Pimples under the eyes not only look unsightly, but also cause pain, since the skin in these areas of the face is thin and sensitive.
Why do pimples appear under the eyes?
The reasons causing their appearance may be different:
- insufficient or incorrectly selected skin care;
- prolonged exposure to adverse weather conditions, dust and dirt;
- unhealthy diet: a lot of spicy and sweet foods in the diet;
- impaired functioning of the kidneys and adrenal glands;
- increased work of the sebaceous glands;
- decreased immunity, vitamin deficiency.
Photo 1: Pimples under the eyes are also signs of the onset of various diseases. Rashes under the eyes can look different: vary in color and nature of manifestation. Source: flickr (Serg Zolotarev).
Varieties: red, white and purulent pimples
This is interesting! Just by the appearance of pimples, you can determine what caused them to appear.
White pimples
White pimples are painless and represent... pores clogged with sebum. They are popularly called millet, the scientific name is milium.
The appearance of millet is a reaction to high cholesterol. Getting rid of milia is possible by normalizing your diet and cleansing your skin, selection of skincare cosmetics, sometimes a doctor’s consultation is required.
Red pimples
Red pimples indicate inflammation occurring in skin cells. They are formed as a result of blockage of the sebaceous gland duct and the penetration of infection into the place where the secretion accumulates, microorganisms begin to develop there, the process is accompanied by pain and redness, sometimes suppuration. You should not squeeze or heat such pimples, as this can lead to increased symptoms and complications. Also small red pimples under the eyes are the result of allergies for food or cosmetics. Their appearance accompanied by lacrimation and itching.
Purulent acne
Purulent pimples under the eyes can be the result of the development of an inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the eyes, such as chalazion or stye. They appear on the eyelids, but sometimes also affect the area under the eyes.
Purulent rashes under the eyes that are watery or bubbly in nature, may be symptoms of demodicosis.
Acne as a symptom of the disease
Barley
Occurs as a result of inflammation of the hair follicle, It is also caused by infectious diseases, staphylococcus, diabetes mellitus. This is a dense formation on or under the upper or lower eyelid of the eye, first red and then yellowish. Barley causes severe pain, swelling, redness of the eyelid.
Photo 2: You cannot squeeze out the stye yourself, as the infection, spreading through the blood vessels and entering the brain, can cause meningitis or sepsis. Sometimes it goes away on its own, but if it occurs chronically, it requires consultation with an ophthalmologist. Source: flickr (Net-Bolezniam.Ru).
Chalazion
This is an inflammation of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid. In this case, a nodule appears under the skin, it grows slowly, reaching 5-7 mm in diameter, while lacrimation and itching occur, pressure on the cornea of the eye, which leads to astigmatism. It can develop from untreated barley. Chalazion is dangerous because it can degenerate into a cyst, which in special cases requires surgical removal. At the same time, there are swelling, redness, swelling of the eyelid, fever and severe pain in the orbit, radiating to the head.
Demodicosis
Called by the iron mite, it looks like reddish bubble formations with liquid inside. The causative agent of the disease lives in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles and may not manifest itself in any way during normal times. Symptoms develop due to disruption of the digestive, endocrine, and nervous systems, and manifestations may also be seasonal.
Xanthelasma
Yellowish dense formation under the eye or in the area of the upper eyelid, flat, gradually increasing in size. Such formations can be numerous, and their cause is a violation of the liver, high cholesterol in the blood.
Note! Sometimes pimples under the eyes are a symptom of gallstone disease.
Diagnosis and treatment
If pimples appear under the eyes, you need to visit a doctor.: ophthalmologist, dermatologist and surgeon to accurately diagnose the cause and select the appropriate treatment. When diagnosing, it is carried out examination of visual acuity, fundus, intraocular pressure, eye tissue, a biopsy with histological examination is performed.
Homeopathic remedies
The advantage of homeopathy in the treatment of diseases associated with acne is that it not only eliminates the symptom, but also deals a blow to the cause that caused its appearance, increases immunity and activates the body's defenses to eliminate the problem. Homeopathic remedies are harmless, do not cause addiction or side effects.
Composite products produced by pharmaceutical companies are popular along with classical drugs. And if the latter are usually prescribed by homeopathic doctors, then complex drugs can be bought in regular pharmacies.
The appearance of pimples under the eyes is associated with the influence of various factors. The cause of problems is usually infectious diseases, allergic reactions, weakened immune system, and lack of vitamins.
In order for treatment to be as effective as possible, it is imperative to conduct a detailed diagnosis and take into account the doctor’s recommendations. This will help you achieve good results and cope with the problem.
Reasons for appearance
A pimple under the eye can appear under the influence of a variety of factors. By identifying the causes, the correct treatment can be selected.
