Cod Liver Oil Is Causing Bumps On My Eyelids

Cod liver oil, a supplement used to increase intake of vitamin D as well as omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, should not cause bumps on your eyelids. This supplement should lower, not raise, your cholesterol. In some cases, high cholesterol levels can cause bumps on the eyelids, called xanthoma palpebrarum. An allergic reaction to cod liver oil could cause hives to appear on your eyelids. See your doctor if you develop bumps on your eyelids that appear to have a relation to your cod liver oil intake.

Potential Allergy

It's possible to develop an allergy to almost any substance. Touching your eyelids after touching cod liver oil could cause a local reaction and rash. Taking cod liver oil by mouth could cause a systemic reaction that could result in hives or other rashes or bumps on your eyelids. If you have a mild reaction to cod liver oil, an antihistamine may control the reaction. If you have shortness of breath or other systemic effects, seeks medical care immediately.

Xanthoma Palpebrarum

Xanthomas, also known as xanthelasmas, are yellowish bumps that develop on the eyelids of around 1 percent of Americans, according to an article published by researchers from the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute in the January 2006 issue of "The American Journal of Medicine." Around 50 percent of people with xanthomas on the eyelid have high cholesterol levels, according to an article published by researchers from the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute in the January2006 issue of "The American Journal of Medicine." Although cod liver oil does contain fat, which some people associate with high cholesterol, the omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil help lower, not raise, lipid levels.

Styes

One of the most common causes of bumps on the eyelid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, styes occur when bacteria gets into the oil glands that keep the eye lubricated, causing an infection. Cod liver oil does not affect your oil glands in the eye and contains no ingredients that would increase your risk of developing styes. Warm water compresses or antibiotic crams prescribed by your doctor may improve styes.

Considerations

If bumps on your eyelid persist over time, bleed, blister, interfere with vision or cause pain, see your doctor. cysts, ingrown hairs or some types of cancer, including melanoma, basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer can also cause eyelid bumps. Your doctor can also determine if you're allergic to cod liver oil and need to avoid it completely.