The skin around the eyelid is so sensitive and having a pimple on eyelid can be very painful. The bump on the eyelid causes distress and annoyance since it is usually red and swollen. Discover some of the common causes of bump on eyelid and various forms of remedies be it home remedies or medical treatment.
Can you get Pimples on Eyelid?
Yes. It is something common for every person to develop tiny spots around the eyelid or along the edges of the eyelids. There are numerous causes of pimples on the eyelid of which some ranges from mild to severe cases.
Some of these conditions that result in the development of pimples make them to be red and swollen. The bumps along the eyelid can also be tender when touch. You may also experience excessive production of tears from the eyes.
Fortunately, the treatment of these pimples varies according to the cause of the condition. However, most bumps can be treated using simple home remedies.
For mild pimples, use a warm moist compress on the skin of the eyes. Make sure the warm moist compress is not too hot to burn the skin. Apply the warm moist compress daily to bring down the raised bump. This type of remedy help to drain the bump if it is pus or fluid filled.
Note: Do not squeeze or prick the bump along the eyelids .also avoid wearing contact glasses or make up until all the pimples are gone.
Pimple on Eyelid
According to the research, the most common types of pimples that are found along the edges of the eyelids are styes, chalazia, milia spots, and papillomas. These pimples can also appear on the eyelids.
However, most of these bumps on the eyelids usually come and disappear on their own without any form of treatment. There are certain infections that can invade these bumps and result in redness, swelling and itching on your eyelid or eyelid rim.
Your eyes may also become watery and also, you may experience some discharge from the eyes. You may also notice certain bumps that look like small white bumps on the eyelids. It is recommended to leave them alone.
There are numerous simple home treatments that can help get rid of the infected bumps on eyelids and also reduce the redness and the swellings. They can also ease some symptoms such as itchy sensation on the skin around the eyes.
On a rare instance do these pimples or bumps on eyelid do not go away on their own or cause some disruptions such as interfering with the vision. In case they do happen, it is recommended to see your doctor or ophthalmologist.
What Causes Pimples on Eyelids?
The causes of pimples on eyelids range from a simple spot to a more complicated systemic disorder on the eyes. The treatment of the spots depends on the cause of the pimple and the health status of the patient.
Some of the common causes include:
- Sty (stye) on eyelid
This is an acute eye infection. It mainly affects the secretory glands of the eyes. It is the cause of the red bump on the eyelids. The known medical term for this type of pimple is hordeolum. The eyelids are made of oil secreting glands on the skin.
Excessive buildup of oil, dirt and bacteria could result in the clogging of the skin around the eyes. These pimples caused by build of dirt and oil can also appear inside or outside the eyelids.
Those pimples that occur from inside the eyelids are less painful as compared to those bumps that occur from the outside. However, sty mostly occurs of the edges of the eyelids.
Also, these styes can appear on both the upper and lower eyelids. You may also experience formation of more than one sty on the eyelids. There are some instance these stye can result ingrown hair on the eyelashes.
Causes of styes on eyelids
Styes occur as a result of bacterial infection. The staphylococcus species is the most common kind of bacteria that causes styes. There are numerous factors that can trigger the infection of the oil glands along the eyelids. These factors include:
- Seborrhea which involve excessive oil discharge from the small oil glands on the eyelids
- Improper removal of eye makeup
- Use of expired or low quality makeup
- Poor eyelids hygiene
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Inflammatory diseases of the eye like blepharitis, meibomitis, and acne rosacea
Symptoms of stye on eyelids
Styes appear on the edges or along the eyelids. They are usually red bumps and also marked by the following symptoms:
- Watery eyes
- Irritation of eye and eyelids
- Pain
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Redness of the eyelids
Complications of styes on eyelids
There are rare cases of complications of styes on the eyelids. Most occasion styes usually disappear on its own after some days but there are few cases you may notice the following complications:
- Appearance of Chalazion (meibomian cyst) especially when oil glands are blocked
- For compromise immune system patients, they are likely to experience Preseptal (periorbital) cellulitis.
- Chalazion on eyelid
The eyelids have Meibomian glands which are known to be modified sebaceous glands. These glands appear on both the upper and the lower eyelids. These glands produce oil that is used to lubricate the eye.
There are instance you may experience excessive production of the oil in the eye which do not break easily as usual. The buildup of oil, dirt, dead skin and invasion of bacteria could result in formation of chalazion.
Chalazion is a tiny fluid filled cyst on the upper or lower eyelids. These kinds of bumps on the eyelids do not become infected easily. They do disappear on its own after some days. In case of chronic bumps, they can take up 6 months to heal.
Causes of chalazion
The blockage of the meibomian glands could result in chalazia. There are many factors that are known to increase the chances of getting blocked glands. Some of these factors include:
- Chronic blepharitis
- Rosacea
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes mellitus
- Immune deficiencies
- Viral infections
Symptoms of chalazion
The common symptoms associated with chalazion include the following:
- Hard roundish lump on eyelid.
- Tenderness of the eyelids around chalazion.
- Watery eyes.
- Blurred vision.
- Sensitivity to light.
Complications of chalazion
It has rare complications unless the chronic chalazia are left untreated for a long period of time. Some of the complications may include:
- Mechanical ptosis which are large chalazion that may result in drooping of the eyelids
- Astigmatism is also large chalazion that exert pressure on the eyes and result in distortion of vision.
- Periorbital cellulitis which is a rare complications of chalazion. It occurs due to severe infection.
- Milia or small pimples on eyelid
Milia refer to some tiny cysts that occur on the cheeks, eyes and nose. These tiny cysts or spots usually occur in clusters on the eyelids. These bumps on the eyelids are usually white or yellowish in color.
Milia have the ability of occurring in newborns but also on any age group. These spots appear due to the entrapment of keratin beneath the surface of skin. Keratin is a type of protein that occurs naturally on the skin.
Keratin is also found on the nails and hair. These spots have the ability of forming on the eyelids and around the eyes. Fortunately, they do clear up on their own.
Causes of milia
The exact cause of milia among newborns occurs at birth but its cause is still unknown. Among adults and children, it is caused by damaged skin. Some of the common causes include:
- Blisters
- Trauma
- Allergic reaction
- Contact with poison ivy.
- Long term sun exposure.
- Long term steroid cream use
Symptoms of milia
Formation of small or tiny white bumps on the skin around the eyes or along the eyelids
Complications of milia
There are no serious complications of milia.
- Ocular rosacea eyelid bump
This is a chronic inflammatory skin condition along the edges of the eyelids. It can also affect the eyes and the face in general. The condition results in itchiness, redness and burning sensation. The condition has genetic tendencies and it mainly occur in women than men.
The conditions occur due to prolong exposure to the sun. The spots or the condition mainly affect people of over age of 30 years but are among children.
Causes of ocular rosacea
The exact cause of the condition is unknown. But it is triggered by the following factors:
- Inflammatory response of body to immunological reaction
- Micro-organisms on the surface of the skin
- Reactive blood vessels
Symptoms of ocular rosacea
- Itching of eyelid
- Burning sensation
- Watery or dry eyes
- Redness of eyes
- Sensitivity to light
Complications
The condition if leaf untreated can result in the following complications:
- Secondary infection of eye or eyelid
- Corneal lesion
- Alteration or loss of vision
- Acne whitehead on eyelid
These are small bumps that appear on the eyelids. They can occur on either upper or lower eyelids or both. The bumps are painless but when they get irritated, they can hurt so much.
Causes
Some of the common causes of acne whiteheads on eyelids include:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Use of certain medication, like steroids
- Poor hygiene
- Improper diet with high carbohydrate intake
Symptoms
The acnes are not associated with any form of symptoms except the whiteheads itself. When the acne increases in size and become infected, it can result in the following symptoms:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Redness
Complications
Secondary infection is the most common complication of eyelid whiteheads.