The following causes problems:
- improper skin care;
- increased activity of the sebaceous glands;
- dysfunction of the kidneys and adrenal glands;
- pathologies of the digestive system;
- lack of vitamins in the body;
- weakening of the immune system.
Similar problems are the result of mechanical skin lesions that are associated with violation of care rules. Also, the appearance of the disorder may be associated with infection of the dermis by parasites and fungal microorganisms.
The appearance of white pimples on the eyelids is often caused by external factors or internal pathologies.
Dietary disorders and bad habits provoke fluid retention and the appearance of edema. As a result, the pores narrow, sebum accumulates in them, and acne forms on the skin.
Inflamed rashes may indicate the development of demodicosis. This disease is caused by a subcutaneous mite. It develops in hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
When the body is weakened, endocrine pathologies, or diseases of the nervous system occur, the mite becomes more active, which leads to the appearance of rashes.
A pimple in this area may be a stye. This formation not only worsens a person’s appearance, but also provokes serious discomfort. The problem is a consequence of infection of the hair follicles and the appearance of inflammation.
What are there
The following formations may occur in the eye area:
- Barley. This problem is a consequence of infection of the hair follicle. Styes form on the upper or lower eyelid. This dense pimple is characterized by swelling and redness of the surrounding skin.
A weakened immune system and improper therapy can trigger the appearance of purulent processes. They can only be dealt with promptly.
- Pinguecula. This is a small growth that appears on the white of the eyeball. The formation is caused by eye irritation from pollution, sunlight and other types of influences.
- Chalazion. This dense formation has a round shape and is the result of blockage of the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands with fat and its accumulation in the subcutaneous layers.
- Xanthelasma. This formation is a flattened yellow pimple that appears under the eye or in the area of the upper eyelid. The rash can be single or multiple in nature and gradually increases.
Liver pathologies, increased cholesterol in the blood, and fat metabolism disorders lead to problems.
White pimples
They are also called millet. This type of acne is caused by sebaceous gland ducts blocked by sebum. These formations do not cause discomfort, but significantly worsen a person’s appearance.
Such acne remains white for a long time. When an infection gets into the pores, an inflammatory process develops. Those with oily skin types are more susceptible to millet. It is also typical for people with high cholesterol.
How to apply acne patch? More details here.
Red pimples
The appearance of such formations is a symptom of inflammation. These pimples can pop up when the excretory ducts of the gland are blocked and secretion accumulates in it, which is a good environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathology can occur in people of any age. However, most often it is detected in people 30-50 years old. The main causes of inflammatory changes include poor hygiene, rosacea, and increased oily skin.
Also provoking factors are infections, seborrhea, improper treatment of barley, and pathologies of the digestive system. In some cases, the cause of the disease is hypothermia.
Small pimples
Such rashes under the eyes can be a symptom of allergies. Their appearance can be caused by food and cosmetics. Also, the cause is often disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system, cholelithiasis.
Big pimples
Such formations can be barley, wen or abscess. Large red pimples that have a purulent head indicate inflammation of an infectious nature, which requires appropriate therapy.
If a white pimple appears that does not cause pain, we are talking about a wen. It is strictly forbidden to squeeze out such a formation. In such a situation, you need the help of a cosmetologist.
Video: How to properly remove a wen
How to cure a pimple under the eye
This problem needs to be addressed to specialists. Treatment methods are selected depending on the type of rash and the provoking factor.
Drug treatment
To cope with rashes, the following remedies can be used:
- Bactericidal ointments and gels – ichthyol, skinoren, baziron. Such products have a gentle effect on the skin, eliminate swelling, and cope with bacteria. They also help dissolve comedones.
- Vitamins and immunomodulators – levamisole, thymalin. Such remedies help strengthen the immune system.
- Antibiotics – metronidazole, roaccutane. Such substances help in difficult situations.
Cosmetology procedures
To cope with pimples under the eyes, you can resort to the following procedures:
- Mechanical removal. This is the simplest and most accessible method of therapy. The procedure is performed by a cosmetologist. In this case, the doctor disinfects the skin and removes the pimple with a sterile needle.
- Electrocoagulation. This method involves cauterizing acne with high-frequency alternating current. After the procedure, a crust appears on the skin, which quickly disappears. After the session, it is worth performing an antiseptic treatment of the dermis.
- Curettage. This technique is based on removing the pimple using a curette. This cosmetic tool is similar to a spoon. This therapy is less effective because it leads to scarring on the skin.
- Laser coagulation. This is a fairly popular, but at the same time quite expensive method of eliminating rashes.
The affected area is affected by laser coagulation without the use of current. After the procedure, a crust forms on the skin, which lasts for about 2 weeks.
