What causes a white bump on eyelid? Get insights on the reasons for bumps on upper eyelid, lower, middle of the eyelid, white, red itchy, how to get rid of with the best treatment and pictures.
White Bump on Eyelid Meaning
Eyelid bumps occurs as painful, red lumps at the periphery of the eyelid, basically where the lash meets the lid. Bacteria or a blockage in the oil glands of the eyelid causes majority of eyelid bumps.
Eyelid bumps are often not dangerous and in most cases they are always don’t require medical attention since they often go away on their own or with basic home care solution.
Although, if an eyelid bump appear increasingly painful, doesn’t rely mostly to home care treatments, or when it begins to interfere with the vision, seek medical treatment from a specialized doctor about ways to manage the symptoms or to look for signs of a more serious problem.
In case an individual realizes the growth of a white bump on eyelid, it makes someone to be concerned, and embarrass, though these often stay rather small and barely noticeable. They might also grow and swell, becoming very painful.
There are many things that can cause a white bump on eyelid, including contact lenses that have not been properly cleaned or old cosmetics that are well past Eyelid bumps can be worrisome especially given the role played by the eyes; who would not be scared to think about loss of vision?
The question then is what causes white bumps on eyelids?” Well there are numerous possible causes of that pesky white eyelid bumps. Blocking of oil glands that are found in abundance on the eyelids to provide adequate lubrication poor sloughing off of dead skin cells.
This often leads to formation of milia in infants but adults may as well be affected. Bacterial infection: Staphylococcus bacteria are to blame in most cases. Their expiration date in most cases doesn’t affect vision, but it might become unsightly and painful.
White Bump on Eyelid Causes
The white bump on the eyelid can be a type of pimple and often these will go from being small and white to red and swollen, as well as very tender to the touch. That can make even basic day-to-day things painful.
If the white bump is very near the periphery of the eyelid, someone might experience excessive tears, or could have a lot of itching and the feeling that something is in the eyes. Individual might also become very sensitive to light. These are the most common reasons why you might have a white bump on your eyelid:
- Stye
This is usually a small infection caused by bacteria known as Staphylococcus which is normally present in the eyelid, but it rarely causes problems. However, the development of the bacteria can get out of hand, and that leads to the bacteria affecting the oil glands. The infection ones come in and the area becomes red, swollen and tender. The white bump appears at the center with filled with pus.
- Chalazion
The meibomian gland, which produces sticky substances that keep your eyelashes moist which causes those glands to get clogged up and create a cyst. Once it happens, a small white bump can develop. This is the body’s reaction to the oil secretion that is being trapped by that clogged gland.
- Milia
It is more common in growing children and newborns; this is a case where a very solid and small white bump develops on the eyelid. It simply means that a child’s skin isn’t able to get rid of dead skin cells efficiently yet. If this happens in adults, it is often caused by eyelid trauma or severe sunburn.
- 4. Xanthelasma
These are yellow patches on the eyelids can occur to anyone, and it is a typical symptom of aging. These are completely harmless, but they are sometimes an indicator of high cholesterol.
- Papillomas
These are completely harmless white bump on eyelid that are pink or skin-colored. They can upset someone face for cosmetic reasons and they might grow large enough to affect your vision. They can be removed with a simple surgical procedure.
- Cyst
Occasionally they might develop a cyst on the eyelid. Most cysts are entirely benign, but like a papilloma, they could look unsightly or affect your vision.
- Allergies
Sometimes an allergy can lead to a pimple on the eyelid that sometimes become painful, but can be an embarrassment. This often develops as a result of cosmetic use, medication, or chemicals that have touched your eye. If someone discontinues the use of these things, the white bump will often disappear.
- Ectropion
This results due to the age such that as an individual grows older they droop away from the eye and turn outwards causing disruption of the normal production of tears, which can cause the eye to become dry, red and irritated.
- Entropion
This usually affect the upper eyelid and just like ectropion, it usually results due to age. Entropion usually causes an uncomfortable watery eye because the lashes irritate the front of the eye (cornea). Severe entropion can be painful and cause vision loss by damaging the cornea.
Occasionally, a corneal ulcer can form and become infected. Surgery may be needed to correct entropion if it’s posing a risk to the health of your eye or is causing considerable discomfort. This is carried out under local anesthetic.
Minor Causes of white bump on eyelid
There are other potential causes for white bumps on the eye might include:
- Dry eyes could be caused by glands that stop producing oils, and the dryness can lead to bumps.
- Some conditions, such as conjunctivitis, cellulitis, bacterial infections, dermatitis and psoriasis can lead to bumps.
- Pimples might also occur if someone isn’t getting enough sleep, taking certain medications, or indulging in spicy or greasy foods.
