A painful, red lump along the edge of the eyelid, usually where the lash meets the lid, is called an eyelid bump. Most white bumps on eyelid are brought on by bacteria or a blockage present in the oil glands. Eyelid lumps are usually not harmful and don’t always call for medical attention. They frequently disappear on their own or with some home remedies. However, you should consult a doctor about managing your symptoms or determine whether you have a more serious issue if an eyelid lump grows more painful, doesn’t improve with home remedies, or affects your eyesight.
Types of Eyelid Bump
You should choose a treatment plan based on the nature and underlying cause of the bump on upper eyelid. Common eyelid bumps can be classified into the following categories:
1. Stye
The most typical kind of lump on the eyelid is a stye. When germs enter the oil glands of the eyelids, styes develop. Notably, an eyelash-proximal, spherical, red lump is called a stye.
2. Chalazion
A chalazion is an inflamed lesion that develops when the tear or oil glands in the eyelids become obstructed. There is usually no pain and the bump usually goes away with at-home or over-the-counter treatment. Depending on where it grows and how big it gets, it may cause vision problems.
3. Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma are innocuous yellow lumps that develop when fat deposits amass under the skin. The lumps may occasionally signify elevated cholesterol levels.
Did You Know? In addition to other uses, coconut oil is utilised to support eye health. By reducing inflammation, coconut oil is one of the key ways to treat styes. |
4. Milium
A milium is a tiny white cyst that is common in children. Milia are also called oil seeds and milk spots.
Symptoms of Eyelid Bump
These are some of the common symptoms of eyelid bumps:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Irritation
- Blurry vision
Causes of Eyelid Bump
When germs invade and inflame your oil glands, styes develop. And, if you have blepharitis, then your risk of developing styes increases. Also, when the oil glands in your eyelids are blocked, a chalazion may develop.
Additionally, when you have fat deposits close below the skin’s surface, you develop xanthelasma, which is one of the main eyelid bump causes. They can sometimes indicate an underlying disease like diabetes or raised cholesterol levels. They may also develop independently of any underlying medical issues.
Ways to Treat Eyelid Bump
Although styes and chalazia typically go away on their own after a few weeks, there are ways to speed up the process:
- Never try to pinch, poke, or pop a chalazion or stye. This can result in a more serious issue.
- Apply a warm and wet towel on your eye several times daily.
- To help the clogged gland drain, gently massage the swollen area. Make sure you’re gentle.
- Keep the area tidy and keep your hands away from your eyes once the bump has drained.
- Until the eyelid has healed, avoid wearing contact lenses. The microorganisms that caused the infection may be present in your contacts.
- Before utilising your lenses and any previously used attachments, clean and disinfect them.
Apart from these eyelid bump treatments, salicylic acid is an exfoliant that can be used to help remove dead skin cells. Your doctor should check your cholesterol levels if you have xanthelasma. They might prescribe a drug like a statin and work with you to make dietary modifications.
Expert Tip: Although it will be tempting, resist the urge to conceal the unattractive bump on upper eyelid with makeup. Applying makeup on a stye can impede healing or make it worse by causing it to become more blocked up and infected, all of which will increase pain. |
Conclusion
Eyelid bumps can be a frequent and occasionally troubling problem but you can take charge of your eye health by knowing their causes, symptoms, and effective treatments. Whether it’s a small stye or a more serious problem, getting professional guidance and practising proper eye hygiene can help prevent and treat eyelid lumps. To preserve a lifetime of clear, healthy vision, remember that your eyes are a valuable asset and you should take good care of them.