Medically Reviewed by: Edward C. Wade, M.D., F.A.C.S.
What To Do if You Have a Bump on Your Eyelid That is Not a Stye
When you notice a bump on your eyelid, the first thing you probably assume is that it’s a stye, but what do you do when you have a bump on your eyelid that is not a stye?
An eye care specialist visit should be first on your list. Seeking medical attention as soon as you’re able can ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, so you can handle that bump on your eyelid and jump right back into your regular routine.
Why is there suddenly a bump on my eyelid?
It can be scary to discover some extra skin on the eyelid, especially if it’s a painful bump. Most of the time, bumps on eyelids are painless and actually go away on their own, but they should still be examined by a medical professional to determine the correct course of action to address them.
Some of the reasons why you may develop a bump on the upper eyelid or a lump under the eyelid include, but are not limited to:
- Clogged pores and glands
- Infected eyelash follicles
- Keratin buildup
- Cholesterol buildup
- Cancer
It can be difficult to tell when an eyelid bump is serious or not just from its appearance. We recommend having an experienced ophthalmologist examine your eye just to make sure nothing severe is going on and to lay out a treatment plan.
The two most common types of eyelid bumps are styes and chalazion. Before we lay out the differences between these two, let’s look into styes, why they occur, and how to spot one.
What is a stye?
A stye occurs when your eyelash follicle gets infected or otherwise experiences inflammation. It can be the result of hormone fluctuations, preexisting health conditions, or simply stress. Styes typically form around the outside rim of your eyelid near the eyelashes; however, occasionally, they can be found inside your eyelid.
At first, styes appear like red pimples, blisters, or boils full of pus. They can eventually turn a yellowish color and begin seeping pus over time. Styes are contagious, and if left untreated can grow to the point of tearing the eyelid.
What are the symptoms of a stye?
Most styes involve one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pain
- Watery eyes
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Itchiness
- Light sensitivity
Styes do share symptoms with other eyelid bumps, however. Upon discovery, what you initially believe to be a stye may actually be a different condition entirely.
What can be mistaken for a stye?
Because styes are one of the most common causes of a bump on or in the eyelid, it makes sense that they would be your first assumption should you notice one. The only way to truly determine what is and isn’t a stye, is to have an eye care specialist examine your bump and recommend the proper treatment procedures. Depending on your condition, receiving eyelid surgery in Houston may be required.
Some illnesses that create a bump on eyelid that is not a stye include chalazion, milia, skin cancer, and xanthelasma.
Chalazion
Chalazion often look like styes at first, but they aren’t contagious and come from clogs in your meibomian gland, which is responsible for creating the oils that prevent your tears from evaporating. They can get as large as a pea and typically grow on your upper eyelid, near the middle. A chalazion may still develop anywhere on your eyelid.
Milia
If you are wondering, “What is a bump on my eyelid that doesn’t hurt?” then you may be dealing with milia. This painless series of eyelid bumps look like whiteheads and occur mainly in infants, though anyone of any age can still deal with this condition. Adults often contend with milia after experiencing some manner of eye trauma. Milia occurs when keratin builds up beneath your eyelid skin, or even other parts of your face like your cheeks, nose, and lips. It isn’t a contagious issue, nor does it grow after appearing.
Skin Cancer
In rare cases, an eyelid bump may indicate a patch of skin cancer growing in the area. Treatment options for skin cancers vary based on how early it’s caught and the severity of your condition.
Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma doesn’t form as a bump the way milia, styes, or a chalazion do, but rather as a soft, yellow patch near your tear ducts. These patches are full of cholesterol and may or may not grow over time if left unaddressed. They aren’t infectious or contagious, though they could be a portent of high cholesterol and heart issues. In addition, xanthelasma cannot go away on its own. Failing to address the problem properly could lead the patches to grow and occlude your vision.
How can eyelid bumps be fixed?
If you are contending with a stye, chalazion, or milia, your condition may clear on its own without medical intervention. Although, you will still require an eye doctor to provide a diagnosis and prognosis first — otherwise, you risk the problem worsening over time.
Depending on your condition and its severity, you can deal with a bump on the eyelid that is not a stye using the following methods:
- Warm washcloth compresses, followed by a gentle massage
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- Drainage surgery
- Skin serums
- Cryotherapy
- Laser surgery
- Chemical peel
- De-roofing
- Curettage
- Chemical peels
- Biopsy (in cases of skin cancer)
Seeking out professional medical assistance can also reveal any underlying health problems that may be causing the eyelid bumps. For example, xanthelasma indicates possibly dangerous cholesterol levels which you may not have been aware of without seeing a professional!
Eye Center of Texas can treat all types of eyelid bumps
When you discover a bump on the eyelid that is not a stye, the experienced ophthalmologists at Eye Center of Texas can help you find the root cause, make a diagnosis, and set you on a path to healing. We offer a wide range of Texas-based treatments, including cataract surgery in Houston and LASIK in Houston, so you can see the world as you were meant to. To learn more about what we can do to improve your ocular health, please schedule an appointment with us today.
More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:
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- Fast-Growing Cataracts and How to Fight Them
- What to Expect During EVO ICL Recovery
- Corneal Cross-Linking Success Rate
- Bifocal LASIK: Can LASIK Make You Bifocal-Free?
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