6 Skin Conditions That Cause Bumps Under Eyes Not Milia?

The skin around your eyes is very delicate, so even small bumps under your eyes, also known as chicken skin under eyes, because of their appearance, can feel uncomfortable and embarrassing. While most people think that these bumps are caused by acne or milia, the truth is that it is not always the case. 

But don’t worry, we are here to help you. In this blog, you’ll explore the most common causes of bumps under the eyes that are not milia, their symptoms, and treatment options.  

What Causes Bumps Under Eyes Not Milia?

Here is a list of some of the most common skin conditions that can lead to small bumps under the eyes. 

1. Styes

Styes, medically known as hordeolum, 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. What sets stye bumps apart from milia bumps is the pain. 

Risk Factors

People who have skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, and blepharitis are more prone to developing it.

Symptoms

Some common styes symptoms are:

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

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 

• Apply a warm compress 2 to 3 times a day.
• Medical procedure to remove the stye.

2. Chalazion

A chalazion is another type of stye. Chalazion is caused by clogged “meibomian glands,” which are the glands that empty into the lid margin and keep the eye moist. It 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.

Risk Factors

According to research, people who experience seborrheic dermatitis, tuberculosis, acne, and rosacea are more likely to develop it.

Symptoms

Some common symptoms you may experience are:

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

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

These bumps look similar to papules.

Risk Factors

It is more common in women than it is in men. And people who have Down syndrome are more likely to experience it. 

Symptoms

Syringoma can cause the following symptoms:

• A bump around 1 to 3 millimeters.
• Appear in groups
• Yellow or skin-colored bumps
• Fleshy papules
• Painless 

Syringoma Treatment

Syringomas are harmless, but they can be removed by proper medical treatments like:

• Laser therapy
• Excision
• Diathermy
• Dermabrasion

4. Keratosis Pilaris (Very Rare Around Eyes, Often Misdiagnosed)

Keratosis pilaris can cause tiny raised bumps on the skin. This condition is also known by the name of ‘chicken skin’ or ‘KP’. KP most commonly appears on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes the cheeks, but true KP under the eyes is rare.

Many bumps people believe to be KP under the eyes are actually syringomas, milia, eczema patches, or irritation-related papules.

Keratosis pilaris is caused by a protein present in our skin called Keratin, when it blocks the pores, causing small bumps to appear. 

Risk Factors

People who have conditions like eczema, asthma, diabetes, Down syndrome, and Cushing’s syndrome are more likely to experience it.

Symptoms

Some common Keratosis pilaris symptoms are:

• Bumps around the hair follicles
• Itching
• Irritation
• Skin-colored, white, red, or brown bumps
• Rough skin
• Dry skin

Keratosis Pilaris Treatment

If you are thinking, “How to get rid of keratosis pilaris?” here is your answer.

• 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.
• Exfoliate the skin with a loofah or washcloth.
• Keep the skin moist with a humidifier 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.

Important:
Because KP is unusual around the eyes, it’s best to have any under-eye bumps evaluated to rule out syringoma, milia, dermatitis, or other conditions.

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, the immune system, and bacteria. 

Risk Factors

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

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of Periocular dermatitis are:

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

Periocular dermatitis Treatment

Wondering “How to treat Periocular dermatitis”? Here is what you can do

• Avoid any skincare products that contain topical steroids or harsh chemicals, such as face creams, makeup, sunscreen, and moisturizers. 
• Keep the skin moisturized with a gentle moisturizing cream that is free from harsh chemicals.
• 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. 

Symptoms

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 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, such as cryotherapy or surgery. 

When to Consult a Doctor?

If you are unsure about what is causing bumps under your eyes or you are experiencing any of the following, it is best to consult a doctor. They will accurately diagnose the condition and provide the right treatment.

• Bumps that change size or bleed.
• Severe pain or swelling
• Vision blurriness
• Having fever, chills, or nausea
• The condition is getting worse with the previous treatment plan. 

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 is fragrance-free, dye-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and 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. 

Key Takeaway

Here is an overview of skin conditions that can cause bumps under the eyes that are not milia and their symptoms to help you identify which one you are experiencing. 

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC. More about Dr. Eddie.

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