Folk remedies
In addition to traditional remedies, you can use effective folk recipes. They help regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands and cope with blockages in the ducts.
The most effective means include the following:
- Yeast mask. Take 1 tablespoon each of lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide and honey, add 1 dessert spoon of yeast. Heat the mixture a little and apply to the skin for a quarter of an hour. Then wash with water and apply nourishing cream.
- Pumpkin mask. Mix sour cream with chopped pumpkin to obtain a thick consistency. Apply the composition to the affected areas and leave for a quarter of an hour.
- Paraffin mask. Heat 70 g of white paraffin in a water bath. Lubricate the skin with an alcohol-containing product and apply a thin layer of melted paraffin. In total, several layers should be done. After the mask has cooled, you need to wash it off.
- Cucumber compress. Grind the cucumber and add hot water to obtain a homogeneous consistency. Wrap the container in a blanket and leave for 1 hour. Soak gauze with the product and apply to face for 20 minutes.
- Viburnum mask. Grind the berries and squeeze the juice out of them. Add oat flour to get a thick consistency. Apply the resulting mixture to your facial skin. Leave for 20-40 minutes.
Prevention
To avoid pimples under the eyes, you need to take good care of your skin. It should be thoroughly cleaned, which will help prevent the appearance of plugs that clog the pores.
Equally important is proper nutrition and giving up bad habits. If the cause of the problems is endocrine pathologies and hormonal imbalances, you need to undergo a thorough examination.
A pimple on the eye and in the area around the eyelids can appear suddenly and cause a lot of discomfort to a person. There are several types of inflammatory elements that can appear near and inside the eye. The causes and methods of treatment vary, so it is very important to make the correct diagnosis. In any case, the first thing to do in such a situation is to consult a doctor and not self-medicate. The less time passes from the onset of the disease to consultation with a specialist, the better. The specialist will tell you what exactly the patient is facing and how best to get rid of this problem.
Causes
The exact causes of acne depend on their type, but in general the following factors can be identified that lead to their appearance in the area around the eye:
- failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
- using someone else's cosmetics and face towels;
- weakening of the body's defenses;
- infectious diseases;
- hormonal imbalances;
- injuries to the skin around the eye or mucous membrane of the eyelids;
- allergy to low-quality cosmetics;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
What are the types of pimples on the eyes?
Pimples under the eyes and on their surface may differ in their structure, size and the reasons that caused their appearance. Some of them arise due to blockage of the sebaceous glands and disruption of their functioning, others are external manifestations of diseases of the thyroid gland and digestive organs. Certain types of inflammatory elements on the skin are caused by pathogenic bacterial microflora, and some of them are the result of improper skin care.
The most common types of internal and external acne in the eye area are:
- barley;
- millet;
- wen;
- chalazion;
- furuncle;
- formations directly on the eyeball.
A pimple on the eyelid can also appear due to the parasitic demodex mite. This microorganism lives in the superficial layers of the skin and causes a rash on the face. If this is the reason, then, in addition to acne on the eyelids, the patient is bothered by inflammatory elements in the cheeks, nose and forehead. In addition, the skin in the affected area is red and flaky. Treatment should be aimed at eliminating the cause, but before it is prescribed, the patient must have a scraping for demodex. In addition to using topical antibacterial medications, a complete change of bedding and pillows may be necessary, as microscopic mites often live there.
Barley
Barley is an acute eye disease in which the inflammatory process develops in the hair follicles near the eyelashes or the sebaceous glands in the corner of the eyelids. The main cause of barley is the entry and proliferation of a bacterial infection (in most cases, the disease is provoked by pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus). Additional provoking factors for the development of the disease may be ARVI, sore throat, weakened immunity due to the use of antibiotics or hormones, hypothermia, as well as diabetes mellitus and violation of personal hygiene rules.
- first, a swelling appears on the upper eyelid (or lower eyelid), which quickly increases in size and hurts;
- then, at the site of inflammation, a pimple forms in the form of a dense pimple;
- after this, the pimple on the eyelid breaks out and pus flows out of it, while the pain subsides and the person feels relief.
The inflammatory process prevents the glands in the eye from performing their functions: they cannot protect it from sunlight and cold air, high temperatures and dry environments. Sometimes with barley the patient suffers from a headache, a rise in body temperature and general weakness. Treatment of the disease is usually local; systemic antibiotics for oral administration are extremely rarely prescribed (although it all depends on the age of the sick person and the state of his body’s defenses).
You should not pierce the stye or try to squeeze it out, as these actions can lead to blood poisoning and infection entering the eye.
To treat inflammation in the inner eyelid, the patient may be recommended antibacterial eye drops, local antiseptics and ointments. Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment and general strengthening courses of taking multivitamin preparations can be prescribed as auxiliary means.
