tiny, acne like bumps on the outside of upper and lower eyelids

[megangrimes]

Hi, about 2 months ago, I noticed a small flesh colored "pimple" like bump on the outside of my lower eyelid, at least an inch down from my eye. I replaced my mascara and that cleared up the bump. After a few weeks, I developed three more of the same "pimple" like bumps, 2 around the same area on my lower eyelid, and one on my upper eyelid.  Again on the outside of the lid, not underneath.  My eye does not itch, is only mildly red, and just a little bit swollen, my lower eyelid became very dry and flaky.  I am a nurse and I asked a PA what he thought they were and he said styes.  I don't know if I believe his diagnosis. I thought styes only developed around the inside of the eyelids?  I have been treating my eye with Tobradex ointment, and massaging the ointment into my eyelids.  Also, I have not been wearing any eye makeup.  I plan on replacing all of my makeup and brushes, to prevent a reinfection.  Does this sound like my problem is styes?  I am including a photo of my eye.  The bump on my upper eyelid appears white, but in reality it is flesh colored.  The visible bump on my lower lid is flesh colored as well, and a little hard to see in the photo, it is toward the middle of my eye.  Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[megangrimes]

Thank you!

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Use warm compress four times per day if they are styes.  You probably have blepharitis.  See an EyeMD.

Dr. O.