A bump on the eyelid is commonly caused by a few typical conditions:
- The most frequent cause is a stye , a red, inflamed, and often painful bump that forms due to a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle or oil gland on the eyelid. Styes typically develop along the edge of the eyelid and may look like a pimple or boil. They often resolve on their own within a week but can be contagious and may require treatment if severe.
- Another common cause is a chalazion , which is a painless bump caused by a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. Unlike styes, chalazia usually form further from the eyelid edge and can grow larger without much discomfort, though they may sometimes cause vision problems if large.
- Other possible causes include cysts (fluid-filled sacs typically painless unless infected), xanthelasma (yellowish bumps due to fat deposits often linked to cholesterol), milia (small white bumps from trapped dead skin cells), blepharitis (inflammation causing multiple bumps), allergic reactions, or benign skin tags.
If the bump is painful, growing, changing color, or interfering with vision, or if home care does not improve the condition, medical evaluation by an eye specialist is recommended to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment.
In summary, having a bump on the eyelid is commonly due to either a stye or chalazion caused by blocked or infected oil glands or hair follicles, but other benign or less common causes exist. Proper hygiene and medical assessment can help manage and resolve the bump safely.
