How to remove puffiness under the eyes? Why does puffiness occur under the eyes: all the causes in adults and children Puffiness under the eyes causes in women

Puffiness of the eyelids is a common problem for both women and men, although representatives of the stronger sex rarely pay attention to this. But bags under the eyes are not only a cosmetic defect, but also a common symptom of many diseases.

The most common cause of swelling under the eyes is fluid retention; such bags go away on their own in the afternoon, thanks to improved blood circulation and the process of removing excess fluid during wakefulness.

If swelling persists throughout the day, this may indicate an increase in fiber. Darkening of the skin under the eyes also indicates this defect, which is most often a genetic predisposition. Even a small increase in fiber volume is so noticeable due to its ability to accumulate fluid.

Also, the cause of redness under the eyes and swelling is a decrease in elasticity and stretching of the membrane with the formation of a hernial protrusion associated with age-related changes. The older a person is, the more often he or she develops swelling of the eyelids.

Causes of puffiness under the eyes in the morning

Let's figure out why swelling of the floor of the eyes can occur.

If your eyelids swell only in the morning, this may be due to:

• lymph stagnation;
• fluid accumulation;
• lack of fluid in the body;
• tears before bedtime;
• insomnia;
• high blood pressure, kidney, thyroid or heart disease.

Harmless swelling

Swelling under the eyes does not always indicate the presence of a disease. Often this condition of the eyelids is provoked by irritants that do not pose a health hazard:

Poor nutrition

• Often the cause of swollen eyes in the morning is excess fluid drunk before bed. The kidneys simply do not have time to remove excess water from the body, and it is distributed throughout the tissues.
• The condition of the eyelids is negatively affected by alcohol, salty, smoked and spicy foods, which disrupt the physiological process of removing fluid from the body and retaining it.
• Not drinking enough water during the day also leads to the formation of puffiness under the eyes. When there is a lack of fluid, the body begins to actively store it in the tissues, so try to drink at least two liters of fluid per day.

The body's response to various stimuli

• Crying heavily can lead to swelling of the eyelids. Increased secretion of fluid from the lacrimal canal leads to an increased rush of blood in the eye area and, as a result, fluid accumulates in the tissues of the periocular tissue.
• Prolonged tension in the eye muscles caused by prolonged reading, sitting at a computer for a long time, working with small objects, driving a car, and lack of oxygen lead to the appearance of edema.
• Contact of caustic fumes or a foreign body on the mucous membrane of the eye will cause a protective reaction in the form of swelling of the eyelids. This occurs due to increased activity of the lacrimal glands and blood flow to the affected area.
• Insomnia, lack of sleep, and interrupted sleep affect not only a person’s physical and psychological well-being, but also the condition of his eyes and the appearance of swelling after sleep.
• It is undesirable to sleep without a pillow or with your head down. In this position, the normal lymphatic and venous drainage from the head is disrupted, which leads to swelling around the eyes.
• Cigarette smoke contains many toxic substances. Smoking poisons the body with chemicals and causes hypoxia, which leads to eye irritation and swelling.
• A blow to the forehead, eyes, bridge of the nose or head injury causes swelling of the eyelids. The liquid that appears when tissues and small capillaries are damaged forms a protective edema. If there is even slight damage to the eye area, it is necessary to visit a doctor to avoid inflammation and disruption of the functioning of the visual organs.

By the way, while reading our article, don’t forget to take a break for an eye exercise. The exercise is very simple: Stand in front of a window and find two points for focus, one point on the glass itself, the second a point in the distance, and alternately focus your gaze on one point, then on the second. This way you will not only give your eyes a rest and allow the lens of the eye to maintain its functions.

Physiological reasons

• Weight gain and age-related changes in muscles, ligaments and skin can manifest as swelling of the eyelids.
• An individual or hereditary structural feature of the eyelids and excess fatty tissue.

Additional factors that provoke edema in women

• The use of low-quality cosmetics, especially their untimely rinsing, often leads to swelling of the eyelids and irritation of the eyes.
  Excessive application of moisturizing creams to the skin around the eyes leads to oversaturation of tissue cells with moisture.
• “Beauty injections” with Botox impair lymphatic drainage for some time, which leads to the formation of swelling of the eyelids.
• During the last trimester of pregnancy, due to the heavy load on the kidneys, and at the end of the menstrual cycle, under the influence of estrogens, it is more difficult for a woman’s body to remove excess fluid, which provokes the appearance of edema.