White Bump on Upper Eyelid
There are many home remedies for these bumps that can help someone look and feel better in a short time.
Most bumps on the eyelid are styes, and they require a certain treatment in order to make someone to feel better. Individual are encouraged to start by applying a warm, wet cloth to the area at least four times per day.
Avoid squeezing or puncturing the stye. Do not use cosmetics or contact lenses until the stye is gone and in case it doesn’t clear up within a few days, individuals are advised to seek medical attention from a specialized doctor to be able to drain it in an office setting, or prescribe medication that will clear it up.
Almost every white bump on eyelid is caused by infections, which are usually the result of poor sanitation. This is a very easy thing to happen, as many people touch their eyes after touching many other things, and women often share cosmetics.
Bump on Lower Eyelid
Bumps on lower eyelids can stay for months which may require the attention of a dermatologist. some causes of eyelid bumps e.g. milia can take a few months to clear completely, but it is often advisable to stay on the safe side by having a dermatologist check the bump that sticks around for too long just to rule out any serious medical conditions like skin cancer.
There are several symptoms that should not be ignoring since they could point to a growing cancer concern. A bump that has no pain, and that is not stye.
- Dry eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Lumps on eyelid rim getting bigger or keeps growing
Treatments, cures and remedies depend on the cause of the problem. It can be remove or relieve styes and pimples at home using cold and warm compresses, aloe vera remedies and other cures. However some underlying conditions will have to be addressed in case it seems complicated.
Small white bump on eyelid after blepharoplasty on the lower or upper eyelid surgery may experience the white spots on the eyelid. Some complain of this growth months or even one year after the eye surgery.
According to the New York Oculoplastic Surgeon Dr. Amiya Prasad, MD, a white cyst on the lower eyelid is likely to be an epithelial inclusion cyst. This is another name for milia. The small white bumps on eyelid rim usually occur along the incision line.
Blepharitis, stye pimple on lower eyelid and sometimes milia spots can cause either a tender or hard painful lump under the eyelid. Chronic acne and eye lid boils can also be the reason for the lump below the eyelid.
White Bump on Eyelid Rim
After occurrences of eye infections like pink eye or conjunctivitis, some individuals may get the little white dots on eyelid rim. Expired eye makeup or cosmetics as well as dirty tools for applying makeup can cause an infection in the eye.
Makeup clogs the pores too and an individual also likely to get an infected cyst on the eyelid rim. Avoid leaving makeup on when you go to sleep as this can cause clogged eyelash pores.
Poorly cleaned or dirty contact lenses transport bacteria and other types of germs. When introduced in the eye, these bacteria can cause infections that manifest with symptoms such as small pus-filled bumps on the eyelid etc.
If an individual eye won’t stop watering, gets a pimple like cyst inside eyelid, feels painful when he or she blink or causes other forms of discomfort, then the cause is likely to be the contact lenses someone may be wearing.
White bump on eyelid rim, below or above could be caused by cholesterol. These look like small globs that contain white fat under the skin. Cholesterol spots around eyes usually start as one bump that grows. After a while, they become clusters of bumps.
White bumps under eyelids that stay for months require the attention of a dermatologist. Of course some causes of eyelid bumps e.g. milia may take a few months to clear completely, but it is often advisable to stay on the safe side by having a dermatologist examine a bump that sticks around for too long just to rule out any serious medical conditions like skin cancer.
Cysts, whiteheads, styes and chalazions manifest as small lumps, bumps or pimples on and around the eyelid. A rash around your eyelids can also start as some white pimple-like bumps and grow into many white bumps on eyelid.
Acne can develop almost anywhere on the skin. The eyelid too can get acne whiteheads. The cause of such eyelid pimples is when the skin pores on the eyelid rim or waterline gets clogged.
White Bump on middle of Eyelid
Individuals who suffer from rosacea have a higher chance of getting an eyelid pimple. Ocular rosacea is the inflammation that causes redness, burning and itching of the eyes. The condition has a high prevalence in people who flush and blush easily. The symptoms of this include:
- Red and swollen eyelids, likely with a bump.
- White bump on eyelid
- Blurred vision
- Itchy eyes
- Dry eyes with a stinging sensation
- Tearing and feeling like there’s something in the eye
Medications and home care tips can help get rid of ocular rosacea bumps. Temporary antibiotic prescriptions such as erythromycin, doxycycline and tetracycline can help heal the bump.
Cysts are quite too common and they occur as a result of bacterial infections. When a pore on the eyelid waterline or rim is blocked, the buildup within the pore attracts bacteria. An eyelid cyst appears as a pimple because it is a fluid-filled sac especially at the middle of eyelid.
A bleeding pimple on eyelid is likely to occur when you pop it. It may come with unbearable pain. Other than the bleeding, pus discharge can also mean a broken cyst or a more severe infection.
