Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, can form on the eyelid. These growths are small, benign masses of skin tissue that are extremely common, affecting approximately half of all adults. While harmless, their presence on the delicate skin of the eyelid can cause concern or irritation. They are typically soft, flesh-colored, or slightly darker and often hang from a thin stalk, making them highly recognizable.
Characteristics and Causes of Eyelid Skin Tags
An eyelid skin tag presents as a small, soft flap of tissue, often described as feeling like a tiny balloon or grain of rice. These growths are made up of collagen fibers and blood vessels. They usually range in size from one millimeter up to a few millimeters.
The primary theory behind their formation involves continuous skin-on-skin friction, especially on the eyelid. The constant rubbing motion from blinking, along with incidental contact from clothing or towels, contributes to their development in this highly mobile area.
Several underlying health factors increase the likelihood of developing skin tags. Genetic predisposition plays a role, as skin tags often run in families. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, and conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are also associated with a higher incidence of acrochordons.
Differentiating Eyelid Bumps
It is important to have any new eyelid growth professionally examined because many other types of bumps can mimic a skin tag. Unlike skin tags, which are soft, a stye (hordeolum) is a red, painful, and tender lump caused by a bacterial infection at the base of an eyelash. Styes develop quickly and may look like a pimple on the edge of the eyelid.
A chalazion is the result of a clogged meibomian oil gland inside the eyelid, leading to inflammation. Unlike a stye, a chalazion is usually not painful, feels firmer, and develops slowly as a lump farther back on the eyelid. Both styes and chalazions are inflammatory, differentiating them from the static, non-inflamed nature of a typical skin tag.
Other growths include benign lesions like sebaceous cysts, which are slow-growing, movable lumps, or viral warts (papillomata), which are often rougher and have a cauliflower-like appearance. A more serious concern is mistaking a skin tag for skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
BCC, the most common eyelid cancer, often presents as a firm, pearly nodule with rolled edges or a persistent sore that bleeds easily. Any growth on the eyelid that changes color, bleeds, grows rapidly, or fails to heal must be assessed by a dermatologist or ophthalmologist for accurate diagnosis.
Professional Removal Methods
Removal of an eyelid skin tag is performed for cosmetic reasons, or if the growth causes irritation or obstructs vision. Given the close proximity to the eye, professional removal by a trained healthcare provider is the safest course of action. Dermatologists or ophthalmologists can choose from several quick, in-office procedures.
One common approach is surgical snip or excision, where the doctor numbs the area and uses sterile scissors or a scalpel to cut the tag off at its base. This method provides immediate results and is effective for tags with a thin stalk.
Electrocautery uses a controlled electric current to heat and burn the skin tag off, which also helps to seal the blood vessels and prevent bleeding. Cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen to freeze the tissue, causing it to blister and eventually fall off within a week or two.
It is advised against attempting any form of at-home removal for growths on the eyelid. The high risk of eye injury, infection, and permanent scarring significantly outweighs any perceived benefit.