White Spots on Eyelids Causes: Bump, Symptoms, Treatment

Spots that form on your eyelids can be caused by a number of conditions. They can appear as eyelid cysts, white pimples or lumps on eyelid. The spots that occur on your eye can grow on the eyelid rim, under eyelid, inside eyelid and even above or on upper eyelid. Antibiotic treatments can get rid of styes, milium and other bacterial infections that cause the lumps, spots and spots on eyelids as we are going to discuss below.

What are these White Spots on my Eyelids?

Bacterial infections are the main cause of these spots that occur on the eyelids. One of the most common bacterium that causes these spots is the staphylococcus species. There are certain factors that can contribute to the infection of the oil glands that result to spots on eyelids.
These include:

  • Seborrhea: Excessive oil discharge from the small oil glands on the eyelids.
  • Improper removalof eye makeup.
  • Use of expired or low quality makeup.
  • Poor eyelids hygiene.
  • Stress
  • Hormonal changes
  • Inflammatory diseases of the eyelike blepharitis, meibomitis, and acne rosacea

What are the symptoms of an eyelid bump?

Most eyelid spots appear as red or skin-colored lumps, and they typically occur along the edge of the eyelid. Sometimes, they can be tender. Other symptoms include red, watery eyes, a gritty, scratchy sensation in the eye and sensitivity to light.
Although most eyelid bumps are mild or harmless, some can indicate a more serious condition. You should see your doctor if any of the following occur:

  • you’re having trouble seeing
  • your eyes are extremely watery
  • there’s copious discharge from your eye
  • the white part of your eye changes color
  • your eyes hurt even in low lighting
  • your eyelid bump bleeds, gets worse, grows very big, or is very painful
  • your eyelid is scaly, crusty, or red, which can indicate an infection
  • your eyelid has blisters, which can indicate an infection

Spots on Eyelids Causes

Cysts, whiteheads, styes and chalazions manifest as small spots, 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 spots on eyelid. Here are the causes of a pimple on eyelid.
Stye on eyelid
It is also called sty, occurs when the edge of the eyelid gets inflamed. It swells and forms into a small, pimple-like growth on the eyelid rim. A stye usually appears as a red spots and can form outside or inside the eyelid.
According to research findings, if you have blepharitis or eye redness, you are more likely to get styes. Other than blepharitis, these stye spots on eyelids are caused by a staph bacterium. The bacterium occurs naturally in the nose of everyone and can travel to the eye – internally, and cause the pimple-like growth.
When caused by a staph infection in the eye, the spots are contagious. However, Styes are not contagious, but rather a local infection or inflammation of the oil-producing glands of the eyelids.
Chalazion
These are small spots on eyelids. They form as a result of a blocked oil gland. Chalazion bumps can appear on the upper and lower eyelid, or both. A blockage in the Meibomian gland on the eyelid can cause pimples-like bumps to form due to trapped sebum under the skin, or in the pore.
If too much sebum is produced and trapped in the gland, the oil can spread into the surrounding tissue when the gland breaks. This will cause an inflammation on the eyelid.
Milia
Milia cysts occur in groups under or above the eyelid. The cysts occur as a result of keratin being trapped beneath the skin surface. If the small spots on eyelids feel like hard bumps under eyes, it is because keratin is a strong protein. Keratin is typically found in nails, hair and skin tissues.
Milia bumps on eyelids are harmless. Your dermatologist will always let you know that they will go away on their own. In babies, milia spots are quite common, but will clear in a few weeks. If, for esthetic reasons treatment is required, the options available are cryotherapy, laser removal of milia, chemical peels and dermabrasion.
Eyelid cysts or bumps
Cysts are quite too common and they come from 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.
Symptoms of spots on eyelids caused by cysts include redness, swelling and pain or hurting. Cysts are most likely described by patients as a white bump on eyelid or a yellow bump. This is because the bacterial activity in the growth produces pus.
Ocular rosacea eyelid bumps
People who suffer from rosacea have a higher chance of getting eyelid pimples. 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.
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.
Acne whiteheads on eyelid waterline
Acne can develop almost anywhere on the skin. The eyelid too can get acne whiteheads. The cause of such spots on eyelids is when the skin pores on the eyelid rim or waterline gets clogged. Dead skin, bacteria and oil get trapped in the pore. This accumulation and blockage causes bacterial action that leads to infected pimples or whitehead on eyelid that erupts into a bump.
Spots on eyelids’ rim from makeup
Eye makeup such as mascara, eye shadow and eyeliners can clog pores on the eyelid rim and cause an eruption of a zit or bump. Health Line Networks lists makeup as one of the causes of external eyelid styes. Other than clogging the pores above and under eyelids, makeup can carry bacteria that can cause infections on the eyelids. It is important to practice proper eyelid hygiene in order to prevent styes. Wash off makeup before going to bed. Also, try to wear makeup for short periods only.
Spots from contacts or giant papillary conjunctivitis
Pimples inside eyelids due to contact lenses are called giant papillary conjunctivitis. They occur as small bumps on the inner lining of the eyelid, also called the eyelid waterline. Wearing contact lenses can cause chronic irritation that leads to bumps that grow big. Allergic reactions to chemicals that are found in contact lens solutions can cause the bumps or papillae to form.
Ill-fitting contact lenses can cause friction and irritation to the eyelids. Usually, additional symptoms may occur, including itchy and swollen eyes, large spots on eyelids, runny eyes.
STDs, Herpes and chlamydia
Though rare, some STDs can cause Red, brown, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids. These include chlamydia and HIV. Chlamydia of the eye may manifest after about a week, with symptoms including a pimples on eyelids or a bump inside your eyelid that grows over time.
Another STD that causes spots on eyelids is eye herpes or HSV keratitis. Sore-like bumps can form on the eyelid skin and cause pain, blurred vision and redness. Eye herpes should be treated by a doctor and not at home as it usually causes complications.
Xanthoma or fatty lump
Also called xanthelasma is a lipid disorder that causes a yellowish, firm nodule, papule, bump or plaque on the skin. According to Skin Site, xanthomas form on both eye lids and feel soft. They are yellow bumps on eyelids because of the accumulation of cholesterol or lipid. People with xanthoma bumps are highly likely to suffer from common lipid metabolism disorders such as pancreatic and coronary artery heard disease.
Papilloma
This is a benign tumor or growth on the skin. They appear as spots on eyelids and are prevalent in the elderly. Papilloma bumps on eyelid are painless and may look like warts or skin tags. Unless it starts to obstruct your vision, your doctor is likely to recommend that the eyelid tumor be left undisturbed. Surgical removal may be recommended in case it is an esthetic problem, or causes poor vision.

