Bump on Eyelid

Eyelids that protect our eyes, are one of the most delicate parts of the human body. It is a thin layer of skin, which consists of layers of various important glands that protect and lubricate the eyes. Due to its complex structure, eyelid is often attacked by infections and disorders, which are associated with these glands. Most of the time, eye stye is the reason why a person suffers from a bump on the eyelid. Eye stye leads to swelling and redness of the eyelid, which often irritate the eyes as well. It is actually an inflammation of the sebaceous glands which are present on the eyelids. This causes acne like structure on the eyelid, which is painful at times.

There are various reasons why a person suffers with a small bump on the eyelid. Most of the time, it is painful and red or pink in color. Basically, color and location of these bumps make it easy for the doctor to identify the exact eyelid disorder.

Chalazion
Also called meibomian cyst, chalazion is caused by clogging of the meibomian gland by sebum. Location of chalazion could be anywhere, from inside of the eye to the eyelids. Apart from a red bump, other symptoms of chalazion include painful, itchy and swollen eyelids. This type of bump is benign. But, despite the medication, it might take some time to get completely cured.

Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma is a skin disorder distinguished by development of some abnormal yellow nodes on the surface of the eyelids. This kind of bumps on eyelid are especially observed in the elderlies. They are often attributed with high cholesterol levels and metabolic irregularities. A bump on the eyelid caused due to xanthelasma is harmless and can be removed with a simple surgery.

Eye Infections
Eye infection is also called eye stye. Most eye infections are caused due to Staphylococcus bacteria. These bacteria are present inside the eyelids. Overgrowth of these bacteria leads to infection of the oil producing glands of the eyelids. Such an infection leads to swollen and red area on the surface of the eyelid. Proper treatment is very important to get quicker relief from eye stye.

Eyelid Cysts
There are several types of cysts that may cause a bump on the eyelids. Most common amongst them are - epidermal inclusion cyst and sweat gland cyst. Both these cysts are actually painless, that cause skin colored bumps on eyelids. Most of the time, such bumps don't have any potential of being malignant. But, due to their appearance, they cannot be easily distinguished from basal cell carcinoma (a sort of malignant tumor). As a result, they must be examined carefully and removed if necessary, as a precautionary measure.

Eyelid Nevus
There are two types of nevus that lead to a bump on the eyelid; the pigmented nevus and the intra-dermal nevus. Amongst these two, pigmented nevus are always at risk of turning into malignant tumors. They are dark-colored bumps which are often asymptomatic. The intra-dermal nevus are flesh colored nevus, that can be painful at times. Any change in the appearance of these nevus can be a primary sign of the basal cell carcinoma.

Other Causes
There are many other medical conditions that can cause a bump on the upper eyelids. These conditions are - eyelid dermatitis, eyelid edema, milia, pimple on eyelid, etc. Eyelid keratosis is also a condition that forms a benign bump. This bump generally consists of excess of keratin or protein. To prevent them from turning into cancer, it is better to get them surgically removed. Warts and several types of viral infections can also cause these bumps.

As we can see, there are many a medical conditions that can lead to a bump on the eyelid. A health care provider is the best judge to determine the exact cause, and also to suggest the course of treatment for that. The doctor would observe the bump and prescribe the medications according to its severity. Most of the time, such bumps fade away with a few doses of antibiotics and some eye drops. Biopsy is suggested in only a few rare cases, to ensure that the bump is nowhere associated with the eyelid skin cancer.

Option of surgical removal of such bumps is always there for people who are worried about their appearance.