Prosyanki
A small white pimple under the eye that does not have a purulent core and does not become inflamed is called prosyanka or milia. This form of formation on the skin occurs due to a large amount of keratinized epithelium, which accumulates in the upper layers of the epidermis. They are small in size, white or light yellow in color with clearly defined edges. Even with the large number of such skin formations, they never merge together.
Millet grains extremely rarely cause inflammatory processes on the skin; this can only happen if their integrity is violated. This condition does not require treatment, but they can be removed to eliminate cosmetic imperfections. Unlike ulcers, boils and barley, millet grass does not hurt and does not bring any discomfort to a person. They often go away on their own without any treatment, but sometimes such formations on the skin can persist near the eye for quite a long time.
This form of acne can occur in both adults and children. They can even appear in a newborn, especially in the first months of life. This is due to the fact that infants go through a difficult adaptation period associated with the formation of the gastrointestinal tract and the establishment of the hormonal system. Their milia usually go away by the third month of life without the use of medications.
Wen (lipoma)
A pimple near the eye or inside the eyelids that is made up of fatty tissue is called a lipoma. Most often, lipomas form in middle-aged people who are overweight or suffer from metabolic disorders. The appearance of a wen can be caused by hormonal imbalance, as well as high cholesterol in the blood. A lipoma does not cause pain, but if it is located inside the eyelid (especially in its corner), it can interfere with blinking and moving the eyeball.
What to do if a wen appears on your eye? First of all, you need to see a doctor, since lipoma needs to be distinguished from other diseases. The wen is usually mobile and soft. When pressing on it, a person does not feel pain or discomfort. A small fatty pimple near the eye, in principle, does not need to be removed if it does not bother the person. But it is better to get rid of internal lipomas on the eyelids through surgery or laser surgery.
Chalazion
Unlike a stye, a chalazion is a chronic disease in which the edge of the eyelid becomes inflamed. Its cause is a blockage of the meibomian gland, due to which the secretion it produces does not flow out. Externally, a chalazion is a dense, painful pimple on the eye on the lower eyelid or a pimple on the upper eyelid, which is light red in color with a gray central zone.
Boils and acne
If the pimple under the eye hurts and has a pronounced purulent core, most likely it is a boil. Usually there are several such elements, but they can also be located individually. It can all start with small red pimples that increase in size over time. Pus accumulates in them and they become painful. Treatment of furunculosis involves the use of antibiotics and antiseptic treatment of the skin around the source of inflammation. If these measures do not help, an autopsy may be necessary in a clinic or hospital setting. You cannot squeeze out boils on your own, as this can lead to a worsening of the person’s condition.
Another type of pimples under the eyes that can occur in both children and adults is acne. Visually, they look like boils, but usually the acne is quite thick with a lot of inflammatory elements. Their appearance is associated with an increase in sebum production and a violation of the protective function of the skin.
Treatment for acne can vary. Antiseptic lotions, antimicrobial creams and ointments, as well as mechanical cleaning by a cosmetologist are the most common options for conservative therapy. Sometimes the doctor may prescribe additional hormones and antibiotics in the form of tablets if the pathology is quite extensive and cannot be treated with local remedies.
Pimples on the eyeball
A pimple inside the eye does not appear as often as on the eyelids or on the skin in this area. Typically, this pathology occurs in older people due to degenerative changes in the conjunctiva. A small pimple on the eyeball may not cause any discomfort, but if it is quite large in size, the patient may experience vision problems.
Such formations are most often located on the white of the eyeball. They are yellowish or white in color. If the pimple does not hurt or become inflamed, the ophthalmologist may advise you not to touch it temporarily. But sometimes removal is necessary, especially if the formation prevents the eyelid from closing normally and moving the eye. There is no conservative treatment for this pathology; it cannot be removed by any local means.
In addition to the above types of acne, there are also small pimples with watery content, which usually appear on the lower eyelids. They are associated with blockage of the sebaceous glands near the eyelash line. Typically, these water pimples are located just below the eyelashes or just above. Elderly people and patients who wear contact lenses and often work with aggressive chemical solutions often complain about them. For treatment, the ophthalmologist usually prescribes rinsing with special agents that neutralize the blockage of the glands and drainage massage.
To prevent the appearance of pimples under the eyes, you need to maintain personal hygiene, not use other people's cosmetics, and avoid weakening your immune system. Since external manifestations on the skin are often just symptoms of internal diseases, you need to adhere to the rules of a healthy lifestyle, eat well and give up bad habits. If any formations appear on the skin, you should immediately consult a doctor, regardless of whether they hurt or not. High-quality, timely diagnosis and treatment are the key to maintaining health and well-being.