Many eyelid problems are not serious. The NHS says it is fairly common to have a lump that goes away by itself, mildly itchy or sticky eyelids that clear up, or swelling from an insect bite, injury or operation that goes within a week or so.
The NHS advises not diagnosing it yourself. A pharmacist, GP or optician can help, and some symptoms need urgent advice.
Common causes
| Eyelid problem | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Lump or swelling on the eyelid | Stye or chalazion |
| Itchy, flaky, sticky or swollen eyelid | Allergy, blepharitis or conjunctivitis |
| Yellow lump or patch | Xanthelasma (sometimes linked to high cholesterol) |
| Eyelid turning outwards or inwards | Ectropion or entropion |
| Hot, painful and swollen eyelid | Cellulitis |
When to see a GP
See a GP if you are worried, your symptoms are not improving or are lasting a long time, or you have yellow lumps or patches around your eyes. A pharmacist can advise on treating common problems like a stye or conjunctivitis yourself.
When it is urgent
Ask for an urgent GP or optician appointment, or get help from NHS 111, if your swollen eyelid is red, hot, painful, tender or blistered, your eyelid droops suddenly, you cannot open your eye, the pain is in your eye rather than the eyelid, the white of your eye is very red, you have a headache or feel sick, your sight changes, you have a high temperature or feel unwell, or you think it is an allergic reaction.
