Eyelid bumps can cause discomfort and concern. While often harmless, understanding their nature helps determine if at-home care is suitable or if professional medical attention is necessary.
Understanding Common Eyelid Bumps
Styes and chalazia are common eyelid bumps. A stye is a red, tender, and painful bump at the eyelid’s edge, often resembling a pimple. It results from a bacterial infection affecting an oil gland or hair follicle at the base of an eyelash. Symptoms include localized swelling, pain, light sensitivity, and a gritty sensation, sometimes with pus.
A chalazion, in contrast, is a painless, firm lump developing further back on the eyelid. It occurs when an oil gland within the eyelid becomes blocked, preventing oil release. While initially red and slightly tender, a chalazion becomes a non-tender, swollen bump as inflammation subsides. Unlike styes, chalazia are not bacterial infections and are not contagious. A stye can sometimes evolve into a chalazion if the infection resolves but the blockage persists.
Other Potential Eyelid Bumps
Beyond styes and chalazia, other bumps can appear on the eyelid. Milia are small, white or yellowish bumps occurring when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin. Common in babies, they can affect individuals of any age and typically do not require specific treatment.
Xanthelasma are yellowish, flat, or slightly raised deposits forming on or around the eyelids. These benign growths are caused by fat accumulations under the skin and can sometimes indicate elevated cholesterol levels. Another type is a benign papilloma, a fleshy, skin-colored growth resembling a small skin tag. These are generally harmless, resulting from an overgrowth of skin cells.
When to Be Concerned
While many eyelid bumps resolve on their own, certain signs indicate that medical attention is needed. Seek professional advice if the bump causes changes in vision, such as blurriness, or if it grows rapidly in size. Persistent pain, spreading redness or swelling beyond the eyelid, or a fever accompanying the bump are also reasons to consult a doctor.
If the bump bleeds, shows signs of blistering, or interferes with eye movement, a medical evaluation is warranted. Bumps not healing within a few weeks, or those that recur frequently, should also be assessed by an eye care professional.
Relief and Management
Managing an eyelid bump begins with simple home care practices. Applying warm compresses to the affected eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, three to five times daily, can help promote drainage and reduce discomfort for both styes and chalazia. This warmth softens hardened oils or pus, aiding resolution. Gently cleaning the eyelid with mild soap and water also helps keep the area free from debris.
Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses to prevent further irritation or infection. Refrain from squeezing or attempting to pop the bump, as this can worsen the condition or lead to a more severe infection. If home remedies are insufficient, medical interventions may be necessary. For bacterial infections like styes, a doctor might prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments. For persistent chalazia, a steroid injection can help reduce inflammation, or in some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be performed to drain the bump.