How To Get Rid Of Puffy Eyes Caused By Allergies

Treatment Options For Swollen Eyelids

You can treat most cases of eyelid swelling at home with easy home treatments such as cold compresses for periodic eye redness and swelling.

Chronic cases should be examined by a doctor immediately.

Common medical treatments for swollen eyes include:

• Allergy treatments
• Antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infections
• Antiviral eye drops for viral eye infections such as herpes
• Administration of corticosteroids to ease the inflammation
• Incision and drainage of styes and chalazions
• Surgical removal of foreign objects in the eyelid

Common home remedies for swollen eyelids include the following:

• Clean the skin around your affected eyelids gently using water and baby shampoo, then gently pat the area dry.
• Use artificial tears to rinse and moisten your eyes if you’re experiencing dry eyes
• Apply cool compresses on the affected area
• Rest with your head elevated to drain fluids away from the eyes
• Avoid contact lenses until your swollen eyelids fully recover

Contact a healthcare expert immediately away if your eyelids swell as a result of a serious allergic reaction.

Self-care techniques may still help minimize swelling. An injection of epinephrine at the doctor’s office or emergency room may be required to calm the reaction.

Natural Ways To Reduce Puffy Eyes

Having puffy eyes is certainly not anyones favorite look so here are simple but helpful remedies to get rid of eye puffiness:

Avoid high-sodium foods: Stay away from processed and fast foods, because they are filled with sodium which increases fluid retention. Try to go all organic and natural munch on veggies, nuts, seeds and fruits instead! To season meals, use Himalayan salt rather than the usual, processed table salt.

Eat collagen-rich foods. Foods that are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Omega 3are known to aid in the creation of collagen. Some good sources include tuna, salmon, tomatoes, spinach, kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, berries, oysters and citrus fruits. You can check out Food Renegade for more collagen rich foods.

Drink more water. Gulp! Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day may help balance salt levels in our body, which reduces swelling caused by water retention.

Log a good nights sleep! Set a bedtime routine and stick to it. Get at least 7 hours of sleep. Be good to your eyes, let them rest too!

Prop some pillows. Sleep with your head slightly elevated to drain the congested fluids from your eyes naturally.

Having the head and neck elevated helps encourage lymphatic drainage and prevent puffiness.

Move it! Exercise todrain the lymphatic fluids. Jump rope and rebounding are simple forms of exercise that help prevent swelling. You can also do yoga, Pilates and stretching mild exercises that keep the lymph flowing nicely.

What am I eating?

Puffy Eyes Caused By Allergies: Triggers And Treatments

• Puffy eyes are often due to allergic reactions and can be triggered by such irritants as pet dander, dust mites and mold.
• Puffy eyes are a result of three different forms of allergies: airborne, contact and ingested.
• Several over the counter and prescription treatments are available to treat the causes and symptoms of puffy eyes.

The eyes are typically where the signs of allergies are most commonly seen, including swollen and watery eyes, redness and itching. A variety of treatments exist, including home remedies, OTC and prescription medications.

The treatment you choose will often depend on the severity of the allergic reaction and the root cause.

Contents

• When to See a Doctor

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What Can I Do To Help Treat Swollen Eyes After Cat Exposure

AAFA’s “Ask the Allergist” is a free service provided by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America . Our allergist will answer your questions about asthma and allergies. We provide only general advice about managing asthma or allergies, medicines and treatments. “Ask the Allergist” does not answer questions about specific consumer products. This information is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Always talk with your doctor before changing your asthma or allergy management plan.

You can submit your own question to “Ask the Allergist.”

This would depend on the cause of the eyelid swelling. It may be the cat, or a reaction to a different or additional trigger. I suggest he visit a board-certified allergist who can help with a diagnosis and identify his trigger. Once the trigger is officially diagnosed, a treatment plan can be developed.

If he is developing allergic conjunctivitis and red itchy eyes with swelling, it may be caused by an airborne allergen. Oral and ocular antihistamines may be helpful.

If the symptoms are only eyelid swelling with a rash on the eyelid, it may be contact dermatitis caused by a chemical.

Douglas T. Johnston D.O. FAAAAI, FACAAI

When Are Puffy Eyes A Medical Problem

Puffy eyes can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition. However, this is rare and often there are other symptoms. If having puffy eyes is causing you pain or discomfort, its best to get it checked by your GP.

FAQs

There are some temporary, at home remedies that may help to reduce swollen eyes such as:

• Drinking more fluids, to prevent dehydration
• Applying a cold compress to closed eyes
• Applying cucumber slicers or chilled tea bags to closed eyes

If you are concerned about your puffy or swollen eyes, you should see your GP or local pharmacy for advice.

Did you know?

Most cases of puffy eyes are harmless and tend to be down to not getting enough sleep or having too much salt in your diet. Sometimes puffy eyes can be a sign of an infection or allergy, so wed recommended you visit your GP to get it checked.

