Question Title: Chalazion Cyst

Our daughter is 3 years of age. In January she had a chalazion cyst removed surgically from her left eye. When we visited the Dr. for her checkup a week later, he mentioned that she is possibly getting another cyst and the only remedy he suggested for prevention was warm compresses on the eye. The second cyst forming is located immediately to the left of the one previously removed. We do the warm compress as often as possible but it is very hard to do as she is in preschool/daycare all day while we work. He also suggested eye wipes which he supplied us with a few samples. We also used tyborex ointment before and after surgery. The second cyst is not as large as the first but is nonetheless still visual. Do we look for a second opinion and are there other methods of prevention/remedies. We can't imagine her having to have these things surgically removed as an out patient on each occurence if she is prone to have them.

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Dear Tammie:

I just noticed we had not had an opportunity to answer your question yet. Chalazions, as you know, arise from obstruction of the drainage of normal glands deep within the eyelid. Some children, adolescents, and adults with particularly oily skin are prone to recurrent development of these obstructions. The best prevention is gentle cleansing and the daily application of heat to the lids. For older children, adolescents, and adults, an extended daily shower is helpful in which warm water is directed to the lids while they are being massaged. In addition, for treatment should a new chalazion develop despite preventive efforts, I suggest replacing the traditional twice daily warm water compresses with a potato heated for a few minutes in a microwave and wrapped in a dinner napkin to prevent burning the skin. The potato holds heat wonderfully, conforms to the shape of the eye, and is not at messy unlike warm water compresses. With the judicious use of heat as described, surgery should be an uncommon intervention

This information is provided for educational purposes only. I hope it serves you well.

HFHS.MD.HSW

Key Words: chalazion

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