Why You Should Never Take Eyelid Pimples or Bumps for Granted

Most of us tend to freak out when bumps or pimples appear on the most noticeable parts of our face such as the cheeks and forehead. When it comes to spots on the eyelids, most of us just take it for granted since these are barely noticeable and can be hidden by makeup. These spots usually go away on their own so it’s best to leave them alone, right? Wrong!

According to experts, some of these bumps and pimples can cause complications that need the attention of your doctor or ophthalmologist. You may end up having watery eyes and even discharge when irritations and infections are left untreated.

Know which bumps require medical attention.

Check out some of the reasons why bumps or pimple develop on your eyelids and how you can treat them.

1. Styes

These are small red bumps that grow on or near the rim of your eye. It may become tender and itchy and can actually become painful if infection develops. Worse cases involve these bumps turning spots that resemble boils or cysts. It can also grow on the inside of your eyelid, which is called internal hordeolum.

These bumps form when oil glands in the eyelid becomes blocked, which traps bacteria and causes infection. These bumps will be filled with pus.

Treatment: Apply warm compress to the infected area for 5 to 10 minutes, up to 6 times a day for faster healing. Use a clean washcloth soaked in warm water for compress. You can also use pure aloe vera gel for treatment; just leave the gel on the affected area for around 20 minutes and gently wash off with warm water. Do this at least 3 times a day.

2. Chalazion

When an oil gland becomes totally blocked, the lump can develop into a chalazion, which is tender to the touch but generally painless. If it becomes big enough, it can block your vision.

Treatment: Warm compress is also the solution for chalazion; use it the same way you would to styes.

3. Conjunctivitis

Also called pink eye, it’s a viral infection that makes the eyelids swollen. In worst cases, it can produce discharge. This allergic reaction is triggered by dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, and burning sensation in the area.

Treatment: Place a warm tea bag on your eyelid to reduce swelling. In some cases, cooled tea bags may work better. Do this for 10 minutes and up to 4 times daily until the swelling and redness goes away.

4. Papillomas

Also called skin tags, these are caused by the papilloma virus and are generally harmless. Some people have it removed for cosmetic reasons or if they already interfere with the vision.

Treatment: Only the doctor can remove these skin tags safely. Avoid using home treatments.

5. Milia

These are small white pimples that form on the eyelid or around the eye area. These bumps are actually tiny cysts filled with a kind of protein called keratin. Milia spots are harmless and dont have to be removed.

6. Xanthelasma

These are cholesterol buildups in the form of yellowish or skin-colored bumps, usually found in the upper eyelid. If you have this, it’s best to visit the doctor because it could be a sign of an underlying medical problem, specifically heart disease.

Treatment: Keep cholesterol levels at bay to prevent these lumps from further developing. These are generally harmless but some may choose to remove it because it can look unsightly.