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The Bottom Line On How To Reduce Puffy Eyes

Although you may experience puffy eyes from time to time for a number of reasons, including fluid retention, allergies and skin ageing, there are things you can start doing today that help tackle this common skin concern. Lifestyle changes together with a helping hand from an effective eye cream like Olay Eyes Ultimate can help you reduce the look of puffy eyes and reveal younger-looking skin and an all-round more glowing complexion.

Do I Need To See A Doctor For My Puffy Eyes

Probably not, Dr. Gabriel says. Puffy eyes are generally going to be caused by anatomical factors, along with environmental factors, such as allergies, or extra fluid retention from PMS. Normally, they’re not going to be a red flag for a more serious condition.

However, Dr. Gabriel says, if you suspect your puffy eyes may be linked to a thyroid issue, or if you’re having pain behind your eyes, or an abnormally severe case of water retention, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Other than that, any puffiness you have around your eyes is totally normal, and nothing to be worried about or embarrassed of. If you do want de-puff and minimize the appearance of undereye bags, the products below can help you out.

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Consuming Too Much Sodium

You should only be consuming up to 2,300 mg of sodium a day. But if you consume much more than this, your body may retain more water than usual. This can cause a bloated appearance everywhere, including the eyes and face, says Diaz.

How to fix it: Limiting your sodium intake can help prevent puffy eyes in the future. You can cut back on sodium by:

• Tracking the sodium content of what you eat and drink
• Limiting high-sodium foods like canned soup
• Preparing your own meals instead of eating packaged processed food

Are Puffy Eyes A Sign Of A Medical Condition

When they occur unexpectedly, swollen eyes sometimes signal an underlying medical problem.

For example, people with thyroid eye disease can develop swelling of tissue and muscles around their eyes. Also, bulging eyes can signal a thyroid disorder known as Graves’ disease.

Eye allergies related to conditions such as hay fever can also produce swollen eyes. Other types of allergies, such as reactions to certain foods or chemicals, can also cause swollen eyelids.

During an allergic reaction, certain cells in the body release a chemical called histamine that has many adverse effects on body tissues, including fluid leakage from the blood vessels. These fluids become trapped in surrounding tissues, causing oedema.

Puffy, swollen eyelids and dark circles under the eyes can occur when you have an eye infection such as conjunctivitis. These swollen eyes are caused by inflammation associated with the eye infection, which directly affects the neighbouring eyelids. Also, dry eyes can cause general puffiness and swelling.

Systemic diseases including kidney failure can also lead to general swelling throughout the body, including around the eyes.

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What Are Puffy Eye Bags

You need to know that eye bags and puffiness are simply fluid retention in that area. The skin around the eyes is thin anyways, plus, as we age, it starts losing elasticity, making fluid retention, puffiness, and dark circles much more visible.

Our second important point is to make a difference between puffy eyes and swollen eyes. For instance, a swollen eyelid can be a medical emergency caused by an infection thats completely different from eye puffiness.

Quick Remedies For A Swollen Eyelid

For eyelid inflammations, these quick tips can help prevent infection and improve most symptoms.

• Wash hands regularly and avoid touching the affected eye. Conditions like styes are contagious, and you risk it spreading to the other eye with excessive touching or rubbing.
• Apply a warm compress multiple times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time.
• Wash bedding and towels often and when you notice symptoms.
• Avoid lotion or other cosmetics near the swollen eyelid
• Eye drops can help combat eye dryness or flush out any irritants

If conditions dont improve over a few days, consult your doctor for recommended treatment options.

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How Bad Can Swollen Eyes Get

Eye allergies are also known as allergic conjunctivitis, but unlike other forms of conjunctivitis , eye allergies are not contagious, notes the American Academy of Ophthalmology . And eye allergies usually affect both eyes.

In addition to burning or teary, watery eyes, allergies may make you sensitive to light, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America . A runny nose, cough, or headache often go hand in hand with eye allergies. The AAFA also adds that your vision may be briefly blurry and you may feel distracted or sluggish and unproductive.

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Applying A Face And Eye Cream

Many face and eye creams may help combat puffiness, cool down the eye area, and constrict blood vessels.

Creams may contain ingredients such as:

• retinol

Look out for organic products that have not undergone testing in animals.

One suggests that a topical eye cream containing complex carbohydrates and natural extracts can improve puffiness around the eyes.

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When Should You See A Doctor For Eyelid Swelling

In some cases, eyelid swelling is a symptom of a serious condition that should be immediately evaluated by a medical professional. Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

• Acute loss of vision

• Eyelid swelling after head trauma

• symptoms, which may include swollen tongue, lips or mouth itching and or feeling like your throat is tight

• General edema throughout the body, which may be noticeable in your feet and ankles too

• High fever with red and tender areas

• Neck stiffness

• Protruding or bulging eye with redness, fever and pain, as these are signs of infection in the eye socket

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What Causes Eye Allergies

Eye irritation from allergies can occur when allergens in the air, such as pollen, pet dander or dust, come into contact with the thin membrane that covers the eyeball. When this membrane, called the conjunctiva, becomes irritated, a substance called histamine is released. Histamine can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as swollen eyes from allergies.

