An eyelid pustule is a blister-like bump that fills with dead skin cells and pus, often caused by skin conditions or illnesses. It is usually benign and can disappear on its own, but medical attention may be necessary if it continues to grow or appears regularly.
Sometimes known as an eyelid pimple or eyelid rash, an eyelid pustule is a blister that develops within the skin layers of the eyelid, or just below the layers in the area known as the dermis. This blister, which acts as a small sac, fills with dead skin cells that gradually break down into pus. As the collection of pus grows, what looks like a pimple develops on the eyelid. While this type of pustule can be irritating if it grows to a certain size, it is usually benign and will gradually disappear as the dead cells are reabsorbed into the skin.
There are a number of health conditions that can lead to the development of an eyelid pustule. A skin condition like rosacea is one example. Illnesses like chicken pox can also lead to this collection of dead skin cells gathering in a pimple on the eyelid. There is speculation that various types of makeup and face creams can cause this reaction in some people, although there is currently no universally accepted research indicating that the use of cosmetics is directly linked to pustules on the eyelids.
In appearance, an eyelid pustule is not much different from a type of pimple known as a whitehead. As pus fills the vesicle, the top layer of skin stretches and develops a white center. There is often a certain amount of redness around the base of this raised area, a feature which is one reason why this condition is sometimes referred to as an eyelid rash. Over time, the pustule may shrink on its own as pus is absorbed into the body. Other times, the center will rupture, allowing pus to flow out. When this occurs, care should be taken to wash the area thoroughly, minimizing the chance of infection.
While a typical eyelid pustule doesn’t require medical attention, there are situations where the lump will continue to grow, collecting more dead skin cells that become pus. When this occurs, it is often recommended to consult a general practitioner or even a dermatologist. A healthcare professional can evaluate the pustule, determining if there are any complications that may require additional treatment. If nothing unusual is found, the practitioner may gently incise the blister and allow the pus to drain. Once the drainage is complete, instructions are usually given on how to keep the area clean and prevent infection.
Consulting a dermatologist is especially important if an individual tends to develop pustules on the eyelids on a fairly regular basis. The routine appearance of an eyelid pustule can be a sign of an underlying health problem that may be successfully treated before other signs or symptoms begin to emerge. Depending on the underlying cause of the pustule, treatments may be short-term or involve ongoing care.
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