Keloid under the eye: what to know

A keloid can follow trauma, surgery, piercing, or inflammation, but not every bump beneath the eye is a keloid. The skin is thin, and a lesion may sit close to the eyelid, tear drainage system, or eye surface. It may feel firm, itchy, tight, or tender, while a cyst, inflamed spot, or another skin lump can appear similar. A clinician examines the surface, history, movement of the eyelid, and any effect on vision before recommending treatment.

Do not squeeze, pierce, inject, or apply strong acids or untested herbal preparations near the eye. Keep the area clean and protect it from rubbing and sun. If the skin is fully closed, a clinician may discuss a carefully selected silicone product or another treatment. Steroid injections, laser treatment, freezing, and surgery require particular caution here; the method, dose, and distance from the eye must be decided by an appropriately trained clinician.

Arrange medical review for a new or enlarging lump, persistent redness, bleeding, crusting, or pain. Seek urgent care for vision change, eye pain, marked eyelid swelling, difficulty opening the eye, fever, or redness spreading around the eye. These signs need assessment for problems beyond a scar.

Ask how close the lesion is to the eyelid and eye surface, whether an eye specialist should be involved, and which treatment has the lowest risk for this location. Ask how to protect the eye during treatment and what changes need urgent review.