answersLogoWhite

0

Definition

Most bumps on the eyelid are styes. A stye is an inflamed oil gland on the edge of your eyelid, where the lash meets the lid. It appears as a red, swollen bump that looks like a pimple. It is tender, especially to the touch.

Alternative Names

Bump on the eyelid; Stye

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A stye is caused by bacteria from the skin that get into the oil glands in the eyelids that provide lubrication to the tear film. Styes are similar to common acne pimples that occur elsewhere on the skin. You may have more than one stye at the same time.

Styes usually develop over a few days and may drain and heal on their own. A stye can become a chalazion -- this is when an inflamed oil gland becomes fully blocked. If a chalazion gets large enough, it can cause trouble with your vision.

If you have blepharitis (see eye redness), you are more likely to get styes.

Other possible eyelid bumps include:

  • Xanthelasma -- raised yellow patches on your eyelids that can happen with age. These are harmless, although they are occasionally a sign of high cholesterol.
  • Papillomas -- pink or skin-colored bumps. They are harmless, but can slowly grow, affect your vision, or bother you for cosmetic reasons. If so, they can be surgically removed.
  • Cysts -- small fluid-filled sacs that can affect your vision.
Symptoms

In addition to the red, swollen bump, other possible symptoms include:

Signs and tests

A doctor can diagnose a stye just by looking at it. Special tests are usually not necessary.

Treatment
  • Styes and chalazions can be treated by applying warm compresses. Apply for 10 minutes. Do this four times a day.
  • Do NOT attempt to squeeze a stye or any other type of eyelid bump. Let it drain on its own.
  • Antibiotic creams may help recurrent or persistent styes. Some large styes need to be lanced to drain the infection.
Expectations (prognosis)

Styes often get better on their own. However, they may recur. The outcome is generally excellent with simple treatment.

Complications
  • Recurrence of a stye
  • Spread of infection to other eyelash follicles
  • Spread of infection to the tissue of the eyelid (eyelid cellulitis)
Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if:

  • You have problems with your vision.
  • The eyelid bump worsens or does not improve within a week or two of self-care.
  • The eyelid bump or bumps become very large or painful.
  • You have a blister on your eyelid.
  • You have crusting or scaling of your eyelids.
  • Your whole eyelid is red, or the eye itself is red.
  • You are very sensitive to light or have excessive tears.
  • A stye comes back soon after successful treatment of another one.
  • Your eyelid bump bleeds.
Prevention

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the skin around your eye. If you are susceptible to styes, it may help to carefully clean off excess oils from the edges of your lids.

References

Mueller JB, McStay CM. Ocular infection and inflammation. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2008;26:57-72.

Rubenstein JB, Jick SL. Disorders of the conjunctiva and limbus. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al, eds. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Mosby Elsevier; 2004:chap 55.

Neff AG, Carter KD. Benign eye lesions. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al, eds. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Mosby Elsevier; 2004:chap 92.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Would a chalazion be under the eyelid?

Yes, a chalazion is a small bump that can form in or under the eyelid. This bump forms because of a blocked oil gland.


What could be the cause of a bump on my dog's eyelid?

A bump on your dog's eyelid could be caused by various factors such as an injury, infection, allergic reaction, or a growth like a cyst or tumor. It is important to have a veterinarian examine the bump to determine the exact cause and provide appropriate treatment.


What are the possible causes and treatment options for a bump on a dog's eyelid?

Possible causes of a bump on a dog's eyelid include infections, allergies, or growths like tumors. Treatment options may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical removal depending on the cause and severity of the bump. It is important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.


A term that refers to a small boil that develop on the eyelid?

A chalazion is a term that refers to a small, painless bump that develops on the eyelid. It occurs when a meibomian gland becomes blocked and may cause redness, swelling, and tenderness.


What are the possible causes and treatment options for a bump on a dog's bottom eyelid?

Possible causes of a bump on a dog's bottom eyelid can include infections, allergies, or growths like tumors. Treatment options may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical removal depending on the underlying cause. It is important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.


What are the possible causes and treatment options for a bump on a dog's lower eyelid?

Possible causes of a bump on a dog's lower eyelid include infections, allergies, or growths like tumors. Treatment options may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical removal depending on the underlying cause. It is important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.


What does a red spot on the bottom eyelid mean?

A red spot on the bottom eyelid can be a sty, which is a bacterial infection of an oil gland in the eyelid. It can also be a chalazion, which is a blockage of an oil gland causing a painless bump. If the red spot is painful, persistent, or affecting your vision, it's best to see an eye doctor for further evaluation and treatment.


What is the medical term meaning localized purulent infection of a sebaceous gland in the eyelid?

The medical term for a localized purulent infection of a sebaceous gland in the eyelid is "hordeolum" or "sty". It is a common condition that causes a painful, red bump to form on the eyelid. Treatment usually involves warm compresses and sometimes antibiotic ointment.


What could cause tenderness and swelling under one eye No bite visible?

Possibly a stye (sp?) an uncomfortable bump on the inside of your eyelid....dissappears on it's own in time.


What are sebaceous ciliary gland infections called?

Infections of sebaceous ciliary glands are commonly known as sty or stye. They can cause a painful, red bump on the edge of the eyelid and are usually caused by bacterial infection.


Who put the bump in the bump she bump she bump?

YOU put the bump in the bump she bump she bump


Why do you have a bump in the middle of your eye?

Maybe U have a sty on Ur eyelid and if so see a doctor if it start swealing. But what every U do DON'T RUB UR EYE!It will get scratches in Ur eye and can damage Ur eye. It might also cause pink eye it happens sometimes but not alot.So that's the reason why i guess.