A small bump under your eyelid can be an alarming discovery, but eyelid bumps are very common. The eyelid skin is thin and contains numerous specialized glands, making it a frequent site for minor blockages or infections. Most lumps that appear on or under the eyelid are benign and temporary, often resolving on their own quickly. Understanding the likely cause of the bump can help alleviate anxiety and guide management steps.
Styes and Chalazia The Most Common Culprits
Eyelid bumps are most frequently caused by two conditions: a stye (hordeolum) or a chalazion. A stye is an acute, painful bacterial infection that typically forms at the edge of the eyelid near the base of an eyelash. This infection usually involves the oil or sweat glands of the eyelash follicle. The bump often presents as a red, tender, pimple-like spot with a pus center, causing localized pain, redness, and swelling.
A chalazion is a non-infectious, inflammatory lump caused by a blocked meibomian gland. These glands produce the oily component of tears; if the opening becomes clogged, the oil builds up, triggering an immune response. Chalazia develop farther back on the eyelid, away from the margin, and are firmer to the touch than a stye. A chalazion is usually painless once the initial swelling subsides, unlike a stye which remains acutely painful.
Other Types of Eyelid Bumps
Not all eyelid bumps are inflammatory or infectious; some are simple skin formations. Milia, for example, are tiny, pearly white or yellowish cysts that frequently appear on the eyelids. These harmless bumps form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface. Milia are often multiple and superficial, measuring only 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter, and they do not cause pain or redness.
Another type of bump is xanthelasma, which presents as soft, yellowish, flat, or slightly raised plaques near the inner corner of the eyelids. Xanthelasma are deposits of cholesterol and other lipids under the skin, and they are generally a cosmetic concern. They appear symmetrically on both upper and lower eyelids. Other benign growths, such as small fluid-filled cysts or papillomas, can also occur, which may be skin-colored or pink.
Immediate Care and Management at Home
For common eyelid bumps like styes and chalazia, the most effective home management involves the consistent application of warm compresses. The heat helps thin the oil secretions and promote drainage of the blocked gland. Apply a clean, warm (not hot) washcloth to the closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, repeating this three to six times per day.
Gentle eyelid hygiene is also important, involving cleaning the eyelid margin with mild soap or a specialized cleanser. Never attempt to squeeze, pop, or aggressively rub the bump, as this can worsen inflammation or spread infection. Avoid using eye makeup or contact lenses until the bump has resolved to prevent further irritation.
Knowing When to Seek Medical Attention
While many eyelid bumps resolve completely with routine home care within a week or two, certain signs indicate the need for a professional evaluation. Seek medical attention if the bump persists for longer than two weeks despite regular warm compress treatment. Rapid growth, increasing pain, or a change in the bump’s color or shape are significant red flags.
A doctor visit is necessary if the bump begins to affect your vision, such as causing blurriness, or if the entire eyelid swells dramatically. Signs of a spreading infection, including fever, chills, or redness extending into the surrounding facial tissue, require immediate medical attention. In severe or persistent cases, a professional may recommend prescription antibiotic ointments, a steroid injection to reduce inflammation, or a minor surgical procedure to drain the bump.