How to deal with small skin tags on the eyelid

Small skin growths on the eyelid can be treated differently depending on the underlying cause, with common causes including insect bites, milia, and styes.

1. Insect bites: If caused by an insect bite, applying a cold compress or ice pack locally may help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. For more severe symptoms, topical medications such as calamine lotion, tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment, or tetracycline hydrochloride and cortisone acetate ophthalmic ointment may be used under medical guidance to relieve local swelling, itching, and other discomforts.

2. Milia: If caused by milia, topical retinoid medications may be used under a doctor's supervision to reduce skin keratinization and control disease progression. Commonly used drugs include tretinoin cream, adapalene gel, and isotretinoin soft capsules.

3. Styes: If caused by a stye, mild cases may be treated with antibiotics as directed by a physician to promote resolution of inflammation. Commonly used medications include levofloxacin eye drops, chlortetracycline eye ointment, and tobramycin eye drops. In severe cases, surgical drainage may be recommended by a doctor.

In addition to the above causes, such growths may also result from meibomian cysts (chalazia), for which medical treatment is advised.