Finding an unexpected lump or bump just above the eye can understandably cause concern. This region contains a complex mix of skin, oil glands, fatty tissue, and underlying bone, meaning a bump can originate from numerous structures. Most causes are relatively minor, representing localized changes in the skin or subcutaneous tissue. Understanding the characteristics of these growths, such as appearance speed and texture, provides important context.
Common Benign Skin Lesions
Many painless, slow-forming bumps are common benign growths originating from the skin or layers beneath it. Epidermoid cysts are among the most frequent occurrences in this area. They form when surface skin cells become trapped deep under the skin, creating a sac filled with keratin. An epidermoid cyst presents as a firm, rounded, skin-colored nodule that can be moved slightly under the skin, growing very slowly over time.
A lipoma is another common benign lesion, representing a slow accumulation of mature fat cells beneath the skin’s surface. Unlike a cyst, a lipoma typically feels soft, doughy, and rubbery, and it can be easily shifted or rolled under the finger. These growths are almost always painless and rarely grow large enough to cause symptoms near the eye.
Dermoid cysts are distinct because they are congenital, resulting from ectodermal tissue being trapped during embryonic development. They are most often found near the outer third of the eyebrow, where the skull bones fuse together. A dermoid cyst feels firm and smooth, is usually non-tender, and is often fixed to the underlying bone due to its origin along the cranial suture lines.
Inflammatory and Infectious Causes
Bumps that appear rapidly, are painful, and involve redness are often the result of inflammation or active infection. A simple blocked hair follicle, known as folliculitis or a pimple, presents as a small, tender red spot that may develop a pus-filled white head. This superficial infection is limited to a single follicle, often caused by bacteria.
A more pronounced and deeper infection is an abscess, sometimes called a boil, which develops when bacteria create a localized pocket of pus within the skin. Abscesses are characterized by throbbing pain, warmth, and noticeable swelling that can enlarge quickly. They require drainage to resolve the infection.
Cellulitis is a more serious bacterial infection involving the deeper layers of the skin and soft tissue surrounding the eye. This condition presents as diffuse, spreading redness and warmth that extends beyond the immediate bump, sometimes accompanied by a fever. Localized cellulitis requires immediate medical attention to prevent the infection from spreading into the deeper orbital tissues.
Lumps Related to Trauma or Structure
Some lumps are tied to an external event or the fixed structure of the skull, rather than a process within the skin. A hematoma, commonly known as a “goose egg,” is clotted blood that pools under the skin following an impact. This bump is characterized by rapid swelling immediately after the injury and feels firm or hard as the blood coagulates. The swelling gradually diminishes as the body reabsorbs the pooled blood.
Growths originating from the bone tissue of the skull are termed osteomas, which are benign, slow-growing tumors made of bone. An osteoma presents as an extremely hard, fixed mass that cannot be moved under the skin, as it is attached to the underlying brow bone. These growths are typically asymptomatic and are often found incidentally during an examination.
Vascular lesions, such as a hemangioma, involve blood vessel overgrowth or malformation that forms a palpable lump above the eye. These bumps often feel softer and may be slightly compressible, sometimes changing color or size with pressure. Their appearance is directly linked to the blood flow dynamics within the affected vessels.
Identifying Warning Signs
While most bumps above the eye are benign, certain associated symptoms indicate a need for prompt professional medical evaluation. Any bump accompanied by changes in vision should be considered urgent, including double vision, significant blurriness, or pain with eye movement. These symptoms may suggest the growth is exerting pressure on the eyeball or structures within the eye socket.
Systemic symptoms alongside a localized bump are a serious red flag, particularly if fever, chills, or generalized fatigue is present. If redness and swelling spread rapidly away from the initial bump, or if red streaks become visible, this signals a spreading infection like cellulitis that requires immediate antibiotic treatment. Any lesion that suddenly grows very quickly, bleeds without being provoked, or discharges pus or fluid should also be examined by a healthcare provider without delay.