Experiencing a small bump under your eyelid is a common occurrence, often unsettling but usually benign. Understanding the different types of eyelid bumps and their causes can help alleviate worry and guide appropriate actions.
Common Types of Eyelid Bumps
A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, typically appears as a red, painful, pus-filled bump along the eyelid edge. It forms when a bacterial infection, often caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, affects an oil gland or a hair follicle at the base of an eyelash. These bumps can be tender to the touch and may cause swelling of the entire eyelid.
A chalazion, or eyelid cyst, usually presents as a firm, painless lump that can be larger than a stye and commonly develops further back on the eyelid, often on the upper lid. It results from a blocked meibomian gland, which produces oils to lubricate the eye. While initially tender, the pain typically subsides as it grows.
Tiny, white, pearl-like cysts on the skin surface, sometimes appearing under the eyelid, are known as milia. They develop when skin flakes or keratin become trapped beneath the skin’s surface. Milia are generally harmless and do not cause discomfort.
Yellowish, flat or slightly raised plaques near the inner corner of the eyelids are characteristic of xanthelasma. These deposits are rich in cholesterol and tend to appear symmetrically on both eyes. Although typically painless, their presence can sometimes indicate elevated cholesterol levels or other lipid disorders.
Small, skin-colored or pigmented growths, often appearing wart-like, are called papillomas. These are benign skin growths that can occur anywhere on the eyelid. Some forms are linked to certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Understanding the Causes
Bacterial infection, primarily by Staphylococcus aureus, is the direct cause of styes. These bacteria infect oil glands or eyelash follicles, leading to an inflammatory response and pus formation. Poor hand hygiene and touching the eyes can introduce these bacteria.
Clogged glands are a primary reason for chalazion formation. Meibomian glands, located within the eyelids, produce an oily fluid. When their opening becomes blocked, oil accumulates, leading to a non-infectious inflammatory reaction. A chalazion can sometimes develop following a stye if the infection resolves but leaves behind hardened material.
Milia form due to the entrapment of keratin, a protein found in skin, beneath the skin’s outer layer. This can happen when dead skin cells do not shed properly. The accumulation results in firm cysts.
Xanthelasma develops from the accumulation of cholesterol and other lipids within the skin, particularly in macrophages. About half of individuals with xanthelasma have elevated lipid levels, such as high cholesterol, though they can also occur in people with normal lipid profiles. Their presence can suggest an underlying metabolic issue or an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Papillomas are non-cancerous growths that can arise from various factors, including viral infections like certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Some, particularly in older adults, are spontaneous benign skin growths not directly linked to a viral cause.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While many eyelid bumps resolve on their own, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation:
- Persistent or worsening pain.
- Changes in vision, such as blurriness or double vision.
- Rapid growth, changes in appearance, bleeding, or crusting.
- Spreading signs of infection, like redness extending beyond the eyelid, increased swelling, or fever.
- Recurrent bumps in the same location.
- Interference with blinking or daily activities.
- Failure to resolve with self-care within a few weeks.
Self-Care and Prevention Strategies
Applying warm compresses can often help manage minor eyelid bumps like styes and chalazia. Soaking a clean cloth in warm water and holding it on the closed eyelid for 10-15 minutes, several times a day, can promote drainage and reduce inflammation. The warmth helps soften hardened oils and blockages.
Maintaining good eyelid hygiene is important for both treatment and prevention. Gently cleaning the eyelids and eyelashes daily with a mild, non-irritating cleanser, like diluted baby shampoo, helps remove debris and excess oils. Avoiding the urge to squeeze or pop eyelid bumps is important, as this can worsen the condition or lead to infection.
Practicing good hand hygiene, by washing hands thoroughly before touching the eyes, can prevent the introduction of bacteria. For those who wear makeup, replacing old eye makeup every few months and removing it before sleep reduces the risk of bacterial growth and gland blockages. Proper care and handling of contact lenses are also crucial in preventing eye irritation and infections.