6 Skin Conditions That Cause Bumps Under Eyes Not Milia?

The skin of your face changes a lot throughout your lifetime. From being soft, fragile baby skin to experiencing wrinkles and fine lines when you grow old. These are common changes in the skin.

But wait, what are these little bumps under eyes? Is it acne? Is it Milia or is it something dangerous? We have got you covered. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most common reasons that cause bumps under eyes and how to treat them. 

Why Do I Have Chicken Skin Under Eyes?

After noticing bumps under eyes you may have googled what might be causing them. And there are chances you may have come across the term chicken skin. The tiny bumps under eyes are also called chicken skin under eyes. It’s because of their appearance. 

One of the most common causes of white bumps under eyes is Milia. 

Milia

Milia is a common skin condition that causes small white bumps to appear under eyes. It usually appears under eyes but can also appear on the cheeks and other parts of the face. Milia is very common in babies and young children, however, adults can experience it too.

These are caused due to the keratin buildup in the pores and hair follicles of the skin. Most of the time they do not cause any discomfort and disappear on their own without any treatment. 

What Causes Bumps Under Eyes Not Milia?

But what if the raised bumps under your eyes are not caused by milia? We have listed down some of the other skin conditions that can cause bumps under eyes, not milia. 

1. Styes

Styes medically known as hordeolum or chalazion are blocked ducts on the eyelid–some think of this as a skin condition that causes small bumps under eyes. These bumps or lumps cause redness and swelling in the area and can be very painful. These look similar to pimples and milia bumps.

What sets stye bumps apart from milia bumps is the pain. These ducts that get blocked have a purpose–they lubricate and protect the structures of the eye. Some of the other stye symptoms are

• Pus in the center of the bump
• Swelling around the affected bump
• Itchy skin under the eyes
• Tearing
• Sensitivity to light

An external hordeolum can look like a pimple next to or in the middle of an eyelash. The “gland of Zeiss” which lubricates the eyelash becomes blocked and subsequently irritated and can be infected.  An internal hordeolum is another name for a chalazion that develops inside the eyelid. People who have skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, and blepharitis are more prone to developing it.

Stye Treatment

If you are experiencing stye symptoms it is best to consult a doctor. They will properly diagnose your condition and provide you with the right treatment plan. They may prescribe warm compresses or medical treatment to remove the stye.

2. Chalazion

Chalazion, the other type of stye, is another common cause of small bumps under eyes. Chalazia causes a small, red bump to appear under the eye. It can cause either a single bump or a group of lumps that make your skin look like chicken skin.

Some of the other common symptoms you may experience are:

• Swollen bump under eye
• Redness
• Itching
• Eye irritation
• Blurred vision

Chalazion is more common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50. People who experience seborrheic dermatitis, tuberculosis, acne, and rosacea are more likely to develop it. Chalazion is caused by clogged “meibomian glands” which are the glands that empty into the lid margin and keep the eye moist.

People often confuse chalazia with hordeolum. Trying to distinguish Chalazion vs Hordeolum can be difficult. 

One noteworthy difference:

• Chalazia takes more time to disappear than a hordeolum. Usually weeks and months.

Chalazion Treatment

• For chalazion you can use a warm compress to open the oil glands, this can be done 3 times a day for 10 minutes. 
• Avoid using makeup it can irritate the skin.
• Keep the area clean with a gentle cleanser, that is free from harsh irritating chemicals.
• Contact an eye care specialist they may prescribe medications and may eventually drain the nodule through an incision.

3. Syringoma

Syringoma is a skin condition that can cause groups or clusters of small bumps to appear on the skin. These are usually yellow or skin-colored. These bumps look similar to papules. It is more common in women than it is in men. And people who have Down syndrome are more likely to experience it. 

Syringoma under eyes is usually not harmful to the health and is not contagious. However, it can cause the following symptoms:

• A bump around 1 to 3 millimeters.
• Bumps appear in groups
• Fleshy papules
• Bumps of irregular shape.

Syringoma is caused due to the overgrowth of cells in sweat glands. Some other common triggers of syringoma are stress, high temperature, genetics, and stress. 

