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Eyelid problems

What to do if you have a lump on your eyelid, or an eyelid that's swollen, sticky, itchy, drooping or twitching.

Most eyelid problems are harmless

Many eyelid problems are not serious.

It's fairly common to have any of these problems:

  • a lump that goes away by itself after 3 or 4 weeks
  • mildly itchy, flaky or sticky eyelids that clear up by themselves
  • swelling from a nearby insect bite, injury or operation that goes away after a week or so
  • twitching or blinking from time to time – often when you're tired
  • eyelids that droop (or get more "hooded") as you grow older

How a pharmacist can help with eyelid problems

A pharmacist might be able to tell you:

  • what you can do to treat it yourself
  • if you can buy anything to help, for example cleaning solutions for sticky eyelids
  • if you need to see an optician or GP

Find a pharmacy

See a GP if:

  • you're worried about an eyelid problem
  • you think it's an allergic reaction
  • it's getting worse or lasting a long time
  • your eyelid is painful or you're in a lot of discomfort
  • you have yellow lumps or patches around your eyes
  • you have a rash on your body as well as lumps on your eyelids
  • you have a very high temperature, or feel hot and shivery, or you generally feel unwell
  • the side of your neck, armpits or groin feel swollen and painful (swollen lymph nodes)

Urgent advice: Get advice from 111 now if:

  • your swollen eyelid is red, hot, painful, tender or blistered
  • your eyelid droops suddenly
  • the pain is in your eye (not your eyelid)
  • the white of your eye is very red, in part or all over
  • you're sensitive to light (photophobia)
  • your eyesight changes – for example, you see wavy lines or flashing
  • you have difficulty breathing
  • your mouth or tongue is swollen
  • you're lightheaded or confused
  • you feel faint or like you might collapse
  • you have blue skin or lips

111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Causes of eyelid problems

Your symptoms might give you an idea of the cause. Do not self-diagnose – see your GP if you're worried.

Page last reviewed: 08/09/2017
Next review due: 08/09/2020