Um, is that a pimple on my eyelid?

You have probably experienced pimples on chest, back and maybe even on the ass (don't worry, ass quite normal and often), but have you ever had acne on your eyelids? Pimples on the eyelids are a thing, but they can be tricky to deal with because they can be difficult to properly identify. After consulting with New York-based board certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert Dr. Hadley King, we learned how to identify the different types. pimples on the eyelids and what you can if you get them.

Is it possible to get acne on the eyelids?

"While pimples can appear around the eyes, if you're dealing with something that looks like a pimple right on your eyelid, it's probably a stye," says Dr. King. The reason the bulge on your eyelid is likely stye is because you don't usually have sebaceous glands in that area. “Acne forms when the sebaceous glands become clogged,” says Dr. King. "A stye forms when specialized glands in the eyelids called the meibomian glands become blocked." The best way to tell if a bulge is a pimple or a style is to determine its location. If it's right on your eyelid, lash line, under your lash line, or internal tear duct, it's probably a stye. Also, if you develop white pimples on your eyelids, it may not be a pimple or stye at all, but a skin condition called milia. Milia are commonly mistaken for whiteheads and they can appear anywhere on your face, but they are most common around the eyes. They look like tiny white bumps and are caused by a buildup of keratin under the skin. 

How to solve barley 

The stye usually goes away on its own after a few days. Dr. King explains that it is very important to be gentle when working with barley. “Gently but thoroughly rinse the affected area and apply a warm compress,” she says. 

How to deal with Milia 

According to the Mayo Clinic, milia resolves on its own within a few weeks or months without the need for medication or topical treatment. That being said, if you're using topical products to get rid of milia and don't see a difference, then you most likely have a pimple. Also note that it is important not to poke, rub, or pick at the milia, as this can cause irritation and possible infection. 

How to get rid of acne near the eyelids

As we have learned, eyelid pimples are unlikely due to the lack of sebaceous glands, but if you have a pimple near or around your eyelid, check with your dermatologist to see if you can try a topical skin care product. products with acne-fighting ingredients can help. A great facial cleanser that you can add to your routine is the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser because it contains benzoyl peroxide, which helps clear up pimples and prevent new blemishes from forming.