A large, reddish-pink, boil-like swelling near the inner corner of the eye may be more than an ordinary skin blemish. The dark centre and yellowish area could indicate inflammation, infection or trapped pus. Because it is so close to the eye, it needs prompt medical attention.

Possible causes include an infected skin cyst, which develops when skin cells become trapped beneath the surface, or a bacterial boil or abscess, often caused by bacteria entering through a tiny break in the skin. Another possibility is dacryocystitis, an infection of the tear drainage system that can occur when a tear duct becomes blocked. It may cause redness, tenderness, swelling and discharge.

Treatment depends on the cause. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight a bacterial infection. If pus has collected beneath the skin, a medical professional may need to drain it safely. An infected cyst may also require treatment and sometimes removal after the inflammation settles. If the tear duct is involved, an eye specialist may recommend treatment to clear the infection and address the blockage.

⚠️ Seek medical assessment urgently, ideally today. Until then, avoid squeezing, puncturing or touching the swelling. A clean, comfortably warm compress may help, but do not apply acne creams, alcohol or unprescribed ointments near the eye. If you develop fever, rapidly worsening swelling, severe pain, blurred or double vision, or pain when moving the eye, seek emergency care immediately. Early treatment can prevent serious complications. The exact diagnosis cannot be confirmed from a photograph alone.