Initial treatment for a stye and chalazion is a hot compress and gentle massage to encourage drainage, and antibiotic ointment to prevent a secondary infection.
If the chalazion persists, it can be removed by means of a procedure referred to as incision and curettage. This is a highly successful minor operation, which is performed under local anaesthesia and leaves no scar.
If a stye persists, the eyelash can be removed and/or a small incision can be made in the stye (in a similar way to a chalazion) to drain the pus.