Having a huge pimple on the eyelids can be frustrating. Besides them being a source of irritation and pain, they lower self-esteem. Let us explore the problem in details.
Is it normal to get a pimple like bump on your eyelids?
Table of content
Is it really normal to get a pimple on your eyelid? The answer to the question on whether it is normal to get a zits on this part will take different directions and response. Causes can range from simplest to complex ones. Sometimes it could be a manifestation of a systemic disorder.
How do they look like?
To get an idea, have a look at the below pictures:
Why or causes
Certain conditions and skin problems can be associated with their formation. In that sense, a pimple on eyelid can be considered a bump, a kind of swelling or eye problem.
1. Is it a pimple or stye?
What is an eye stye? Stye is an acute infection which affects the secretory glands of the eyelids which results in formation of a red bump on this area. Also referred to as a hordeolum, when you have an infection of the eyelid, which is the medical term for a stye.
How does an eye stye form and how does it look like? Sometimes, due to problems with secretory glands in the eyelids, dead skin, dirt and oil may build up and clog these glands. This is what gives bacteria easy passage to invade this area causing growth. Styes can occur on both outside or inside of the eyelids.
Usually, if a sty forms on the inner side, you will experience more pain than if it were to form on the outside. However, eye styes mostly appear on the edge of the eyelids. This condition can affect both upper and lower eyelids on one or both eyes. Keep in mind that more than one sty can form on the same eyelid.
If not well diagnosed and treated in time, eye styes may also result in some more serious problems. These include such as ingrown eyelashes, chalazion, interfered eye vision, cellulitis and deformity.
a). stye causes
Bacterial infections mostly account for styes. These bacteria include the Staphylococcus sp. There are certain factors that can contribute to the infection of the oil glands this part of the eye, which are:
- Seborrhea
- Excessive oil discharge from the small oil glands on the eyelids
- Improper removal of eye makeup
- Use of expired or low quality makeup
- Poor eye hygiene
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
Inflammatory diseases of the eye like chronic blepharitis, meibomitis, acne rosacea and seborrhea You are also at risk of getting eye sties if you are fond of touching your eyes with dirty hand.
b). Symptoms of stye
Symptoms of eye stye usually starts as a red bump on the edge of eyelids. Besides pain and swelling. the following symptoms occur with this problem.
- Redness
- Irritation
- Watery eyes
Styes are less likely to develop into complications and would resolve on their on – in a period of almost one week. Complications are also rare.
2. Chalazion
This is a small fluid filled cyst which can be formed on the upper and lower eyelid. Like styes, chalazion also involve the Meibomian glands which are small modified sebaceous glands that are present on both the upper and lower eyelids. Their major function is to secrete lipid part of the tear film. If tear film lacks the lipid content, it becomes unstable and breaks so easily. The blockage of these glands due to dead cells, oils or dirt form chalazion.
a). Causes of chalazion
Chalazion is caused by blockage of the Meibomian glands. There are various factors that increase the risk of blockage of these glands such as:
- Chronic blepharitis
- Rosacea
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes mellitus (both types)
- Immune deficiencies
- Viral infections of humans
b). Symptoms of chalazion
The main symptoms of chalazion include:
- Hard roundish lump
- Tenderness around the chalazion
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
3. Milia or small whitish bumps
What is milia? Milium (milia) of the eyes are characteristic of cysts. These are small and often very tiny roundish bumps that mostly forms on the cheeks, on nose and across it. Milia can form on the eyelid and even around the eyes. They are commonly found in groups (milia). (Cystic) milia spots can appear white or yellowish in color. Milia are more common in newborns although they also occur in any age group.
The problem is primarily reported to occur due to the entrapment of keratin beneath the surface of skin. Keratin is a strong protein that is naturally present hair and nail cells. It is also naturally occurring in skin. This condition would clear up on its own in a few weeks after birth.
a). Causes of milia
Dermatologists do not fully fathom why some babies are born with milia. Milia in middle-aged children and adults is usually due to a kind of response to skin damage. Other potential reasons that account for milia are as follows.
- Long term sun exposure
- Long term steroid cream use
- Blisters
- Trauma
- Allergic reaction
- Contact with poison ivy
b). Symptoms of milia
SymptomS of malia in children and adult is simply the formation of small white bumps on the eyelid. Malia has no primary complications that are serious.
4. Ocular rosacea
Ocular rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that affects the eyes and face, leading to itchiness, redness and burning sensation. These conditions usually affects women more frequently than men. Several scientific studies suggest that ocular rosacea has genetic tendencies meaning that people of the same familial line may be affected. Besides, it could also be associated with environmental factors like prolonged exposure to the sun. It is uncommon in children. In many cases, ocular rosacea affects people older than 30 years of age.
a). Causes
There is no exact cause of the disease though it is thought to be associated with the following.
