It is normal for us to notice our eyes puffy in the morning, especially if we had a long night's sleep. This inflammation tends to disappear during the first hour, when our body wakes up completely. However, there are times when this swelling does not subside.
This permanent discomfort can cause us discomfort, basically because we do not know why our eyes are in that state. Fortunately, it is rarely anything serious.
Cold compresses for puffy eyes
One of the first solutions for puffy eyes are cold compresses. To use cold compresses for puffy eyes , take note of these indications:
- If you're using cold liquids like water or milk, wet a cotton ball or disc and wring it out well.
- Place each soaked ball or disc on your puffy eyelids or eyes.
- Normally, you only need 10-15 minutes of application.
In the case of a chalazion, it is best to apply warm compresses to help the cyst shrink. If after a few days the bump does not disappear, it is best to go to the doctor, as it can grow so large that it interferes with vision. Likewise, you should go to the doctor if it starts to hurt or there are signs of infection such as high fever.
Sliced potatoes and cucumber to reduce eye inflammation
The slices of some fruits or vegetables such as apples, cucumbers and potatoes can help to eliminate swelling and also redness. To apply potato, apple or cucumber for puffy eyes , follow these steps:
- Leave the fruit or vegetable that you have chosen for the treatment in the fridge for several minutes or a maximum of one hour, thus taking advantage of the benefit of the cold.
- Cut slices that are a little less than half a centimeter thick.
- Place them on the eyes for about 20 minutes and repeat if necessary. You can do this several times a day to relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation in the area.
The application of this type of remedy for puffy eyes is very similar to that used to reduce and reduce puffiness under the eyes, being able to use slices or apply masks made with these natural ingredients only in this area.
Antiallergics and antibiotics
In the event that you have swollen eyelids due to allergies , the most recommended is to take antiallergics or antihistamines . Of course, these should only be used under medical supervision.
Home remedies cannot replace antibiotics in case of bacterial infections . For this reason, it is important to go to the doctor if, in addition to inflammation in the eyes, there is pain, the area is hot or the presence of pus is noted.
Chamomile compresses for puffy eyes
Chamomile is one of the most popular home remedies for eye inflammation. If you are not allergic to this plant, follow these steps to reduce eye inflammation with chamomile :
- Use chamomile in tea bags. If you have chamomile in bulk, then make a bag with a piece of cloth type stocking and a string or thread, to serve as a filter and there is no residue later, and put the dried flowers there.
- Boil a cup of water.
- When it breaks the boil, remove from heat and introduce two bags of chamomile.
- Let it cool completely and, if possible, put it in the fridge. This way you also take advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of cold.
- Put the chamomile bags on your eyes, or soak cotton pads or gauze, for about 15 minutes. If you want to apply again, pour the infusion over the bags or soak new discs or gauze.
Green or black tea
The compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate present in tea has anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, tea also contains polyphenols, quite active antioxidants that can protect you against the action of free radicals. On the other hand, the theine present in the tea reduces inflammation and dark circles, and also gives elasticity to the skin. Preparing tea to remove eye puffiness is practically the same as preparing chamomile.
- Place two tea bags in very hot water, it does not matter if it is green or black tea.
- Let it cool completely and store it in the fridge so that it is very cold when you apply it.
- Apply the bags directly on the eyes, or the gauze or disks, for about 15 or 20 minutes.
- Repeat, if necessary, up to two or three times a day.
In this link you can see How to remove dark circles with green tea to reduce inflammation in the area and recover a more natural skin tone.
Ice to deflate the eyes
It can be ice or a very cold metal object, such as a teaspoon. In any case, the cold has the property of reducing circulation in the tissues (vasoconstriction), which helps reduce inflammation in the area. The cold cools and relieves pain and itching. If you dare to try ice for puffy eyes , take note of these steps:
- Wrap the ice cube in a clean tissue. It is preferable if it is not very thick.
- Apply it to each eye for 3 minutes. Remember that you can also do it with cold teaspoons. The advantage is that they do not give off moisture.
- Remove it and let the eyes rest for about 5 minutes and apply again.
- Do this three times with rest periods between each application.
- If you need it, apply it about three times daily.
Why the eyes swell – the causes
After knowing how to remove puffy eyes in various ways, we want to explain to you why your eyes swell , since knowing the cause will help you to better choose one treatment or another, since treating an allergy or a stye is not the same as treating inflammation due to crying or tired. Inflammation around the eyes means that they have edema, that is, there is excess fluid in the connective tissue that surrounds them. You probably won't feel pain, but that depends on what caused the inflammation. It is also possible that only one eyelid is inflamed, the upper or the lower, but both can also be affected. In most cases, the cause is treatable, but if it persists for a long time or is very painful, it is important to see an ophthalmologist .to rule out more serious conditions. Let’s see what are the most common causes of eye inflammation:
Puffy eyes from crying
Although we do not want to admit it, at some point in our lives we have faced bitter situations that have made us cry profusely for a long time. The result is swollen eyes from crying, with a striking red color. But why are they inflamed?
Emotional tears swell our eyes because the connective tissue around the eyeball absorbs part of the flow of tears that emanate from the tear ducts. In addition, the nervous system responds to our crying and increases blood flow to the face, which further drives facial swelling.
Allergies
If, in addition to inflammation, the eyes become red and there is a rather annoying itching, the cause is most likely allergic. Fortunately, it is almost never dangerous. The common allergens that cause these reactions are dust and pollen, although it can be another factor that is in the environment.
Cosmetics
Whether it's because they got into one or both eyes, or caused an allergic reaction to someone sensitive, the consequence is allergy swollen eyelids . They will also be watery and red.
Sties
Styes are quite annoying and, if not treated in time, they can greatly swell the eyelid where they occur. It is the infection by bacteria in any of the glands of the eyes, lacrimal or sebaceous. Here you can learn more about How to cure an internal stye .
Chalazion
Although it looks like a stye, it really isn't. The chalazion is a cyst that is produced by the obstruction of the sebaceous glands found in the eye. Another difference with the stye is that they rarely cause pain unless they grow very large. It is possible that after the appearance of the first one, more will appear.
Blepharitis
Some medical conditions also cause puffy eyes. For example, one of them is blepharitis, a chronic and incurable inflammatory condition that affects the eyelids. Treatment is aimed at reducing the symptoms of each period of exacerbation. In this other article we talk about how to cure blepharitis .
Eye herpes
Another disease is ocular herpes. This produces recurrent attacks in one or both eyes and one of its first symptoms is inflammation around them.
Graves disease
On the other hand, Graves-Basedow disease also causes swelling around the eyeball. This condition is a type of hyperthyroidism. An overactive thyroid produces cells directed at fighting an eye infection that doesn't really exist.
Conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva of the eye is the connective tissue that covers and surrounds the entire ocular surface. When it becomes inflamed, whether due to allergies or bacterial or viral infections, the eyes swell and become red. In this other article you will be able to know how to cure conjunctivitis .
