Sophie Bennett
Small, white bumps under the eyes, sometimes referred to as chicken skin, can be caused by several conditions, including milia, styes, chalazia, and keratosis pilaris. While these bumps are usually harmless and often disappear without treatment, they can be irritating and cosmetically concerning for some people. It is generally recommended to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Causes | Milia, styes, chalazia, keratosis pilaris, clogged pores, syringoma |
| Appearance | Small, white bumps, cysts, or pimples |
| Texture | Rough, sandpaper-like |
| Location | Under eyes, cheeks, face, upper arms |
| Age | More common in babies, children, and young adults |
| Treatment | Moisturizer, retinol, rose water, humidifier, warm compresses, eye cream, surgery, laser treatment |
| Prevention | Regularly moisturize skin, brief warm baths, use loofah or scrubber to remove dead skin cells |
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What You'll Learn
Keratosis pilaris
The appearance of tiny, rough bumps under the eyes is often referred to as "chicken skin". This condition is usually benign and rarely a cause for concern. However, it can be irritating and make individuals feel self-conscious.
One common cause of "chicken skin" is keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilaris arises from an abnormal, heightened keratin production within the hair follicle. Keratin is a hair protein that the body uses to produce hair, nails, and skin. When keratin accumulates in the follicles, it forms plugs that cause bumps. These bumps can occur anywhere hair follicles are present, including under the eyes, although they are less common in this area.
While there is no cure for keratosis pilaris, various treatments can help minimize irritation and reduce the appearance of bumps. Estheticians recommend a skincare routine that includes gentle exfoliation with a low percentage of lactic acid, the use of a black clay bar or gel moisturiser with urea to gently exfoliate and hydrate the skin, and products containing vitamin A (retinol) to speed up cell turnover and prevent keratin plugs. Consistency in the skincare routine is crucial to controlling the condition.
It is important to note that the skin under the eyes is the thinnest on the face, making it highly fragile. Therefore, it is essential to avoid harsh exfoliants and opt for products specifically formulated for the eye area, as stronger products can lead to irritation and milia formation. If home remedies do not provide relief, consulting a dermatologist for further diagnosis and treatment is recommended.
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Milia
“Chicken skin” under the eyes is usually harmless and not a cause for concern. The bumps are typically the result of a buildup of keratin in the pores. Keratin is a hair protein that the body uses to produce hair. When keratin clogs facial pores, tiny bumps can form, giving the skin a “chicken skin" appearance. This condition is known as keratosis pilaris, and it is common in children and young adults. By the age of 30, most people will no longer experience this condition.
There are different types of milia, including primary milia, which are common in both children and adults, and secondary milia, which occur after skin damage from burns, rashes, blisters, or sunlight exposure. Juvenile milia are cysts that are a symptom of an inherited condition. A rare type of milia called milia en plaque often affects women between the ages of 40 and 60, appearing as clumped-together cysts on a raised patch of skin. Multiple eruptive milia is another rare condition where groups of cysts form over weeks or months on the face, upper arms, and upper abdomen, and these cysts can be itchy.
While milia usually disappear on their own, some people may seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. Retinol is often recommended to help reduce the appearance of bumps under the eyes. However, it is important to use a product designed for the delicate eye area, as stronger retinoids can cause skin irritation and potentially lead to milia formation. It is generally recommended to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
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Styes
Bumps under the eyes that look like "chicken skin" can be caused by various conditions, including milia, styes, and chalazia. Styes are small red bumps that appear along the eyelash line on the upper or lower eyelid. They can also rarely form inside the eyelid. Styes are typically caused by a bacterial infection at the root of the eyelash. They can be painful and exhibit redness and swelling, but they usually go away on their own in a few days. However, if a stye persists for several days, it is recommended to consult a doctor as the infection can spread to the rest of the eyelid and eye area or change into a more serious infection.
While styes usually do not require treatment, applying warm compresses can help them go away more quickly and reduce swelling. People with styes should avoid wearing makeup as it can clog pores and worsen the infection and pain. Although rare, a new growth on the eyelid or around the eye may be a symptom of cancer, usually skin cancer affecting the eye. It is important to contact a doctor immediately if there is any concern about bumps under the eyes, especially if the bump grows, bleeds, or does not go away on its own, to rule out cancer.
To summarise, styes are a common cause of chicken skin-like bumps under the eyes, typically resulting from a bacterial infection at the root of the eyelash. While they often resolve on their own, persistent or severe cases may require medical attention to prevent the spread of infection. In rare cases, eyelid bumps may indicate skin cancer, emphasising the importance of seeking medical advice for persistent or concerning eyelid bumps.
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Chalazia
A chalazion, or chalazia for more than one, is a common condition that affects the eyelid. It is a small lump or swelling on the eyelid caused by a blocked gland. The lump is usually fluid-filled and can occur on both eyes simultaneously, although it is more likely to happen on the upper eyelid. Chalazia often go away and come back and can last for days or weeks without treatment. They are typically not painful.
If you think you have chalazia, it is recommended that you see a doctor. They may suggest certain eye drops or creams, or prescribe medicines or steroid injections if other treatments are ineffective. In severe cases, doctors may need to numb the area and make a small incision to drain the fluid inside. Applying warm, moist heat to the chalazion and gently massaging the area may also help.
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Skin cancer
The "chicken skin" bumps under your eyes are most likely milia—small, white bumps caused by a buildup of keratin in your skin's pores. Keratin is a hair protein that your body uses to produce hair. When keratin clogs facial pores, tiny bumps can form, resembling "chicken skin". Milia are more common in babies and children, but adults can also develop them. They often clear up without treatment, but you can use moisturizers to reduce irritation or prominence.
Another possible cause of "chicken skin" is keratosis pilaris, a benign skin condition that results in patches of rough, raised bumps. Like milia, keratosis pilaris typically disappears on its own and is more common in children and young adults. It is caused by the buildup of keratin and dead skin cells in your pores, which can be addressed by regularly moisturizing your skin and using a loofah-type scrubber, pumice stone, or dry brush to help remove dead skin cells.
While "chicken skin" bumps are usually not a cause for concern, you should consider consulting a dermatologist if the bumps worsen or become more irritating.
If skin cancer is detected, Mohs micrographic surgery is often the treatment of choice for nonmelanoma skin cancers near the eyes. This procedure involves removing thin layers of tissue, examining them under a microscope, and repeating the process until no cancer cells remain. Mohs surgery has a high cure rate and minimizes scarring by sparing healthy tissue. Photodynamic therapy, which uses a drug and laser light to target cancer cells, is another treatment option. Immunotherapy, or biologic therapy, uses your immune system to fight cancer and may be administered as a topical cream for small basal cell carcinomas.
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Frequently asked questions
These bumps are most often the result of a buildup of keratin in your skin's pores. This condition is called milia, and it is a very common skin condition.
No, milia are mostly harmless and not a cause for concern. They are not a type of acne and will usually disappear on their own without treatment.
Milia are small, white bumps that can appear anywhere on the skin, but often show up under the eyes and on the cheeks. They can be white, yellowish, or skin-coloured.
While milia do not require treatment, there are things you can do to make the bumps less irritating or prominent, such as regularly moisturising your skin with lotions and ointments. Retinol is also a good ingredient to help keep the under-eye skin smooth and clear.
While these bumps are usually harmless, it is important to contact a doctor for any skin growth that does not go away, or if the bumps worsen or become more irritating.
