Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Chalazion in Children

Audience: pediatric

A chalazion is a small lump that forms on a child's eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. It often looks like a painless swelling and may go away on its own with gentle care. While many chalazions can be managed at home or through telemedicine visits, some signs mean your child needs to see a healthcare provider in person. These include increasing pain, redness spreading beyond the eyelid, changes in vision, or if the lump grows quickly. This guide helps parents understand when to monitor chalazions at home, when telemedicine can help, and when to seek urgent in-person care. Remember, telemedicine is useful for advice and follow-up but cannot replace physical exams when serious symptoms appear.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Increasing pain or tenderness around the eyelid — seek in-person care promptly.
• Redness spreading beyond the eyelid to surrounding skin — urgent evaluation needed.
• Vision changes such as blurred or double vision — immediate medical attention required.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and history.
• Guidance on home care such as warm compresses.
• Monitoring progress and advising when to seek in-person care.
• Answering questions about chalazion and eye health.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination to assess severity.
• Procedures such as drainage or injections.
• Diagnosing complications like infections needing antibiotics.
• Evaluating vision changes or eye movement problems.

What Is a Chalazion?

A chalazion is a small, usually painless bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. It often looks like a swelling or lump and can affect one or both eyelids. Chalazions are common in children and tend to develop slowly over days or weeks.

Common Symptoms and Home Care

Children with a chalazion may have a soft lump on the eyelid that is not very painful. The eyelid might be slightly swollen or red. Warm compresses applied gently to the eyelid several times a day often help the chalazion to shrink and heal over time. Avoid squeezing or trying to pop the lump.

When to Use Telemedicine for a Chalazion

Telemedicine can be helpful for initial advice, monitoring the chalazion, and discussing home care steps. A healthcare provider can guide you on how to apply warm compresses, when to watch for changes, and when to seek further care. Telemedicine is useful if the chalazion is not painful and the child's vision is normal.

Red Flags: When to See a Healthcare Provider In Person

Seek in-person medical care if your child has:

These signs may indicate infection or other eye problems needing prompt treatment.

Possible Treatments During In-Person Visits

If the chalazion does not improve or causes problems, a healthcare provider may recommend treatments such as:

Early treatment can prevent complications and help your child feel better.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a clear description of your child's symptoms and how long they have lasted.
• Prepare to show the affected eyelid via video if possible.
• List any treatments or home care already tried.
• Note any changes in vision or pain levels.
• Have a list of your child's medications and allergies ready.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on home care and medications.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.
• Keep the eyelid clean and avoid rubbing or squeezing the lump.
• Seek immediate care if any red flags develop.

FAQs

What causes a chalazion in children?

A chalazion is caused by a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. This blockage leads to swelling and a lump forming. It is not caused by infection but sometimes can become infected if left untreated.

Can a chalazion go away on its own?

Yes, many chalazions slowly shrink and disappear with time and gentle home care like warm compresses. However, some may last weeks or months and need medical treatment.

Is a chalazion contagious?

No, a chalazion is not contagious. It is a blockage inside the eyelid and does not spread from person to person.

When should I worry about my child's vision?

If your child has any changes in vision such as blurriness, double vision, or difficulty seeing, seek medical care immediately. These symptoms may indicate a serious problem.

Can telemedicine replace an eye exam for a chalazion?

Telemedicine can help with advice and monitoring but cannot replace a full eye exam when there are concerning symptoms. In-person visits are important if red flags appear.

Sources

1. Chalazion — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Chalazion: Symptoms and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Eye Infections and Disorders — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Chalazion and Hordeolum — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has any concerning symptoms or red flags, please seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.