Pathological causes

• Allergic reaction. Water with a high chlorine content, light, food, cosmetics, etc. can also be an allergen. Swelling is observed for a long time if a person is constantly in contact with the allergen. But it is necessary to exclude the influence of the irritating factor, and the eyelids will return to their normal state. Allergies also manifest as itching and pain in the eyes, increased lacrimation and nasal congestion. Allergic swelling disappears quickly, but returns just as easily if the irritant is re-exposed.
• Pathology of the cardiovascular system. Swollen eyes and legs, especially in the evening, can be signs of heart disease. Due to poor outflow of venous blood from the head and face, unilateral edema appears. Also, problems with blood vessels are accompanied by surges in blood pressure, cold skin of the upper and lower extremities, and dizziness. Vascular and cardiac edema require constant treatment and supervision by a specialist.
• Liver diseases. With such problems, in addition to swelling of the eyelids, the hands, especially the fingers, also swell. Heartburn, nausea, yellowness of the skin and whites of the eyes, pain under the right hypochondrium, and dark urine are observed. Often, liver dysfunction does not appear for a long time, due to the ability of this organ to self-heal.
• Kidney diseases are accompanied not only by swelling of the eyes, but also by swelling of the patient’s entire face. If the disease is not treated, the swelling will spread to the abdomen, legs, lower back, and genitals. Other symptoms of kidney problems include dysuria, dark urine, and hypertension. Renal edema is characterized by its movement to other parts of the body.
• Intervertebral hernia in the cervical spine may cause unilateral eye swelling. This disease manifests itself as headaches, lack of coordination, neck pain, etc. A herniated disc can be asymptomatic for a long time; the only sign of trouble is the appearance of edema.
• Inflammatory processes. Edema of this nature occurs due to an infectious process occurring in nearby organs. For example, inflammation of the nasal sinus can lead to swelling of the eye on the same side. Conjunctivitis, inflammation of the facial nerve, tear duct, ciliary bulb and periorbital tissue can also lead to swelling under the eyes. An infection on the face or in the eye area is a serious danger!
• Eye diseases often cause the formation of edema localized on the affected area. Such diseases include:

1. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid, accompanied by itching, the appearance of scales and bleeding
2. Ptosis– drooping of the upper eyelid. The disease can be acquired as a result of injury or palsy of the optic nerve or congenital. Depending on the degree of manifestation, ptosis can be partial or complete.
3. Chalazion– chronic inflammation of the meibomian gland. The disease is manifested by the formation of a “pea” under the skin of the eyelid and its swelling.
4. Barley– inflammation of the sebaceous gland near the root of the eyelash or the hair follicle itself, often purulent. It manifests itself as painful swelling of the affected eyelid and constant itching.
5. Eversion of the century- a pathology in which the eyelid moves away from the eye and exposes the conjunctiva. Most often, the disease affects the lower eyelid and is accompanied by swelling and profuse lacrimation.
6. Scleritis– inflammation of the sclera, accompanied by swelling and hyperemia of the eyelids and sclera

If severe swelling under the eyes appears frequently and does not go away during the day, this indicates that a person has a disease and should consult a doctor.

When do you need to see a doctor urgently?

Puffy eyelids can have many causes, but if you experience the following symptoms in addition to bags under your eyes: You need to urgently consult a doctor:

• temperature increase;
• painful urination and change in urine color;
• headache;
• weight gain;
• lower back pain;
• nasal discharge;
• shortness of breath and increased neck size;
• menstrual irregularities;
• swelling in the legs.