Syringoma Treatment

Syringoma are harmless but these can be removed by proper medical treatments like:

• Laser therapy
• Excision
• Diathermy
• Dermabrasion

4. Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris can cause tiny raised bumps on the skin. It usually causes bumps on the arms, legs, and trunk but it can also appear under the eyes and on the face. This condition is more common in children and teenagers. Many people outgrow it by the age of 30.

Keratosis pilaris causes bumps around the hair follicles which are skin-colored, white, red, or brown. This condition is also known by the name of ‘chicken skin’ or ‘KP’. 

It is caused by a protein present in our skin called Keratin, when it blocks the pores small bumps appear. People who have conditions like eczema, asthma, diabetes, Down syndrome, and Cushing’s syndrome are more likely to experience it.

Some other common Keratosis pilaris symptoms are:

• Itching
• Irritation
• Hard bumps
• Rough skin
• Dry skin

How to get rid of keratosis pilaris

It is a harmless skin condition and does not need much treatment but you can easily manage it by taking proper care of your skin.

• Keep the skin clean with a gentle Keratosis pilaris shampoo and body wash.
• Keeping the skin moisturized with a keratosis pilaris cream will help relieve the itching and dryness.
• Mild exfoliating the skin with a loofah or washcloth.
• Keep the skin moist with a humidifier in winter, as the condition gets worse in winter.
• Laser treatment can help with the discoloration of the skin.
• The doctor may prescribe the use of Topical retinoids to prevent keratin from clogging the pores.

5. Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis is also known as Periocular dermatitis. It causes small red, scaly bumps under the eyes that look like papules and pustules. It can also appear around the mouth and nose. 

The exact cause of Periocular dermatitis is not known but it is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors such as impaired skin barrier, hormonal changes, immune system, and bacteria. It is triggered by topical steroids and moisturizers with harsh chemicals.

Some common symptoms of Periocular dermatitis are:

• Itching
• Burning sensation
• Red rash
• Dry, flaky skin
• Fluid-filled bumps

People who use moisturizers and creams containing topical steroids are more likely to experience it. 

How to treat Periocular dermatitis

Periocular dermatitis can be managed by taking care of the skin and avoiding any skincare products that contain topical steroids or harsh chemicals such as face creams, makeup, sunscreen, and moisturizers. 

Try switching to gentle moisturizing creams like Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream it is free from harsh chemicals like fragrances, dyes, paraben, and sulfate and it is hypoallergenic.

In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe the use of oral antibiotics and topical medications.

6. Skin Cancer

This is rare but bumps around eyes and under the eyes can be caused due to skin cancer. It can cause a lump that bleeds, grows, and is irritating. Skin cancer usually causes the following symptoms:

• Bump that bleeds
• The lump may go away on its own and come back again
• The bump hurts and changes size
• The bump worsens with time.

Skin cancer can be dangerous to health which is why timely diagnosis is important.

Skin cancer treatment

Skin cancer is a condition that can not be treated at home and needs prompt attention from a health care provider. The doctor will first diagnose which type of skin cancer you are experiencing and then prescribe a treatment according to it. 

Keratosis Pilaris and Happy Cappy

Skin conditions can cause bumps on your face and under the eyes. While some conditions need proper medical treatment others can be easily managed at home by taking proper care of the skin. Keratosis pilaris is one of them.

Moisturize your skin at least twice daily with a soothing keratosis pilaris cream like Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream it contains natural ingredients like licorice root extract and glycerin that help keep the skin hydrated all day long and soothe the dry, itchy, irritated skin associated with keratosis pilaris. 

When to Seek a Doctor’s Help?

If you are unsure about what is causing bumps under your eyes it is best to consult a doctor they will accurately diagnose the condition and provide the right treatment.

Conclusion

If you experience any of the following immediately consult the doctor:

• Bumps that get worse with time
• If your bump bleeds and crusts
• The bump is very painful
• If you suspect any sign of eye infection
• Blurring of vision

Usually, a dermatologist may be able to diagnose the condition but in some cases, you may also need to consult an eye doctor or an ophthalmologist.

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