- STDs, Herpes and Chlamydia
There are wide varieties of infection that can result in formation of pimples on the eyelids. The cause of these spots can either be viral infections or bacterial infections. Herpes can result in the formation of tiny spots under eyelids known as HSV keratitis.
Causes
Some common infections that can result in the formation of pimples on eyelids include:
- HIV
- Herpes
- Chlamydia
- Weak immune system
Symptoms
Different infection has its own symptoms. However, here are the most common types of symptoms that are seen in all these infections.
- Pain
- Redness
- Lesion formation
- Pus accumulation
- Irritation
- Watery eyes
Complications
If the infection is left untreated, it can result in more complicated situations such as the following:
- Loss of vision
- Blurred vision
- Spread of infection
- Permanent damage to the eyelids
- Xanthoma or fatty lump
This is a skin condition that occurs due to accumulation of macrophage cells. These spots occur on both the upper and lower eyelids. The spot begin as a small lesion and eventually increase in size. It occurs as a soft yellowish plaque with velvety texture.
Cause
The common causes of xanthoma include the following
- Hyperlipidemia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypercholesterolemia
Symptoms
The condition has no serious symptoms. Some common ones are the formation of the tiny lesions on the eyelids. Large lesions can result in the drooping of the eyelids.
Complications
The are no major complications associated with the condition. The condition is a symptom of accumulation of cholesterol in the body that can result in cardiovascular issues. Proper medical treatment is therefore required.
- Papilloma
This is a type of benign tumor that occurs on any part of the body. It is mostly round, smooth in texture and pedunculated. Some of the common tumors found on the eyelids include squamous papilloma.
Causes
The exact cause is still unknown. The growth of papilloma is due to disruption in epithelial cells.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of the condition include:
- Inflammation
- Distortion of eyelid contour
- Abnormal skin color
- Abnormal skin texture
Complications
Long period of the growth on the eyelids can result in cancer if they are left untreated. The most serious complication of eyelid papilloma is malignant transformation.
- Makeup and contact lens
This is the main reason behind formation of pimples on the eyelids. Most of these makeups contain certain ingredients that can be harmful on the skin.
Using expired or low quality makeup is a surefire way to get eyelid pimples. Improper removal of makeup or sleeping with makeup on also increases the risk of eyelid pimples.
Also dirty contact lens can result in the formation of pimples both inside and outside the eyelids. Again, putting on contacts for a long period everyday puts stress on your eyes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of eyelid bumps due to contact lens wear are:
- Irritation
- Pain
- Swelling of eyelid
- Watery eyes
- Bump on the inside of eyelid
Pimple inside Eyelid
There are number of various types of bumps that can occur inside the eyelids. These bumps inside the eyelids usually disappear on its own without treatment. There is no need to raise alarm since most of these pimples are harmless.
Some of the common bumps inside eyelids include:
- Chalazion
- Inclusion Cyst
- Sudoriferous Cyst
Pimple on Upper Eyelid
The appearance of the spots on the eyelids is either caused by chalazion or styes, according to mayo clinic. The pimple can be fluid filled with surrounding redness and swellings.
You may also experience watery eyes and pain among many symptoms. Some of the main causes of these pimples on the upper eyelids include:
- Blepharitis
- Styes
- Chalazion
How to Get Rid of Pimple on Eyelid
Here are some of the natural remedies that can help to get rid of pimples on eyelids.
- Rose water
It has anti-bacterial properties. These properties have the ability to get rid of the pimples. It also helps to reduce skin irritation due to the cooling effect. It has had the ability to heal any skin condition.
It also helps maintain the pH of the skin thus fighting bacteria. Apply rose water on the pimples on the eyelids.
- Acacia leaves
They have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which help to battle off fungal infections and reduce irritation and swelling.
