Eyelid bumps are common, appearing as small lumps or swelling on or around the eyelid. While many are benign and resolve on their own, understanding their causes helps determine when to seek professional advice. These bumps vary in appearance and symptoms, indicating issues from minor infections to blocked glands or substance deposits.
Common Types of Eyelid Bumps
Stye
A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a common eyelid bump. It is an acute, painful bacterial infection affecting an oil gland or hair follicle along the eyelid’s edge. It appears as a red, tender, pimple-like bump, sometimes with a pus-filled center. The infection can cause eyelid swelling, a scratchy sensation, or light sensitivity.
Chalazion
A chalazion is a common eyelid bump that can follow a stye, though it is not painful. It develops when a meibomian gland, an oil gland, becomes blocked, leading to a firm, round lump. Chalazia are located further from the eyelid’s edge than styes and can grow larger, causing blurry vision if they press on the eyeball.
Milia
Milia are small, white, pearl-like cysts that can appear on the eyelids in clusters. These occur when keratin, a skin protein, becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface. While common in newborns, milia can affect people of all ages and are harmless, though they can be mistaken for other conditions.
Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma presents as yellowish, flat, or slightly raised plaques, found on or around the eyelids, particularly near the inner corners. These bumps are caused by under-skin cholesterol deposits. While locally harmless, xanthelasma can signal elevated cholesterol levels or other underlying metabolic conditions, making a medical evaluation beneficial.
Papillomas
Papillomas, commonly known as skin tags, are small, benign, flesh-colored growths that develop anywhere on the eyelid. They appear as soft, smooth, round lesions that may be attached by a stalk. Eyelid papillomas are painless and are more common in middle-aged or older individuals.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many eyelid bumps resolve without intervention, certain signs indicate medical evaluation is needed. Persistent pain, especially if it worsens or does not improve after a few days of home care, requires professional attention. Vision changes, such as blurry vision or interference with blinking, also prompt a healthcare provider visit.
Rapid growth of the bump, bleeding from the lesion, or noticeable changes in its color or shape are warning signs. Spreading redness or swelling around the eye, or fever alongside the bump, could indicate a serious infection requiring immediate care. If an eyelid bump does not improve within one to two weeks of home treatment, or if styes or chalazia recur frequently, seek medical advice.
Treatment and Home Care
For many common eyelid bumps, initial management involves simple home care. Applying warm compresses to the affected eyelid is a widely recommended approach. A clean cloth soaked in warm (not hot) water can be placed over the closed eye for 10-15 minutes, several times daily, to reduce inflammation and encourage drainage of blocked glands.
Good eyelid hygiene helps manage existing bumps and prevent new ones. This includes gently cleaning eyelids with mild soap or diluted baby shampoo, and avoiding rubbing or squeezing the bump. Gently massaging the area around the bump after applying a warm compress can assist drainage. Avoid eye makeup or contact lenses until the bump resolves to prevent further irritation or infection. These self-care practices can help resolve styes and chalazia within a few weeks.
When home care is not sufficient or if a bump presents concerning symptoms, medical intervention may be necessary. For bacterial infections like styes, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic ointments or eye drops. In cases of persistent or large chalazions, a doctor may recommend steroid injections to reduce inflammation or, rarely, minor surgery to drain the lump. Xanthelasma, while harmless, can be removed for cosmetic reasons through various medical procedures, and their presence may prompt a check of cholesterol levels.