White Spot on Eyelid due to Cholesterol

There are many reasons that can lead to such modifications and the most important thing is that you identify the right cause of the white spots on your eyelids. Once you have succeeded in doing that, you can discover the right treatment or try out certain remedies. Keep in mind that the white bump can range from small in size to a larger, obvious size. This will help the doctor identify the cause.
The white bump can be anything, ranging from a pimple to a fatty deposit. Sometimes, the area around the white bump is red and swollen. It can be painful to the touch and it can lead to the eyelid closing with difficult. In other cases, the white bump is present between the eyelashes, increasing in size as the infection progresses. If the white spot on the eyelid is actually caused by a fatty deposit, then it will not modify in size but you will need to visit the doctor. A specialist can help you identify whether there is an underlying condition causing the modifications or not.
White spots on eyelids are a sign that the pimple is getting infected. It is likely to appear as yellow, grayish or white spot on eyelid due to the accumulation of pus cells inside the cyst pocket. Any of the 11 causes above can produce white dots, pimples and bumps on the lower or upper eyelid.
When infected, white eyelid pimples or bumps can be painful. 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 or red spots on the eyelids. It can cause your eyes to tear without stopping. With this kind of symptom, you are likely to feel like there’s an object in your eye. The redness usually comes from swelling and irritation. If you have red spots on the eyelid:

  • Avoid squeezing it as if you want to pop it and drain the pus of fluid in it. This will cause further irritation, and can spread the infection in your eye.
  • Avoid scratching your eyes. This can cause the pimple to burst. It will also cause red, painful eyes.
  • If the pain is unbearable, you can soothe the painful pimple inside the eyelid with a cold compress applied to a closed eye. Keep the pressure light.

Home Remedies for Cholesterol Deposits on Eyelid

Another way to get rid of an eyelid lump is using natural home remedies and care. It is important not to try and pop the pimple. Swollen eyelids and swollen bumps can be painful if pressure is applied on them. Here’s how to get rid of an eyelid pimple with home remedies.
Warm compress
A warm compress can treat a stye or tender pimple on the rim of your eyelid. It will increase the circulation of blood on the area around the eye, above the eyebrow and on the lower eyelid. This will make it heal faster.
Warm compress remedy helps the stye to drain the pus quickly and heal faster. If you are treating an eyelid pimple from chalazions using the warm compress remedy, the warmth will help soften the oil that has hardened in the ducts. Once the oil drains, the pimple inside eyelid will go away faster.
Baby shampoo cure
If you have a stye, a tea-free baby shampoo can help get rid of the stye bump fast. It will also help prevent other eruptions.