How to use it
- Take a few acacia leaves and thoroughly clean them under flowing water.
- Boil these leaves in about 2 cups of water.
- When the solution is lukewarm remove the leaves.
- Now place theses leaves in a clean cotton cloth. The cloth should be dampened with hot water.
- Apply this compress to your eyes.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times a day till the eyelid pimple disappears.
- Coriander seeds
The seeds have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help to reduce swelling and redness. They also contain certain nutrients that help to promote faster healing of the skin.
How to use it
- Add a teaspoon of coriander seeds to boiling water.
- Mix this thoroughly.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Now strain this mixture.
- Wash the affected area with this liquid.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times daily till infection clears up.
- Aloe vera
The gel from aloe vera has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help to reduce irritation and pain. It also has antioxidants that help for faster healing of the skin.
How to use it
- Cut a leaf from the aloe vera plant and extract the gel or get the gel from market.
- Gently rub the gel over the infected eyelid.
- Now leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this 3 to 4 times a day till the pimple disappears.
- If aloe vera comes in contact with your eyes, rinse your eyes at once.
- No tears baby shampoo
It helps to get rid of mild irritations that cause discomfort around the eyelids. It is also effective to people with sensitive skin. It helps to cleanse the eyes without causing irritation like soaps or shampoos.
How to use it
- Add a few drops mild baby shampoo in warm water.
- Mix to dilute the baby shampoo.
- Soak a cotton ball in the solution.
- Squeeze out the excess water.
- Clean your eyelid with the damp cotton ball.
- Make sure to clean the whole eyelid including the lash line.
- Avoid getting the solution into your eyes.
- Afterwards rinse your face with lukewarm water.
- Tea bag compress
It has some ingredients that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help to fight bacteria causing pimples on the eyelids.
How to use it
- Take a hot cup of water and place your teabag into it.
- Now wait 5 minutes.
- Take the teabag out and squeeze out the excess. Now let it cool by putting it into the fridge for a few minutes. And if you feel like it drink the tea.
- Clean your eyelids gently.
- Now place the teabag on your eyes for 10 minutes.
- Repeat this twice daily for best results
- Cucumber slices
It helps in reducing the swellings along the eyelids due to cooling effect. Pimples formation causes puffiness and irritation of the eyes and the surrounding areas.
How to use it
- Cut up a few slices of cucumber and place them in the fridge.
- Place these slices on your eyes for 15 minutes. The cold will help reduce the irritation.
- Repeat about 2 to 3 times a day till eyelid pimples disappear.
- Guava leaf compress
The leaves have natural antiseptic properties that play a role of killing bacteria that causes pimples on the eyelids. The leaves are also rich in vitamin A and C that help in speeding up the healing process.
How to use it
- Take two guava leaves and clean them with hot water.
- Now take a clean cloth and dampen it with hot water.
- Wrap this cloth around the leaves.
- Put it aside till it cools.
- Now take out the leaves and place them on your eyelids.
- Repeat twice daily till eyelid pimples disappear.
- Warm compress
It helps dilate the blood vessels around the eyes and also drain out the formation of pus in the pimples. The increased blood flow also means more nutrients, which in turn means faster healing.
How to use it
- Take a clean cotton cloth.
- Heat it by putting it in hot water.
- Squeeze out the excess water.
- Now place this on your eyes for 10 minutes.
- Repeat 4 to 5 times a day till the pimple disappears.
FURTHER REFERENCES
- What is an eyelid bump? https://www.healthline.com/health/eyelid-bump
- How To Remove Pimples On Eyelids? http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/remove-pimples-on-eyelids/#gref
- Bumps on Eyelids: Causes and Treatments: http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/bumps-or-pimples-on-eyelid/
- Eye Stye (Sty) Facts: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment: http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/styes.htm
- White Pimple on the Eye Lid: https://www.livestrong.com/article/321819-white-pimple-on-the-eye-lid/