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Why Is My Eyelid Swollen

Swollen eyelids are a fairly common eye condition caused by inflammation or excess fluid in the connective tissues surrounding the eye. Depending on the cause, swollen eyelids can sometimes be somewhat painful, affecting the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. Swollen eyes can also be caused by many other factors, including allergies, styes, a blocked gland, traumatic eye injury, and conjunctivitis .

What Are The Treatments And Home Remedies For Puffy Eyes

For normal puffy eyes that are not caused by other eye conditions, there are many ways to reduce the swelling. The following is a list of ways to treat puffy eyes:

• Wash face with ice cold water
• Ice or cold packs
• Increase vitamin and mineral intake
• Drink plenty of water to clean out your system
• If puffy eyes are caused by allergies, discontinue using the item that causes the allergic reaction doctors may also provide shots or prescribe medication
• Cream for puffy eyes: Try a soothing eye cream with aloe and Vitamin E also look into certain products such as Revitalume and Swanson Creams Vitamin K cream
• Eye masks to apply mild pressure to the eyelids at night

You may have noticed that common cucumber and tea bag treatment methods are not mentioned here. This is because these items are not recommended by eye care professionals. Cucumbers are over 90 percent water, and the rest is mainly inert fiber.

Although cucumbers do reduce puffy eyes, it is the coldness of the cucumber that does the trick, not the cucumber itself. Coldness is known to constrict blood vessels, which reduces the flow of fluid into soft tissues.

Eye care professionals recommend using a washcloth dipped in cold water, which has the same effect. The reason cucumbers are not recommended is that food sometimes contains bacteria. Putting a possible bacteria source directly onto the eyes can lead to eye infections. The same is true of tea bags.

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How To Get Rid Of Puffy Eyes: 14 Surefire Ways To Depuff

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There are some things that we dont wish to wake up with, and puffy eyes are certainly one of them. Yup, it can be just a little beauty problem with an array of quick remedies. But the bigger problem comes in when we take it for granted and not realize that our eyes are actually telling us something more serious about our bodies!

My puffy eyes were related to eating too much licorice. My sister was a sufferer of puffy eyes too because she got problems with candida and leaky gut. Will tell you more about that later.

Oftentimes, it really works to simply connect the dots to find the root cause of your symptoms.

At this stage in life, we do get more sensitive to food. Too many also develop insulin resistance, and youll know why as you read through. Definitely we must pay more attention to what we eat because surprisingly, what we eat does not only affect us in a gradual run but sometimes, straightaway!

Puffy eyes have always had the reputation of being stubborn and not making our day. And what do we do? We oftentimes rush to the nearest mall to try all these countless brands of eye creams and serums! Sure, these beauty products can hide our little stubborn friends. But for how long can we really appease ourselves that these cover-ups are good enough, even if we are fully aware that they only work temporarily?

Tips To Ease Swollen Eyes

Remember, these are your eyes were talking about, so check with your doctor or ophthalmologist before you try any treatment. But if you’re looking for relief, consider the following home remedies and medical interventions.

Wash your face. Washing your face is one of the first things you should do to combat itchy, swollen eyes, says Ogbogu. It can help wash away the allergens sticking to your skin and eyelashes.

Rinse out the eyes. “Rinse out the eyes if you can with a little bit of water, and that’s usually helpful,” Ogbogu says. That will loosen the allergens from the inside of your eyes and help to flush them out.

Apply a cold compress. “Cold compresses around the eyes can be helpful with itching and swelling,” says Ogbogu. Soak a towel or washcloth in cold water or refrigerate a damp cloth or eye pillow. Then lie down with the compress across your eyes to let the coolness reduce swollen eyelids.

Try allergy eye drops. Ogbogu suggests trying an over-the-counter eye drop made to soothe itchy, swollen eyes caused by allergies. An ophthalmologist might prescribe an antihistamine eye drop. The AAO cautions that using these drops for more than three days may actually increase irritating symptoms.

Mast cell stabilizer eye drops can also be effective, preventing the release of histamines in your body. Unlike antihistamines, these need to be administered before exposure to an allergen in order to prevent itching, notes the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

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What Causes Bags Under The Eyes

There are several reasons people get puffy eyes, including:

• High-salt diet: Eating a lot of salty foods causes you to retain water and leads to swelling.
• Allergies: Congestion and inflammation from allergies can sometimes exacerbate under-eye puffiness.
• Medical conditions: Some health conditions such as thyroid problems can cause the eyes to become swollen.
• Genetics: Having under-eye bags can be a physical characteristic that runs in your family.
• Natural aging process: Loss of firmness in the skin and muscles happens as you age.