Prevention of occurrence

If swelling of the eyelids has just begun to appear and has not become a permanent phenomenon, you should take the necessary measures as soon as possible to prevent this unpleasant phenomenon. What to do if swelling appears under the eyes:

• First of all, you need to get enough sleep. On average, a person needs 8 hours for proper rest.
  Be sure to drink at least two liters of water during the day. It is advisable to limit fluid intake a few hours before bedtime.
• Avoid or minimize your intake of smoking, alcohol, candy and chocolate.
• Watch the amount of salt in your food, because it contributes to fluid retention in the body.
• Do not overstrain your eyes while working at the computer; to do this, take at least ten-minute breaks every hour.
• Don't forget to remove makeup before going to bed and don't overuse moisturizers.
• Spend time outdoors, but apply sunscreen to your eyelids before going outside.
• Eat more fruits, vegetables and berries rich in vitamin C and fiber.
• Regularly do special exercises for your eyes and eyelids: you need to look down, right, up and left, while trying not to squint and move your eyes smoothly. Close and open your eyes several times. These exercises for swelling should be done several times during the day.
• For swelling of the eyelids, lymphatic drainage massage is a great help, which can be done not only in a beauty salon, but also on your own at home. It only takes ten minutes in the morning and evening, but will help cope with puffiness. Start with a head massage, then massage your forehead from the center to your temples, pressing several times on your temples for four seconds. After these manipulations, lightly tap with your fingers, without actually pressing on the skin, massage the area around the eyes

Eyes, as the famous saying goes, are the mirror of the soul and a very important and sensitive organ of the human body. Even slight irritation, itching, swelling of the eyelids or dark circles is not only a cosmetic effect that affects the external image of a modern person, but also a problem that can cause significant physical discomfort.

Stress, poor environment, bad habits and poor nutrition are quite common phenomena in the life of a modern person, leading to the formation of “bags” under the eyes.

If the appearance of edema is caused by tears or consumption of large amounts of liquid before bedtime, then this effect is temporary and does not threaten health. But the cause of swelling can be a variety of diseases and disorders of the normal functioning of organs.

For example, disorders of the heart, kidneys or thyroid gland, diseases of the nervous system and problems with the digestive system. In this case, cosmetics and traditional medicine are not a solution and you should consult a doctor to find out and eliminate the original cause of swelling under the eyes.

Swelling can also appear under different eyes: left or right. Here it is worth observing the swelling, its duration, and whether it is only a cosmetic defect. If the swelling under the right or left eye does not go away, then to find out the cause of the appearance you need to consult a doctor: an ophthalmologist or an ENT specialist, who will already make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. You may need eyelid surgery.

• Main causes of swelling

Main causes of swelling

In the eyelid area, subcutaneous fat is especially loose, so it retains fluid well. It is generally accepted that bags and swelling are a problem for those who drank too much alcohol the day before or simply drank a lot of tea or other drinks, but in fact there are many more reasons for puffiness under the eyes.

Poor quality sleep

“Lack of rest leads to a lack of oxygen in the tissues, venous blood accumulates in the area under the eyes, lymph stagnates - as a result, edema forms,” warns Vichy medical expert Elena Eliseeva.

If you sleep too long, your face will look puffy from lying down for too long. And sleeping in an uncomfortable or unphysiological position on a pillow that is too low will lead to tissue compression and impaired blood flow.”

Kidney diseases

If swelling under the eyes is too noticeable and the face as a whole does not look its best, it makes sense to take a urine test and visit a nephrologist. You should not prescribe a diuretic on your own; this can lead to an imbalance of mineral salts in the body, which can have serious health consequences.

Sudden swelling of the eyelids can be caused by allergies. For example, for cosmetics © iStock

Improper eyelid skin care

Moisturizer will only cause morning puffiness of the eyelids if you apply it immediately before bed. When you remain motionless in a horizontal position, the active components of the product stagnate in the loose tissues around the eyes, attracting water and forming swelling.

The conclusion is simple: apply night cream 1-2 hours before going to bed, avoiding the area of ​​the moving eyelid. Then the hydraulic clamps will do their job perfectly.

Age-related changes

Tissues that have lost elasticity begin to sag with the slightest increase in fluid volume.

Poor nutrition

Swelling is caused by too salty or spicy food eaten the night before. Salt retains water in the body, the intercellular substance literally swells, the lymph flow stagnates, so swelling under the eyes persists for at least a couple of days.

Sudden swelling

Redness of the skin of the eyelids, itching, burning, tears - if these signs appear suddenly, the cause may be an allergy, for example, to an insect bite, food, cosmetics, etc.

Lower eyelid hernia

This phenomenon has nothing to do with swelling of the eyelids, and it cannot be eliminated with the help of cosmetics. In this case there are two ways out:

1. 1

   conceal bags with concealer;

2. 2

   seek help from a plastic surgeon and make a correction.

