4 Types of Eyelid Bumps
Medically reviewed by Andrew Greenberg, MD
A bump on the eyelid is often a stye, which is a pimple-like bump. Other causes include milia (milium) or, in rare cases, skin cancer. A milium is a white bump caused by dead skin cells trapped under your skin.
You can typically prevent eyelid bumps by always washing your hands before touching your face. Most bumps on the eyelids go away on their own, but a healthcare provider can help drain the bump if it does not. Read on to learn what causes a bump on the eyelid and how to get rid of it.
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Related: 8 Common Causes of Blurry Vision
Types of Eyelid Bumps
Bumps on the eyelid come in various forms, each with different causes. Here are some of the most common types of eyelid bumps and what to do about them.
1. Stye
A stye is one of the most common bumps on the eyelid bumps. Styes are pimple-like bumps that form on the lash line. These bumps form if bacteria enter oil glands that line the insides of your eyelids and lubricate your eyes. The result is a painful, swollen, sometimes pus-filled bump.
Risk factors for styes include:
Improperly disinfecting your contact lenses
Not removing your makeup before bed
Not throwing away eye makeup three months after your first use
2. Chalazia
You may have a chalazion if you have a hard lump under your skin. Chalazia develop when thick oil blocks the oil gland. You may also develop a chalazion if a stye does not heal. Chalazia are often painless and typically resolve within one month.
You can reduce your risk of chalazia by:
Removing eye makeup before bed
Replacing eye makeup every three months
Washing your hands before touching around your eyes and removing contact lenses
3. Milia
Milia are tiny white bumps that develop if dead skin cells become trapped under your skin. These bumps can appear anywhere but often show up around your eyes. Long-term use of corticosteroids or skin damage from an injury, rash, or the sun may cause milia.
Milia most often appear in newborns, but they can occur at any age. Other risk factors include:
Certain skin conditions (e.g., dandruff)
Oil-based makeup
Poor sleep
Skin care products that clog pores
4. Skin Cancer
A lump that bleeds or does not go away with treatment might be skin cancer. The lump is often yellowish and painless. A malignant (cancerous) bump may ooze, grow slowly, and affect vision. These bumps can appear on both the upper and lower eyelids.
One of the most common causes of skin cancer is unprotected ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Do the following if the UV index is three or higher:
Stay in the shade.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Symptoms
Eyelid bump symptoms may vary, depending on what's causing it. A bump typically develops at the center or the edge of the eyelid. These bumps can be painless or cause discomfort.
Other eyelid bump symptoms may include:
A gritty or itchy sensation in your eye
A small pus spot in the middle of the bump
Crusting along your eyelids
Sensitivity to light
Swelling
Watery eyes
Treatment
The prognosis of a bump on the eyelid is usually good. Eyelid bumps often go away on their own or with medical treatment and home care. Treatment for a bump of the eyelid depends on the culprit.
Eyelid cellulitis, or an infection of the eyelid, may occur in some cases. This infection typically requires oral antibiotics.
Medical Treatment
An ophthalmologist (eye and vision specialist) may need to drain styes and chalazia that are painful, affect your vision, or continue to grow. Do not squeeze the bump yourself, which could spread the infection and require antibiotics.
Milia typically clear up on their own. A healthcare provider can remove milia with medical treatments like:
Chemical peels
Dermabrasion, or a procedure in which a dermatologist scrapes away the outermost skin layers
Extreme cold or heat
Laser surgery
Medication
Removal can be tricky if an eyelid bump is skin cancer. A dermatologist can refer you to a surgeon who specializes in Mohs surgery. The surgeon will remove the affected area layer by layer until you are cancer-free. Mohs surgery is highly effective and minimizes scarring.
Home Care
You can speed up the healing process with home remedies, such as:
Allow the bump to drain on its own. You can gently massage the area around your eye with clean hands to assist this process.
Avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup until the bump goes away.
Apply a warm compress to the affected areas for 10 minutes. Repeat at least four times per day.
Prevention
A fish oil supplement may help prevent eyelid bumps. Talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any supplement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) minimally regulates supplements, and fish oil may not be suitable for you.
Other ways to prevent eyelid bumps include:
Applying tea tree oil to the eyelids
Removing oil from around your eyelids with a mix of baby shampoo and warm water
Washing your hands before touching your face
When To Contact a Healthcare Provider
Most eyelid bumps are harmless and go away on their own. Some lumps can signify something more severe. See a healthcare provider if the bump becomes large or painful or does not improve within two weeks of home treatment.
Other signs to contact a healthcare provider include:
A hot feeling in the eyelid
Blistering, crusting, and scaling of the eyelid
Blood and pus
Fever and chills
Loss of eyelashes
Recurrent bumps
Redness
Sensitivity to light, watery eyes, and vision changes
Swelling that increases after the first two or three days
Related: What Causes a Swollen Eyelid—And How Can You Make It Better?
A Quick Review
A bump on the eyelid could be a stye, chalazion, milium, or, in rare cases, skin cancer. Eyelid bump symptoms may vary but can include a gritty or itchy sensation in your eye, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, swelling, and watery eyes. You can try to prevent eyelid bumps by washing your hands before touching your face and removing oil around your eyelids.
Most eyelid bumps go away on their own. Consult a healthcare provider if your eyelid bump does not go away or you have unusual symptoms like pain and redness.
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