Small Lumps Under Your Eyes? You Might Have Syringoma

They appear gradually, often so slowly that you barely notice them at first. Small, flesh-coloured or slightly yellowish bumps, usually sitting just below the eyes or on the upper cheeks. They do not hurt. They do not change much. But once you are aware of them, you cannot stop noticing them, and no amount of concealer quite covers them.

If this sounds familiar, there is a good chance what you are looking at is syringoma. And the good news is that you do not have to just live with them.

What is syringoma?

Syringomas are small benign growths that develop from the sweat ducts in the skin. They are not a skin condition in the way that acne or rosacea is. They are simply a proliferation of sweat duct cells that has formed a visible bump just beneath the surface of the skin.

They are most commonly found in clusters around the lower eyelids and upper cheeks, though they can also appear on the forehead, chest, abdomen and other areas. They tend to be small, usually between one and three millimetres, and sit close to the skin surface. They are almost always flesh-coloured, sometimes with a very slight yellowish tone, and they have a smooth, rounded appearance.

Syringomas are completely harmless. They are not cancerous, they do not become cancerous, and they do not spread in the way that an infection does. But because they tend to appear in clusters and often sit in such a prominent position on the face, they can cause self-consciousness.

Why do we get syringoma?

We do not fully understand why some people develop syringoma, and others do not. What we do know is that they tend to run in families, so there is likely a genetic element. They are more common in women than men, and they most commonly appear during or after puberty, which suggests that hormones may play a role in their development.

Some research has suggested a possible link with Down syndrome and diabetes, though the vast majority of people with syringoma have no underlying health condition at all.

What is clear is that they are not caused by anything you have done. They are not a result of poor skincare, diet or lifestyle. They simply appear, usually in your twenties or thirties, and once they are there, they tend to stay.

How do I know if it is syringoma?

This is an important question, because several different types of bumps can appear around the eyes, and they are not all the same thing. Milia, xanthelasma, sebaceous hyperplasia and other benign growths can all look similar to syringoma. A proper assessment before any treatment is essential.

Can syringoma be treated?

Yes. Syringoma can be treated using advanced diathermy, the same precise electrical current technique I use to treat skin tags, milia, blood spots and a range of other blemishes at my advanced blemish removal clinics in Colchester and Chelmsford. The treatment targets the individual growths, cauterising the tissue without affecting the surrounding skin.

Because syringomas tend to appear in clusters, a course of treatment is usually more realistic than a single session, particularly for larger clusters or those that have been present for a long time. At your assessment, I will review what we are dealing with and give you an honest picture of what is achievable and how many sessions you’ll likely need. For full pricing information, please visit my pricing page.

What about home treatments?

You may have come across various home remedies or over-the-counter products that claim to reduce syringoma. The reality is that because syringoma sits beneath the skin surface rather than on top of it, topical products simply cannot reach them effectively. Skincare can help with the overall appearance of the skin around the area, but it is doubtful that it will remove syringoma.

I would also caution strongly against attempting to remove them yourself or using home devices in this area. The skin around the eyes is delicate, and attempting any kind of removal at home carries a real risk of scarring, infection or damage to the surrounding tissue.

What should I do next?

If you have small lumps under your eyes that you would like assessed and, where appropriate, treated, I would love to help. I work from my private clinics in Colchester and Chelmsford, and appointments include a thorough assessment and skin test where appropriate before any treatment is discussed.

Book online here, send me a WhatsApp, or call 07399 465768. I am always happy to have a quick chat before you commit to anything.