If swelling is accompanied by lethargy, sensitivity to cold, and weight gain, make an appointment with an endocrinologist to diagnose the condition of the thyroid gland.

Unilateral swelling

If swelling appears only under one eye, consult a doctor. As a rule, this is a consequence:

trauma with vascular damage;

tissue innervation disorders;

infections.

Sometimes one-sided stagnation of lymph occurs if you sleep all night in an uncomfortable position. But in this case, the swelling will last no more than an hour.

The tendency to edema is determined by a genetic factor, not gender © iStock

Swelling of the eyelid skin in women: possible causes

Genetics is mainly responsible for the tendency to edema. Salty foods or an extra cup of tea before bed can also trigger morning bags under the eyes.

“The causes of puffiness in women and men are the same, except that the stronger sex is not at risk of allergies to mascara or new eye shadow,” Elena Eliseeva is sure.

Why does swelling occur under the eyes in children?

If your child's eyes appear puffy, there may be several explanations.

Heredity.

Anatomical features of the structure of the skull.

Non-compliance with diet and abuse of fast food and salty snacks.

Whims and long crying.

Sometimes swelling of the eyelids in a child is a symptom of pathology (anemia, hypothyroidism, heart or kidney disease). To rule out these causes, consult your doctor.

How to prevent edema

If we are talking specifically about bags under the eyes, and not about a hernia, which can only be treated surgically, it is enough to follow simple recommendations.

Sleep correctly

For good health, eight hours of good sleep in a well-dark and ventilated room is enough. Take care of an orthopedic pillow and try to sleep on your back - if you lie on your stomach or side, fluid can more easily accumulate in the area under the eyes. Pure physics.

Play sports

Active movements disperse lymph, which means they prevent swelling. If you can't go to the gym, try to walk as much as possible. The norm for a healthy person is 10,000 steps per day.

Morning puffiness under the eyes can be caused by lack of sleep © iStock

Take proper care of the eye area

Use a special product to remove eye makeup.

When rubbing your face with milk or toner, do not stretch the skin.

Do not use products with a greasy texture to remove eye makeup - they tend to increase swelling.

After applying eye cream, place your palms on your face, pressing their bases against the lower orbital bone. Sit in this position for a few seconds.

How to choose cosmetics if you are prone to puffy eyes

When choosing a product to care for the eye area, pay attention to the composition. The main heroes in the fight against eyelid swelling are listed in the table.

Caffeine has a draining effect and is good at reducing swelling © iStock

Components of cosmetics against puffiness under the eyes

Review of anti-puffy eye products

Restorative

Morning puffiness of the eyes is not always just a harmless cosmetic defect. Loose bags and dark circles under the eyes can be the result of a serious illness. You can remove temporary swelling yourself at home using available means. Painful swelling requires seeing a doctor, diagnosis and treatment along with the disease.

The appearance of bags under the eyes that do not decorate the face after waking up in the morning irritates not only the fair half of humanity, but also men. Swelling of the periocular area is associated with the accumulation of fluid in the periorbital area and is often accompanied by dark or bluish circles around the eyes.

The skin in the eye area is the thinnest, most sensitive and prone to dryness due to the lack of sebaceous glands. The thin layer of the epidermis does not hide the small blood vessels that penetrate the periorbital region. Tissues swollen from edema compress blood vessels, disrupting normal blood flow. This leads to the appearance of dark circles around the eyes.

Long-term recurring swelling excessively stretches the skin of the eyelids, making it saggy. As a result, bags form under the eyes.

Puffiness around the eyes, as a temporary cosmetic defect that disappears during the day and is not associated with diseases, occurs for several reasons.

• Fatigue, overwork and overstrain of the body, including sitting for a long time at the computer, affect, first of all, the condition of the eyes and facial skin. The skin loses its healthy appearance, becomes dull and pale, and the tissues around the eyes darken and swell.

• Stressful situations in which people lose a lot of tears. The salt in tears irritates the delicate, sensitive skin of the eyelids and causes swelling.

• Chronic lack of sleep. Every person needs just enough sleep every day to feel well-rested and well-rested. For most, eight or nine hours is enough. With a lack of sleep, metabolic processes in the body are disrupted and water accumulates in the tissues.

