Eyelid Bumps | Risk Factors and Treatment

What is an eyelid bump? Eyelid bumps come in several forms, including styes, chalazia, xanthelasma, and milia. They may appear white, red, or yellow and usually don’t cause serious problems, but in some cases they can be a sign of a more serious condition.

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Types of Eyelid Bumps

A stye looks like a pimple or a small blister, usually along the outer edge of your eyelid. It’s red, tender to the touch, and often painful.  

A chalazion (plural: chalazia) typically develops on the inner surface of your eyelid, behind the eyelashes, or midway up the eyelid.

Chalazia are more likely to form on the upper eyelid. At first, a chalazion can resemble a stye, but it may gradually grow larger, sometimes reaching the size of a pea.

Chalazia also tend to recur.  

Xanthelasma are soft, yellowish, flat or slightly raised plaques under the skin, most often near the inner corner of the eyelids, close to the nose.

A milium (plural: milia) is a tiny white cyst under the skin. Milia are very common in infants and young children. They are sometimes called “oil seeds” or “milk spots.”

Symptoms of an Eyelid Bump

Common symptoms of eyelid bumps include:

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Causes of Eyelid Bumps

A stye is usually caused by a bacterial infection in an eyelid oil gland or an eyelash follicle. Stress and hormonal changes can also play a role.

A chalazion develops when a small oil gland in the eyelid, called a meibomian gland, becomes blocked.

A chalazion can also form after a stye that is no longer infected but has left behind thick, trapped material inside the gland.

Blepharitis, a condition that causes chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, is often associated with recurrent styes and chalazia. Rosacea, a chronic skin condition, can also increase the risk of chalazia.

Skin cancer can occasionally present as what appears to be a stye or chalazion, although this is rare.

Xanthelasma can be a sign of abnormal cholesterol levels. They’re more common in people with a liver condition called primary biliary cirrhosis (primary biliary cholangitis).

They may also occur in people with certain skin conditions such as rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis.

Milia form when dead skin cells (keratin) become trapped under the surface of the skin. Skin damage—for example from burns, blistering conditions, or certain procedures—can lead to secondary, often more bothersome, milia.

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When to See an Eye Doctor

If you have a large, painful stye or a chalazion that does not go away, you should see an ophthalmologist. They may prescribe antibiotic medication to help clear the infection.

In more severe cases, your doctor may need to drain the bump and may prescribe oral antibiotics or give you a steroid injection to help it resolve.

If a bump has an unusual color, or you notice changes in its color, size, or shape, contact your doctor right away.

If you have numerous milia or are concerned about their appearance, your doctor can remove them.  

If your baby has milia that don’t go away within about 3 months, speak with your pediatrician.

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Outlook for Eyelid Swelling and Bumps

If you have a stye related to blepharitis, your doctor may prescribe a combination steroid–antibiotic ointment. They will need to monitor you closely for possible side effects from long‑term steroid use.

Some people are more prone to recurrent chalazia or styes, and your doctor may decide to take a small sample (biopsy) from the area to rule out other underlying problems.

Xanthelasma can come back after treatment; recurrence occurs in up to about 40% of people who have them surgically removed.

Preventing Eyelid Bumps

There are several measures you can take to reduce your chances of developing a stye or chalazion:

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent milia, but you may lower your risk by protecting your skin from sun exposure, avoiding heavy or occlusive creams, and gently exfoliating to remove dead skin cells.

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Whatever the symptoms or type of refractive error or eye problem you have, eye conditions are delicate and require a thorough examination and an appropriate treatment plan by a skilled, experienced ophthalmologist. With the right medical tools and techniques, it’s possible to achieve meaningful improvement. Whatever eye disease you’re dealing with, you can book an appointment at Batal Specialized Center for a comprehensive eye exam and to start addressing your eye problems—no matter how complex they may seem.

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