It can be worrying to find an unidentified lump or bump anywhere on your body, but this is especially true when it comes to identifying a bump forming under eye. Not only can eye bumps be extremely painful, but they may be either harmless or dangerous without much visible difference in appearance. Whether you’ve noticed a white bump under eye, a big bump under your eye, or general swelling in the bump under eye area, it helps to know what you’re dealing with before deciding on next steps. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about identifying and treating eye bumps so you can make an informed decision about your care.
What is the Small Bump Under My Eye?
Like many skin conditions, eye bumps and their causes can be difficult to differentiate from one another. And while some issues can give cause for concern, others are simply unsightly or uncomfortable inconveniences. If you’ve ever asked yourself “why is there a big bump under my eye?” or “why bump under eye keeps coming back?”, the answer often lies in one of the following common conditions.
Milia
Milia bumps are harmless, small bumps that typically appear on the skin surrounding the eye. They are formed by keratin buildup that becomes trapped beneath the skin and are usually skin-colored, though they can appear white or yellow-toned, which is why they are frequently confused with a white bump under eye. Although milia are not the same as acne, people who are prone to clogged pores are more likely to develop them. In many cases, milia resolve on their own within a few months, but persistent cases may require treatment. Common courses of treatment include chemical exfoliation, doctor removal with needle or laser extraction, and cryotherapy.
Stye
Styes are typically found along the lash line in the form of a small, inflamed, red bump. They are generally caused by a bacterial infection and can become extremely painful. People with blepharitis, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis are at an increased risk for developing styes, but anyone can develop one in the bump under eye area. Medical treatment is usually necessary, and surgical intervention may be required if the stye begins affecting vision. Sleeping in eye makeup or contact lenses may increase your susceptibility, so take care to remove these before bed.
Chalazia
Chalazia tend to look like styes, but these eyelid bumps are not caused by bacterial infections. Instead, they result from a blocked oil gland, called the meibomian gland, that eventually begins to swell. Unlike styes, chalazia tend to clear up on their own within a few weeks, though especially large or persistent bumps may require medical attention.
Pimples
Although most bumps along the eye tend to be styes or chalazia, there are rare cases of acne lesions under the eye, usually appearing as a whitehead. This is another reason why a white bump under eye is not always a cause for alarm, it may simply be a pimple. If you wear glasses, you may notice a pimple where the frame rests on your face. Avoid using traditional topical acne treatments in the eye area, as they can cause significant irritation and worsen the condition.
Xanthelasma
This condition presents as yellow, bumpy patches on the inner corners of the upper eyelid or around the eyes. It is not usually harmful on its own, but it can be an indicator of possible heart disease, which is why anyone who notices this type of bump under eye area should see a doctor promptly. Groups at higher risk of developing xanthelasma include smokers, individuals with obesity, women, those with high blood pressure, diabetics, and people of Asian descent.
Common Symptoms of an Eye Bump
If you have an eye bump, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Tearing
- Irritation
- Blurred vision
- Scratchy feeling in eye
- Discharge or crusty eyelid
- Sensitivity to light
These symptoms are common across many of the conditions above, which is why it is important to see a doctor for a definitive diagnosis rather than attempting to self-treat. If any of these symptoms are accompanied by spreading redness, fever, or rapidly worsening pain, you may be dealing with an active infection, understanding the warning signs of common infections can help you determine whether immediate care is needed.
How Do I Get Rid of a Bump Forming Under Eye
When treating eye problems at home, it is important to be gentle so you do not further aggravate the eyelid bumps. Before touching your face, wash your hands carefully to avoid spreading bacteria. If your eye bump is swollen, red, and painful, cleaning the area with warm water and applying warm compresses can help calm inflammation. Gently massaging the affected area may also provide relief, this can help drain the meibomian gland in cases where a blocked oil gland is responsible for the bump forming under eye.
Avoid squeezing, popping, or attempting to extract any bump near the eye on your own. Doing so can introduce new bacteria, worsen inflammation, and in some cases lead to a skin infection around the eye area. If you notice signs such as increasing redness, oozing, or warmth spreading beyond the bump, it is worth knowing how to tell if you have a skin infection before symptoms escalate further.
When to be Concerned About Eye Bumps
You should see a doctor for your eye bump if the pain becomes increasingly worse or if you experience difficulty seeing. You should also seek evaluation if your bump does not resolve after several weeks, even in the absence of other worsening symptoms. A big bump under your eye that grows in size, causes the eyelid to swell shut, or is accompanied by fever warrants emergency care without delay, these are signs that the condition may be progressing beyond a minor inconvenience.
Visit a Village Emergency Center Today
If you are living in Houston or its surrounding neighborhoods and need assistance identifying or treating a bump forming under eye, Village Emergency Centers is here to help. Whether you are closer to our League City or Jersey Village location, our board-certified physicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no wait times. Feel free to reach out to our team before your visit or simply walk straight in, we are always ready to provide the expert care you need.