Apple Cider Vinegar as a Natural Chalazion Treatment: Compresses, Soaks and More

Understanding Chalazion (Meibomian Cysts)

A chalazion (pronounced kuh-LAY-zee-on) is a small, painless lump that develops on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. Chalazia (plural for chalazion) are also known as meibomian cysts. The meibomian glands are a special type of oil gland found inside the eyelids that produce an oily substance to coat the eye's surface to prevent it from drying out.

What Causes a Chalazion?

A chalazion occurs when the duct connecting a meibomian gland to the eyelid becomes blocked, usually due to inflammation or infection. This causes the gland to enlarge into a small, round cyst filled with thick, dense fluid. Common causes and risk factors for developing chalazia include:

• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Rosacea
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Acne around the eyes
• Styes or recurrent styes
• Not removing eye makeup properly

Signs and Symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of a chalazion include:

• A painless lump on the eyelid, usually on the upper lid
• Slight swelling of the eyelid
• Sensation like having something in the eye
• Mild tenderness when pressure applied to lump
• Redness of the eyelid in some cases
• Blurry vision if chalazion is large

Chalazia often develop slowly and may start off as small bumps that enlarge over days or weeks. Unlike styes which are more sudden and painful, chalazia tend to be painless.

Treating Chalazion with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is emerging as a popular natural remedy for different types of cysts, including chalazion. It contains acetic acid and other compounds that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that may help treat blocked meibomian glands.

Using a Warm Compress and Massage

Applying a warm, moist compress to the affected eyelid 3-4 times per day can help soften and open up the blocked gland. After applying a washcloth soaked in warm water, use a clean finger or cotton swab soaked in ACV to gently massage the lump for a few minutes. The vinegars acetic acid can help dissolve the cyst contents so the gland can drain.

ACV Soak

Doing an apple cider vinegar eyelid soak allows the acetic acid to directly penetrate the cyst. Mix 1 teaspoon of raw, organic ACV into 1 cup (250ml) of warm filtered water. Dip a clean cloth or cotton pad into the solution. Apply the compress to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes as a soothing soak.

Diluted ACV

For a more concentrated way to apply ACV topically, mix 1 part ACV with 3 parts water. Dip a cotton swab into the diluted vinegar and dab it directly onto the chalazion 2-3 times a day focusing on the center of the lump. Let the ACV dry on the skin for faster absorption.

ACV Pills and Drops

Some naturopaths recommend taking ACV supplements in pill form to treat chalazia internally. Suggested dosage is 1500 mg once or twice daily. Adding 1-2 teaspoons of ACV to water or juice and drinking it daily can also deliver internal anti-inflammatory benefits. Always dilute with water first because straight vinegar can damage tooth enamel.

How Long It Takes to Work

Like any natural remedy, using ACV for a chalazion requires consistency and patience. It make take 2 weeks or longer of repeated warm compresses and ACV applications to help open, drain, and heal the blocked oil gland. Chalazia often recur if the underlying causes (blepharitis, styes) are not properly addressed.

Precautions When Using

ACV is safe to use externally for most healthy adults but avoid contact with eyes which can damage the cornea. If ACV burns or irritates skin, dilute it further by adding more water before applying. Very large chalazia that cause vision loss or do not respond to conservative treatment may require medical drainage by an oculoplastic surgeon.

Medical Management of Chalazia

If home remedies like ACV aren't working after a few weeks or the chalazion is very large or painful, see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) to discuss treatment options. Medical procedures to remove chalazia include:

• Incision and drainage
• Intralesional steroid injection
• Excision surgery as a last resort

Oral or topical antibiotic eye drops/ointments may also be prescribed for bacterial infections. Anti-inflammatory eye drops can reduce swelling and improve meibomian gland function.

Preventing Chalazia from Recurring

To prevent future chalazia, proper hygiene and managing conditions like blepharitis is key:

• Clean eyelid margins daily with gentle cleanser
• Apply warm compresses to eyelids to open oil glands
• Gently massage eyelids to express oils
• Avoid eye makeup if recurrent chalazia
• Treat related conditions (styes, rosacea, blepharitis)
• Take omega-3/fish oil supplements
• Use antibiotic or steroid ointments/drops as needed

Catching and treating early signs of blocked meibomian glands can help prevent them from turning into frustrating, recurring chalazia over time.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.