• Lack of oxygen resulting from stuffy indoor conditions and rare exposure to fresh air.

• Lack of fluid in the body. If a person consumes less than two liters of drinking water per day, the body protectively begins to make reserves of fluid, accumulating it in the cells.

• Hereditary factor. The genetically determined thin intradermal membrane that separates the skin of the eyelids from the subcutaneous fat is not able to act as an elastic wall of fat deposits. It bends, forming bags.

• Features of the physiological structure of representatives of some races, which are characterized by swelling around the eyes.

• Drinking too much before bed. During sleep, excess fluid is poorly removed from the body by the kidneys and accumulates in the form of edema.

• Excess weight. Overweight people are accompanied by excessive swelling of all tissues. Eyes are no exception.

• Smoking promotes stagnation of blood in the vessels, resulting in edema.

• Using low-quality cosmetics or not removing makeup before bed. Swelling occurs as a local skin reaction to masks and creams that are expired or simply unsuitable for a person. Some cosmetic oils clog skin pores, blocking the passage of oxygen. The tissues become heavier, and bags around the eyes appear.

• Uncomfortable position of the head and neck during sleep. The head should rest on the pillow slightly higher than the body, but there should not be a sharp bend in the neck.

• Staying outside for a long time in clear weather without sunglasses. The tissues around the eyes react to sun exposure with swelling.

• Heatwave. In such a situation, the body suffers from a lack of fluid and begins to protectively create its intracellular reserves, provoking edema. To avoid this phenomenon, during the hot season you need to drink more water than usual.

• Fluctuations in women's hormone levels in the body, including during pregnancy. When hormonal levels fail, metabolism is disrupted, which is why swelling occurs.

• Past trauma. Swelling of tissues appears due to blows or bruises.

• Elderly age. The aging skin of the eyelids loses its former elasticity, and its wall does not retain the accumulations in the periorbital space, resulting in loose bags.

When is puffiness under the eyes in the morning a sign of illness?

The unpleasant phenomenon of puffiness under the eyes can be a consequence of a number of serious diseases.

• Renal pathology

Renal edema is uniform in nature; they are called “free-floating” because they move when the body position changes.

• Cardiovascular failure

Cardiac swelling of the eyes is associated with poor circulation, and usually occurs in the late afternoon, when general fatigue accumulates in the body.

• Liver disease

In addition to the eyes, liver diseases also cause swelling in the fingers.

• Eye pathologies

These include scleritis, blepharitis, oncological neoplasms, eversion of the eyelids, ulcers on the eye in the form of barley and other anomalies.

• Thyroid dysfunction

This leads to changes in hormonal levels in the body and is often accompanied by the appearance of sagging tissue under the eyes.

In this case, the swelling does not last long, passes quickly, but reappears upon contact with the allergen. To get rid of puffy eyes, you need to find out which allergen provokes the painful reaction.

• Diseases of the nervous system and skin

Often these areas of the body are interconnected. In particular, eczema or dermatitis often occurs against the background of deep nervous shock. In these pathologies, fluid accumulates in the cells of the epidermis, is poorly excreted and manifests itself as swelling, including in the eye area.

• Viral infection

Often, a viral disease is complicated by sinusitis, sinusitis, or inflammation of the lacrimal glands. The listed inflammatory processes are accompanied by swelling of the face and periocular area.

Swelling with this diagnosis is more pronounced in one eye.

When swelling of the periorbital area is a consequence of a disease, it is not the swelling of the eyes that needs to be treated, but the disease that caused it! Once the disease is cured, the swelling will also go away!

The cause of bags under the eyes can also be hypovitaminosis, or more precisely, a lack of vitamin B5 in the body.

Taking special medications or introducing foods rich in this vitamin into your diet will help compensate for the deficiency of pantothenic acid.

These products include milk and fermented milk drinks, eggs, liver, hazelnuts, fish dishes, buckwheat and oatmeal, green vegetables and fruits.

Diagnosis of diseases that cause swelling

Certain methods will help identify the disease that causes swelling around the eyes. diagnostic examinations

• Clinical and biochemical blood tests.
• General urine analysis, as well as Zimnitsky.
• Blood pressure measurement.
• Ultrasound examination of the heart and thyroid gland.
• Ultrasound of the kidneys and other organs of the abdominal cavity and pelvis.
• Electrocardiography.
• X-ray of the chest and skull.
• Computed tomography of the brain and internal organs.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.

