4 Types of eyelid bumps and their causes

by Bongiwe Mati

Eyelid bumps are small pimples or bumps that are likely to place themselves at the rim of the eyelid. There can be multiple on one eye, and are often irritating, especially when trying to close your eyes. They can also be itchy and if your hands are not clean, you can risk exposing your eyes to dirt that may lead to eye infections.

It is advised to seek help if the bump on your eyelid affects your vision or doesn’t improve after a week of home care. Below we have shared the different the types of eyelid bumps and their causes as provided by Medical News Today.

Xanthelasmas 

These are yellowish plaques and papules that develop on the eyelids. They feel like soft lumps under the skin of the eyelid. They do not tend to cause any symptoms or complications, but people sometimes seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Causes – the primary triggers of xanthelasma are hyperlipidemia, thyroid dysfunction, and diabetes. Xanthelasmas occur when fatty deposits accumulate on the eyelids. The excess fat in this area may result from indirect causes, such as physiological states and systemic diseases, including genetics, obesity, diabetes, pregnancy.

Chalazion  
Chalazion is the most common type of inflammatory eyelid bump. It looks very similar to a stye. However, unlike a stye, the chalazion bump is not infectious. A chalazion is red and creates a tender, swollen area on the eyelid. It is painful for the first few days but becomes a painless lump. If the lump is particularly large, it may press on the eyeball, causing blurry eyesight. A chalazion can also cause the eyes to water.
Causes – blockage and swelling in the oil glands of the eye cause chalazia, but working out which gland depends on the level of the bump. Deep chalazia result from inflammation in the tarsal meibomian gland, and superficial chalazia result from inflammation in the Zeis gland. A chalazion occurs when obstruction and inflammation in the sebaceous glands produce oil in the eyelids.

Milia

These are common white bumps that can grow on the eyelids. They also develop on other body areas, including the forehead, cheeks, and genitals. They are small keratin cysts.

Causes of milia occur when a protein called keratin gets trapped underneath the skin’s surface. This can happen for various reasons, including injury and medical conditions.

Styes

These are infectious red bumps that can cause pain and discomfort when touching or palpitating the area. The eyelid bump is edema, an area where fluid gets trapped within the skin. The fluid may cause pus to collect in the middle of the bump, causing swelling.

A stye can irritate the eye, making it feel itchy. It can also cause the edges of the eyelid to become crusty, and a person’s eyes may water a lot. Sometimes, the entire eyelid may swell up. A person who has a stye may also be more sensitive to light.

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