  • Mix your tear-free baby shampoo with warm water.
  • Dip a cotton swab in the mixture.
  • Wipe your eyelids off using the cotton swab.
  • Repeat this daily to prevent pimples on the eyelid rim, under and inside the eyelid.

Green tea bag remedy
Another home remedy for styes is using a green tea bag as a warm compress. It works as a good natural antibiotic. It can prevent and cure many bacterial as well as fungal infections on the skin around eyes. It can also relieve swelling and make the eye heal faster.

  • Dip a teabag into a mug of boiled water.
  • Allow the tea to seep for a few minutes.
  • Allow the tea bag time to cool to a temperature that is comfortable to place on your eye.
  • Close your eye and place the soaked tea bag over it for about 10 minutes.
  • Do this once a day.

If you are treating both eyes using this remedy, use a fresh tea bag for each eye. You can also try over-the-counter pain killers if your eye lid pimple is painful. Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofens are some of the pain relievers you can use.
Surgical procedures which include laser have been known to treat these small yellowish spots on eyelids. Another treatment with certain substance such as trichloroacetic acid can also be used to get rid of the bumps. However, these cholesterol deposits or xanthelasma are likely to reoccur after treatments. Thus, some natural treatments which can be done at home might be suitable for treating the whole problem. Some efforts to be considered in getting rid of cholesterol deposits around eyes include:

  • Controlling diets intake. Although cholesterol deposits do not necessarily mean that your cholesterol level is high, its occurrence gives a sign that some of your oil glands may be blocked. Therefore, reducing fatty diets can be helpful in decreasing its occurrence and preventing it from reoccur.
  • Getting regular lipid and cholesterol test. This is also important, since by knowing your lipid and cholesterol level you would know what foods you should not consume to avoid cholesterol deposits.
  • Exercises are important to keep your proper blood flow. This will promote a good metabolism and break down accumulated fats. By exercising, you prevent your glands from being blocked by accumulated fats.
  • Eat fruits and vegetables which are loaded with vitamin C and B. This will help promoting better metabolism and breaking fats to avoid blocked glands.
  • Get a damp tea bag compress. This will help flatten the pimples and make it less visible. Do this regularly to avoid cholesterol deposits from reoccurring.
  • Ground some garlic and apply it onto the affected area. Garlic isloaded with anti-inflammatory which can help getting rid of these cholesterol deposits. This treatment may cause severe sting initially, but many people indeed find it useful in flattening the bumpy small pimples.

How to Treat White spots on your Eyelids

Eyelid bumps and pimples usually go away without any kind of treatment. In some cases, treatment may be required, especially if the abscess is caused by bacterial invasion. You can get rid of eyelid pimples and bumps fast with treatments and some home remedies discussed below.
Treatments and medications
Treatments range from antibiotic medications to anti-allergens. The kind of treatment your doctor 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.
If there is need to remove the bump, surgical excision is the most 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 ointment for spots on eyelids from styes
Normally, a sty goes away on its own. In case the stye persists, your doctor is likely to prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotic eye drops are the most likely treatment you doctor will advise. 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.
Surgery to remove eyelid bump
Another way to remove a lump on eyelid is through surgery. Surgical treatment is a viable option to consider. A small cut or incision is made on the bump to drain the pus. This will speed up the healing process and help relieve pain as well as swelling on the cyst. Pain relieving medications are advised to help relieve a painful pimple on the eyelid.
How to prevent spots on eyelids
Eyelid pimples are annoying and irritating. There are several causes of formation of pimples on the eyelids and there are many different natural and medical treatments available for them. But prevention is always better than treatment. Sight is one of the biggest gift and blessing of nature. Taking proper care of eyes and eyelids is important. Eyes and eyelids are very sensitive thus they can be easily irritated.
Following a proper eye care routine can help prevent many eye and eyelid disease.
These tips help prevent formation of pimples on eyelids:

  • Proper eye and eyelid hygiene.
  • Use good quality cosmetics on your eyes.
  • Keep your makeup out of direct sunlight.
  • Always remove your makeup at night.
  • Use good quality contact lenses.
  • Proper diet with balance nutritional intake.
  • Remove your contact lens before sleeping.
  • Properly manage any eye conditions you may have.
  • Properly manage any systemic condition that might cause eye problems.

More references

  1. Symptoms of an eyelid bump: http://www.healthline.com/health/eyelid-bump#Symptoms3
  2. What is xanthelasma: http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/xanthelasma
  3. White spots on eyelid: http://mddk.com/white-bump-on-eyelid.html