A chalazion is more like a cyst and is NOT tender to the touch. Chalazia may persist for weeks or even months but for those willing to persevere, hot compresses can be used to help in reabsorption of the nodule. For those of you not willing to carry around a compress all day, chalazia can be surgically excised. This is an out-patient procedure that will put you back to work the next day. The trick to chalazion surgery is to attempt to remove the entire cystic wall of the nodule.
Many cases tend to recur even after surgery.
Sties and chalazia are more apt to occur in patients who have a chronic blepharitis, or inflammation of the lid margins. Blepharitis is one of the most common afflictions known to man. The majority of people who have it are probably unaware of its presence because of the mild and chronic nature of the inflammation. However, the people that are more sensitive to staph will show some signs and symptoms of the disease. If you are getting frequent sties or chalazia, it may be prudent for you to seek treatment for the probable cause, blepharitis.