If you notice a white bump on the eyelid, you might be concerned, and rightfully so – though these often stay rather small and barely noticeable, they might also grow and swell, becoming very painful. There are many things that can cause a white bump on your eyelid, including contact lenses that have not been properly cleaned or old cosmetics that are well past their expiration date. In most cases this doesn’t affect your vision, but it might become unsightly and painful.

Causes of Pimple on Eyelid

The white bump on your eyelid might actually be a type of pimple. Often these will go from being small and white to red and swollen, as well as very tender to the touch. That can make even basic day-to-day things painful, as you are constantly moving your eyes to see around you. If the white bump is very near the edge of the eyelid, you might experience excessive tears, or you could have a lot of itching and the feeling that something is in your eyes. You could also become very sensitive to light.

These are the most common reasons why you might have a white bump on your eyelid:

1. Stye

This is actually a small infection caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus. This bacteria is normally present in your eyelid, but it rarely causes problems. However, the growth of the bacteria can get out of hand, and that leads to the bacteria attacking your oil glands. The infection then sets in, and the area becomes red, swollen and tender. You might notice a white bump right at the center, filled with pus.

2. Chalazion

There is a small gland called the meibomian gland, which produces sticky substances that keep your eyelashes moist. But those glands can get clogged up and create a cyst. Once it happens, a small white bump can develop. This is the body’s reaction to the oil secretion that is being trapped by that clogged gland.

3. Milia

More common in young children and newborns, this is a case where a very solid and small white bump develops on the eyelid. It simply means that a child’s skin isn’t able to get rid of dead skin cells efficiently yet. If this happens in adults, it is often caused by eyelid trauma or severe sunburn.

4. Xanthelasma

These yellow patches on the eyelids can happen to anyone, and it is a typical sign of aging. These are completely harmless, but they are sometimes an indicator of high cholesterol, so mention it to the doctor at your next visit.

5. Papillomas

These are completely harmless bumps that are pink or skin-colored. Though they won’t hurt you, they might upset you for cosmetic reasons, or they might grow large enough to affect your vision. They can be removed with a simple surgical procedure.

6. Cyst

Occasionally you might develop a cyst on your eyelid. Most cysts are entirely benign, but like a papilloma, they could look unsightly or affect your vision.

7. Allergies

Sometimes an allergy can lead to a pimple on the eyelid that isn’t painful, but can be bothersome. This often develops as a result of cosmetic use, medication, or chemicals that have touched your eye. If you discontinue the use of these things, the white bump will often disappear.

8. Other Causes

There are other potential causes for white bumps on the eye. Dry eyes could be caused by glands that stop producing oils, and the dryness can lead to bumps. Some conditions, such as conjunctivitis, cellulitis, bacterial infections, dermatitis and psoriasis can lead to bumps. Pimples might also occur if you aren’t getting enough sleep, taking certain medications, or indulging in spicy or greasy foods.

Home Remedies for Pimple on Eyelid

There are many home remedies for these bumps that can help you look and feel better in a short time. Here are just a few:

1. Home Remedies for Stye

Most bumps on the eyelid are styes, and they require a certain treatment in order to make you feel better. Start by applying a warm, wet cloth to the area at least four times per day. Avoid squeezing or puncturing the stye. Do not use cosmetics or contact lenses until the stye is gone. If it doesn’t clear up within a few days, your doctor might be able to drain it in an office setting (don’t do this at home!), or prescribe medication that will clear it up.

2. Other Remedies for Eye Infection

Almost every white bump on eyelid is caused by infections, which are usually the result of poor sanitation. This is a very easy thing to happen, as many people touch their eyes after touching many other things, and women often share cosmetics. Here are a few tips for remedies and prevention.

• If your makeup is old or has been contaminated in some way, get rid of it.
• If you already have an infection in your eye, don’t make it worse! Avoid any cosmetics or using contact lenses. Don’t try to cover up the bump with cosmetics.
• Teach children how to care for their eyes, including how to cut down on hand-to-eye contact as much as possible. This is especially helpful when they are in a public place and more likely to pick up bacteria.
• Cleanse the area with a very mild soap or even baby shampoo. Just be careful not to get the soap into your eye.
• Never, ever squeeze or poke at the bump. You might be tempted to do this in order to drain it, but these actions only push the infection deeper, thus setting you up for even longer problems. Allow the bump to break on its own.

This video includes additional tips that might help you deal with a pimple on eyelid: