Pimple on Eyelid (How to get rid of)
Last reviewed by Dr. Raj MD on January 12th, 2022.
A pimple on the eyelid causes discomfort and pain. It is also unsightly as it is visible to the human eye because it is located at the edge of the eyelid.
In most instances, a pimple on the eyelid is harmless and usually goes away on its own without medical treatment.
However, there are also cases wherein the pimple on the eyelid is caused by a serious underlying condition which needs to be addressed medically.
In this article, we are going to tackle a pimple on the eyelid, what causes it, how to treat it, and what can you do to prevent it. (1, 2, 3)
Image 1: A bump on the upper eyelid.
Picture Source: i1.wp.com/healthrave.org
Photo 2: A bump inside the lower eyelid.
Picture Source: www.healtreatcure.org
Image 3: A whitish to yellowish bump on the eyelid
Picture Source: cdn.someecards.com
What causes pimples on eyelids?
Pimples on the eyelids can be caused by various factors. Some are simple while others are more complex. A pimple on the eyelid is usually linked with the following causes:
Stye
It is an infection affecting the secretory gland of the eyelid. It can occur in both inside and outside of the eyelid, but a pimple inside the eyelid is more painful than the one outside the eyelid. Stye is caused by bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus species. Clinical manifestations of stye include irritated eyelids, pain, watery eyes, swelling and redness of the eyelid.
Photo 4: A closer look at a boy’s eye with a stye.
Picture Source: upload.wikimedia.org
Chalazion
It is a small cyst filled with fluid that can occur on either lower or upper part of the eyelid. It is secondary to the blockage of the meibomian gland. Factors leading to blockage of the meibomian gland include viral infection, rosacea, chronic blepharitis, diabetes mellitus, immune deficiency, seborrheic dermatitis, and pregnancy.
A chalazion is characterized by a hard lump on the eyelid, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, blurring of vision, and tenderness of the eyelid. (3, 4)
Image 5: A chalazion on the upper eyelid.
Picture Source: upload.wikimedia.org
Milia
They are a small cyst commonly found on the nose and cheeks. In rare instances, they can also be found on the eyelids. They are typically white or yellowish in color. Milia are caused by blockage of keratin beneath the skin surface.
Photo 6: A patient with milia on the upper eyelid.
Picture Source: upload.wikimedia.org
Ocular rosacea
Rosacea is an inflammatory condition of the skin that affects the face as a whole. In the case of ocular rosacea, the eyes are itchy, reddened, and painful too. The exact cause is unknown but is linked with an immunologic response of the body. The clinical manifestations include burning sensation of the eyes, itchy eyelids, sensitivity to light, and red and watery eyes. (5)
Image 7: An ocular rosacea on the left eye.
Picture Source: lasikofnv.com
Acne
A white bump on eyelid can be linked to acne. It can occur on upper or lower eyelid. A small acne is painless, but large acne may cause pain, irritation, and discomfort. Causes of acne include hormonal imbalance, side effects of medication, diet, lifestyle, and poor hygiene.
Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Some types of sexually transmitted disease cause pimple formation on upper/lower eyelid. Examples are herpes and chlamydia. A bump on the eyelid secondary to sexually transmitted disease should be treated and managed the soonest time possible to prevent further complications such as blurring of vision, irreversible damage to the eyelids, and loss of vision. (5, 6)
Xanthoma (fatty lump)
There is an excess accumulation of fat in the cell. In the eyelid, xanthoma begins as a small lesion and over time grows in size. It looks like a soft yellowish plaque with a velvety texture.
Photo 8: A xanthoma of the eyelid.
Picture Source: upload.wikimedia.org
Papilloma
It is a benign tumor that can occur in various parts of the body including the eyelid. The one that affects the eyelid is called squamous papilloma. The underlying cause is unknown. Clinical manifestations include discoloration of the skin that surrounds the eyes, inflammation, and abnormality in the contour of the eyelid. (6, 7)
Image 9: A papilloma in the lower eyelid.
Picture Source: www.willseye.org
Makeup and contact lens use
A pimple on the eyelid can be linked with the use of makeup and contact lenses. Makeup, even the most expensive brands may contain strong chemicals that can irritate the skin. The skin surrounding the eyelid is sensitive and prone to infection.
Contact lenses if not use the right way can also lead to pimple formation on the eyelid. If you are using contact lenses and eye makeup, you should be wary of the following symptoms; pain and swelling of the eyelids, red and watery eyes, discomfort and irritation, and pimple inside the eyelid. (6, 7, 8)
How to get rid of pimples on the eyelid?
Prior to treating pimple on the eyelid, it is a must to thoroughly assess the condition of the patient to find out what is really causing the bump on the eyelid. There is really no exact diagnostic procedure to confirm the diagnosis.
What the doctors usually do is they conduct a thorough physical examination. Additional tests may be ordered if the doctor is suspecting a serious underlying medical condition. (6, 9)
Photo 10: Draining of pimple on the upper eyelid.
Picture Source: static.wixstatic.com
Medical Care
- If you have a large pimple/bump on the eyelid, the doctor might puncture and drain it, especially if it is filled with fluid. Do not attempt to drain a pimple on your own to prevent secondary infection.
- An antibiotic is prescribed if a pimple on the eyelid won’t go away despite puncture and drainage. Antibiotic eye drops and creams might be prescribed.
- For severe swelling, an anti-inflammatory steroid injection can be given.
- When at home, one of the commonly used pimple on eyelid home remedies is warm compress. It is a must to use the appropriate temperature, not too hot and not too cold. Applying warm compress on the eyes three times a day can help loosen the blockage and facilitate drainage. It also hastens the healing process.
A pimple on the eyelid usually resolves on its own. For pimples filled with fluid, healing takes place after draining. In just a few days, you will be able to see a significant improvement. If a pimple on the eyelid does not go away despite the treatment and home remedies or continues to persist even after treating with antibiotic ointment or drop, then you need to see your doctor.
The doctor will conduct additional tests to find out the exact cause and be able to come up with the most effective treatment. (7, 8, 9, 10)
What should you do to prevent a pimple on the eyelid?
- Practice a good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and as much as possible avoid touching the eyes with bare hands.
- Wash your face in the morning and in the evening before going to bed.
- If you feel like your eyes are irritated, you should apply a warm compress.
- Eat a balanced meal and practice a healthy lifestyle. (3, 5, 6)
References:
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001009.htm
- https://www.healthline.com/health/eyelid-bump
- https://medlicker.com/1140-pimples-on-eyelids
- http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/styes.htm
- https://www.webmd.boots.com/eye-health/guide/stye-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment
- https://www.self.com/story/is-that-eyelid-pimple-a-stye
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/321819-white-pimple-on-the-eye-lid/
- http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/remove-pimples-on-eyelids/
- https://www.rewardme.in/beauty/skin-body/article/how-to-get-rid-of-pimple-on-eyelid
- https://skincarederm.org/bumps/is-it-an-eyelid-pimple-stye-milia-chalazion-or-whitehead/