The appearance of a pimple on eyelids is likely to be a sign of an infection. Eye infections, such as pink eye, can cause the eyes to be itchy and painful. It can even be worse in babies or infants. In most cases, itchy pimples on the eyelids are caused by allergic reactions. The irritation may be pollen, contact lenses or even a food allergy.
Itchy White Bump on Eyelid
A chalazion occurs as a result when an oil gland known as meibomian gland gets blocked or swollen. Meibomian gland is a sebaceous gland that keeps the eyelashes moisturized by producing a sticky substance but it always gets its ducts blocked making it to get clogged.
When that happens, a bump develops as a response to the inflammation and its itchiness.
Poorly cleaned or dirty contact lenses transmit bacteria and other types of germs. When introduced in the eye, these bacteria can cause infections that manifest with symptoms such as small pus-filled bumps on the eyelid and itchiness of the outer eyelid leading to development of bumps.
Expired eye makeup or cosmetics as well as dirty tools for applying makeup can cause an infection in the eye and this may result to watering of the eyes since they are itchy thus causing white bump on eyelid.
When the eyelid is infected with pimples or bumps can be painful since they can also grow into larger cysts, causing all sorts of discomfort. The surrounding tissues of the eye can also get infected with the bacteria if proper care and treatment is not given.
The most painful type of stye or spot is a pimple inside the eyelid since it can make the eyes to tear without stopping hence individuals are likely to feel like there’s an object in the eye. The pain usually comes from swelling and irritation especially when a bump is inside the eyelid.
How to Get Rid of White Bump on Eyelid – Home Remedies
Here are the top home remedies for bump on eyelid:
- Warm Compress
A warm compress is one of the best appropriate remedies for eyelid cysts. The heat helps increase blood circulation to the area and promotes drainage of the gland. It also helps reduce pain and swelling.
- Massage
Gently massaging the affected eyelid can help accelerate the process of draining. This will promote quick healing.
- Guava Leaves
The leaves contain anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce swelling and pain. In addition, their natural healing power helps quick removal of white bump on eyelid.
- Acacia Leaves
Using an infusion prepared from acacia leaves can also help reduce the pain and swelling associated with eyelid cysts, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help reduce pain and inflammation and even fight infection and it has a positive feedback since many people have reported positive results after using apple cider vinegar compresses for eyelid cysts.
- Castor Oil
Castor oil has high anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with an eyelid cyst. It can help bring down the size of a cyst quickly, which in turn means quick healing. By following the steps below:
- First, apply a warm compress over the affected eyelid for 5 minutes. Then, use a cotton swab to apply castor oil on the affected area. Follow this remedy twice daily for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Alternatively, mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough castor oil to make a thick paste. After washing the cyst with warm water, apply this paste on the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes, before rinsing with warm water. Repeat three times daily until the cyst is gone.
- Green Tea Bags
Green tea bags are also effective in treating a bump on eyelid like cyst. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation and reduce the size of a cyst. Moreover, being rich in tannic acid, it also helps keep infection at bay.
- Aloe Vera
It is an effective treatment for white bump on eyelid such as cysts is aloe vera. Its anti-inflammatory property can help reduce redness, swelling and inflammation. In addition, it has antibacterial properties that help fight infection.
- Parsley
It helps draw out toxic materials from a bump on eyelid which in turn promoting healing. It also acts as a mild antibacterial agent that fights infection.
- Maintain Personal Hygiene
It will also help fight off infection by doing the following and make it a routine:
- Wash your eyelids regularly with a little baby shampoo mixed in warm water
- Wash your hands and fingers thoroughly before touching your eyes.
- Do not share towels or handkerchiefs with anyone, including family members.
- Replace eye makeup, especially mascara, at least every 6 months.
White Bump on Eyelid Removal or Treatment
Eyelid bumps usually go away without any kind of treatment. In some cases, treatment may be required, especially if the abscess is caused by bacterial invasion. Treatments range from antibiotic medications to anti-allergens.
The kind of treatment a special medical officer will prescribe to get rid of a stye on eyelid will depend on the cause. Antibiotics, for example, are used to treat pimples, zits or boils caused by bacterial infections in the eye.
In case there is need to remove the white bump on eyelid, surgical excision is the best appropriate form of treatment. Puncturing and draining are also possible ways to treat the bumps, especially if they are swollen and filled with pus, fluid or blood. If there is swelling, anti-inflammatory steroid injections may be given to reduce the swelling.
Antibiotic eye drops are the most likely treatment when the stye persists. Another antibiotic option is a topical cream or ointment that you will apply on your eyelid to get rid of the bumps. Stye infections can sometimes persist and spread around the eyelid. Antibiotic tablets or pills may be preferred to topical creams and ointments.