- Inflammatory response of body to immunity
- Micro-organisms on the surface of the skin
- Reactive blood vessels
b). Symptoms
The common symptoms of ocular rosacea are:
- Itchiness
- Burning sensation
- Watery or dry eyes
- Redness of eyes
- Sensitivity to light
c). Complications
If ocular rosacea is left untreated it may result in serious complications, such as: Secondary infection of eye or eyelid. Corneal lesion. Alteration or loss of vision.
5. Whitehead
What is Acne whiteheads? These are small bumps that can form anywhere on the skin so long as it has pores. They can occur on both lower and upper eyelids. They are usually painless, and they can cause pain and irritation if they grow large in size. Causes These are the common causes include:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Use of certain medication, like steroids, corticosteroids and lithium tablets
- Improper diet with high carbohydrate intake
Normally, whiteheads have no serious complications. However, if a secondary infection of whiteheads occurs you may start experiencing trouble
6. Makeup and contact lens
Before you do shopping of facial products, take some time to look at the contents. First, certain products like makeup may be produced or made from certain chemicals that can be harmful to your skin. Using expired or low-quality makeup is a surefire way to get these zits. Secondly, improper removal of makeup or sleeping with makeup on will increases the risk pimples.
Use of contacts can also trigger zits or bumps formation. Prolonged use of contaminated contact lens, poor hygiene are the leading culprits. Wearing contacts for a long period everyday puts stress on your eyes. The constant rubbing of contact lens with eyelid while blinking cause irritation. Additionally, wearing contacts while asleep can also cause irritation and encourage pimples. People who use contacts in this manner may end up with an e lesion called giant papillary conjunctivitis.
a). Symptoms
The symptoms due to contact lens wear are:
- Irritation
- Eye discomfort
- Swelling
- Watery eyes
- Bump on the inside of eyelid
7. Xanthoma palpebrum or fatty lump
Xanthoma palpebrum simply means high levels of blood lipids, or fats on the eyelid tissue. It is a skin condition in which there is fat accumulation in macrophage cells – whose role is to engulf and destroy pathogens. This condition “always starts off as a small lesion and gradually grows in size thus appears as a soft yellowish plaque. And it has a velvety texture.” [medlicker.com]. It does affect both the upper and lower one.
a). Causes
These may comprise the following.
- Hyperlipidemia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypercholesterolemia (excess or high levels of blood cholesterol)
b). Symptoms
There are no serious symptoms experienced by patients with xanthelasma palpebrum. The notable symptom is the small lesion itself. If there is an excessive increase in size it can lead to the dropping of eyelids. This consequently makes treatment be difficult.
8. STDs – herpes, and chlamydia
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can lead to bumps on eyelids can either be viral or bacterial. Common STDs are HIV, herpes simplex, and chlamydia.
While most STIs weaken your body’s natural mechanism against infection-causing pathogens, zits are therefore a sign that your immune system is compromised so that the body is more liable to secondary infections. STIs symptoms may be in the various presentation including lesions and sores marked by the following.
- Pain
- Redness
- Pus accumulation
- Irritation
Sometimes your eyes may become or look watery.
Treatment
This bumps can are annoying and irritating. We have several causes and potential reasons why they form. Therefore, both natural and medical treatments are quite different. For a more appropriate form of treatment, a medical examination is necessary in many cases.
If on outside and cause pain, irritate or produces such discomforts, apply a cold compress. In case of an eyelid bump with painful symptoms including itching, swelling, and reddening, please seek medical advice before you try any OTC medicines or natural remedies. Treatment would be safer under a professional medical caregiver.
Prevention
Prevention is always key and better in preference to treatment. These tips help prevent the formation:
- Proper eye hygiene
- Use good quality cosmetics in your eyes
- Protect your skin by keeping applied makeup out of direct sunlight
- Always remove your makeup at most before you go to sleep (at night)
- Use good quality contact lenses
- Proper diet with a balanced nutritional intake.
- Remove your contact lens before sleeping
- Properly manage any eye conditions you may have
- After you have received treatment, ensure you properly manage any systemic condition that might cause eye problems
Proper eye care routine can help prevent eyelid pimples but could be limited to problems like milia.
References
- https://medlicker.com/1140-pimples-on-eyelids
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stye
- https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/hypercholesterolemia.
- http://healthylifemed.com/whitehead-on-eyelid/