A bump on the eyelid appears as a red, painful lump, most often where the eyelash meets the lid. Most of these bumps or pimples are caused by bacteria or when the eyelid’s oil glands are blocked.
An eyelid bump or pimple is more or less harmless and, in most cases, do not need medical treatment. Basic home care is a potent way to rid the eyelids of the nasty bump. However, if the bump on eyelid causes pain and blurs your vision, with home treatments making no difference, consulting a doctor is imperative. If you thought there was only one type of eyelid bump, think again! There are three common types of eyelid bumps you should watch out for. The underlying cause of your eyelid pimple will determine the course of action best suited to treat it.
Types of Eyelid Bumps
Styes: The most common eyelid bump would have to be styes. They form when bacteria enters the eyelids’ oil glands. These red bumps grow very close to the eyelashes, and can also cause soreness and pain. These bumps can make your eyes sensitive to light, making it water or itch during that period of time. It usually takes a few days for styes to form. The bad news is that it is possible for more than one stye to form at a time.
Chalazions: These bumps on eyelids are commonly referred to as cysts. They are tissue pockets that are filled with liquid. They appear when your eyelids’ oil-producing glands are blocked. They are usually found a little higher up on the eyelid as compared to styes. These bumps do not hurt as much. However, it should be noted that chalazions could obstruct vision depending on where and how big they grow.
Xanthelasma: This is a harmless yellow pimple that pops up when fat accumulates under your skin. Older adults tend to be more susceptible to these bumps. These pimples can also be the result of a high cholesterol level.
What are Some Common Symptoms of Eyelid Bumps?
Most eyelid bumps or pimples that form on the eyelid are red and tender. They often form along the edge of the eyelid. Some of the symptoms associated with these eyelid pimples include:
- Watery, red eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Eyes sensitive to light
What are the Main Cause of Eyelid Bumps?
When bacteria makes its way to your oil glands, it leads to an inflamed stye. The common bacteria associated with styes is known as staphlyococcus. If you happen to have a condition known as blepharitis, you run the risk of developing a stye. This condition is responsible for the inflammation of eyelash follicles. Styes that do not drain easily often leads to the formation of chalazia.
There could be an underlying condition that leads to high cholesterol, which in turn causes diabetes. This results in the formation of a xanthelasma. However, these bumps may not be linked to a medical condition.
Treatment to Get Rid of Eyelid Bumps
Hot Compress – An Effective Treatment to get Rid of Eyelid Bumps
One of the best and most effective home remedies for an eyelid bump is to apply a hot compress to the area for close to 10-15 minutes, at least two to three times daily. This practice will help improve circulation to the area and allow the rupture and drainage of the pimple. It is imperative that you opt for this treatment when you identify the bump on the eyelid. If a pimple on the eyelid is left untreated, it could last for days.
Application of Creams and Ointments for Treating Bumps on Eyelids
There are creams and ointments as well as medicated pads which can be purchased over-the-counter to help fight the infection causing the bump. Creams or ointments which contain polymyxin B sulphate are what you should look out for. They are effective antibiotics in the treatment of eye infections.
How Exercising Caution Can Treat Eyelid Bump?
Warning: Try not to squeeze the pimple or pop it with a needle in order to drain it. Rupturing the bump could lead to an even worse infection. The action could introduce bacteria from your skin to the bump.
Avoiding Eye Make-up and Contact Lenses until the Eyelids Bumps get Drained
It would be advisable to keep a safe distance from eye make-up like eyeliner, mascara and eye shadow. This will prevent irritation and avoid another infection. Also, throw away any eye make-up that you may have used when the pimple developed. Contact lenses should be avoided as it could cause irritation and pain. Switch to normal glasses till the pain subsides or the bump drains.
When should you see a doctor?
Most bumps or pimples that form on the eyelid are harmless or mild. However, some of them could have been caused by a serious medical condition. If your vision is compromised, you will have to make an appointment with a doctor immediately. If your eyes water or hurt in low lighting, you will have to seek medical attention. You know it is time to visit the doctor if your eyelid pimple bleeds, becomes huge or pains. If the eyelid becomes scaly, red or crusty or witnesses the formation of blisters, you need to make a doctor’s appointment. If not treated, the bumps could lead to an infection.
Way to Prevent Bumps From Forming on Eyelid
You can avoid pimples forming on your eyelid by maintaining basic hygiene. Wash your hands regularly to prevent the formation of styes. Try and avoid touching your eyes unless they have been washed with warm, soapy water.
You can prevent the formation of chalazia by washing your eyelids once daily if you have blepharitis. If you feel a bump coming on, make sure you undertake a hot water compress to prevent growth. Taking early measures will prevent eyelid bumps.
Keep a check on your cholesterol levels by opting for healthy food. Exercising and controlling your weight will prevent the formation of xanthelasma.
There are simple precautions you can take to avoid eyelid bumps or pimples from forming. Nipping it in the bud could prevent an inflamed eye.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2021). How to Get Rid of a Stye. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/how-to-get-rid-of-stye
- American Optometric Association. (2021). Chalazion. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/chalazion
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Stye. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sty/symptoms-causes/syc-20378048
- American Optometric Association. (2021). Comprehensive Eye and Vision Examination. https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/comprehensive-eye-and-vision-examination
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