands located in the eyelid. This blockage causes fluid to leak into other tissues, triggering inflammation. The lump that appears in this condition contains blocked oil and fluid.

This shows that chalazion and sty are two different conditions, despite having nearly identical symptoms. Unlike chalazion, styes are caused by a bacterial infection of the glands in the eyelid.

Not infrequently, the appearance of chalazion is associated with other health problems, namely eyelid inflammation, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Symptoms of a Chalazion

The most common symptom of a chalazion is a reddish bump on the eyelid. This bump usually appears on the upper eyelid. However, chalazions can also appear on the lower eyelid.

Over time, the chalazion lump will become increasingly red, swollen, and tender. Besides the lump, there are several other symptoms of this condition, including:

• Watery eyes.
• It is difficult to see because the enlarged lump is pressing on the eyeball.
• Generalized swelling of the eyelids.

Are Chalazions in Children Dangerous?

In general, a chalazion is not a dangerous condition. These lumps generally don't directly affect the eyeball or the child's vision. They also rarely develop into serious infections like cellulitis.

However, chalazia can still disrupt a child's comfort and quality of life, especially if they are large or recur frequently. They are more likely to recur in children who have had them before.

There are a number of factors that can increase the likelihood of a child experiencing a chalazion, such as:

• Skin problems such as seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea.
• Dry skin.
• Hormonal changes.
• Chronic inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis).

How to Treat Chalazion

Don't let a chalazion worsen without treatment. Mild chalazions in children can be treated at home with a few simple steps, such as the following:

• Maintaining Eye Hygiene
  Cleanliness of the eye area is important to prevent the chalazion from worsening. You can clean your child's eyelids using boiled water mixed with salt. Make sure the water isn't too hot, and use cotton wool or a clean cloth.

• Warm Compress
  A warm compress can relieve the pain and itching your child may be experiencing. Use a clean towel soaked in warm water and place it on your child's eyelids for 2–5 minutes. Do this 2–5 times daily for more effective results.

• Gentle Massage
  You can gently massage your child's eyelids to help unclog the blocked glands. Make sure your hands are clean and that your child keeps their eyes closed during this process.

• Drugs
  If the lump worsens, you should consult a doctor. They may prescribe antibiotic ointment or eye drops. Medication should only be used under medical advice.

See a doctor immediately

Although chalazions in children are generally harmless, they still require attention. If the lump shows no signs of improvement, gets larger, or is accompanied by other symptoms, see a doctor immediately for further treatment.

If a chalazion is left untreated for too long, it can lead to complications or even require medical intervention, such as minor surgery. With early examination, a doctor can provide appropriate treatment based on the child's condition.

Article written by:

Dr. Ribka Cordelia Iskandar, Sp.A (Pediatric Specialist) & Dr. Jefri, Sp.B (General Surgery Specialist) EMC Hospital Tangerang.