If any disease is detected, additional testing is prescribed to clarify the diagnosis!

Swelling under a child's eyes - which specialist should I contact?

The appearance of puffy eyes in babies causes parents understandable concern. In young children, bags under the eyes can occur for the same reasons as in adults.

But there are also special factors that are specific to infants.

In some cases, parents are able to independently find out and eliminate the cause of dark circles or bags under the eyes of their children. For example, a child developed circles after playing computer games for many hours.

By reducing the time the baby spends sitting at the computer and organizing healthy walks in the fresh air, parents will soon see the results - swelling will go away, dark circles will disappear, and the baby’s body will get stronger.

When swelling of the eyes in children appears against the background of any other symptoms, you should definitely seek advice from a pediatrician!

After conducting a full examination, the pediatrician, if necessary, will refer the baby to a specialist.

How to treat?

Exist medications to help relieve swelling or blueness around the eyes.

• Foods that remove excess fluid, such as parsley and dill, natural black coffee, fresh cucumbers and watermelons.

• Diuretic medications. These include furosemide, triampur, indapamide, veroshpiron and other types of tablets. It is recommended to coordinate the use of any medications with your doctor.

• Special patches containing red algae, green tea, aloe, ginseng root, and other plant adaptogens. The action of anti-edematous patches is based on creating a greenhouse effect in the periocular area, moisturizing the skin and enriching it with vitamins. The patches are very convenient to use, but to prevent the delicate skin around the eyes from stretching too much, they should not be used more than twice a week.

• Vitamin eye drops or ointments, as well as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and soothing effects. An experienced ophthalmologist will help the patient select the appropriate medication.

How to remove swelling quickly and at home?

Temporary eye swelling can be removed completely independently using simple and affordable home remedies.

Cosmetical tools

Today, a large number of various cosmetic products are produced in the form of oils, gels, creams and masks designed to remove swelling from the eyes.

Here are some of them.

For ease of application, these cosmetics are equipped with rollers and mini-massagers with a vibration effect, and may well be beneficial for someone.

However, it should be remembered that such products themselves can provoke swelling, since the plants included in their composition can cause allergies in humans!

Massage

Massage around the eyes should be done with light movements of the fingertips for two or three minutes. It stimulates the timely outflow of lymphatic fluid, activates blood flow and perfectly tones the eye muscles.

• Light tapping of the upper and lower eyelids in a circle in both directions.
• Light pressure on the points of the inner corner of the eye.
• Soft circular massage of the outer extreme points of the eye orbit.
• Massage the brow ridges with stronger movements from the inner to the outer corner of the eye.
• Gently tap the area under the lower eyelid with your fingertips, alternately in both directions.
• Pressing the middle and index fingers on closed eyes.

Gymnastic exercises for the eyes in the form of a series of tightly closed eyes, as well as frequent and rapid blinking, are also useful!

Folk remedies

Puffiness of the eyes not associated with illness can be relieved using very simple remedies made from natural ingredients.

The compress, mask and lotion are applied to the skin of the eyelids, cleansed of makeup and cream, for about 15-20 minutes!

During the procedure, closed eyes are given the opportunity for additional rest. After this, the mask is washed off with clean, warm water, and a nourishing cream is applied to the eyes.

Diet

To prevent swelling and darkening of the skin around the eyes, you do not need to follow any special diet; it is enough to qualitatively change your nutritional diet.

1. Strong alcohol, wine and beer, as well as spicy, salty, pickled, canned, fried and smoked foods should be excluded from the menu.
2. You should not overuse seasonings and spices and have dinner later than seven o’clock in the evening.
3. You need to drink about two liters of water every day, in addition to the liquid consumed in the form of various drinks and soups.

A woman can take care of her facial skin as much as she wants, but if she has swelling under her eyes, she will look significantly older than her real age, sick or tired. The origins of the problem can be trivial and well-known to everyone - lack of sleep or rivers of shed tears. But sometimes the causes of puffiness under the eyes may indicate problems in the body.

What's inside?

To understand where bags come from where they are not supposed to be, you need to delve a little into anatomy. The orbit and eyeball are separated by a special fatty tissue called periorbital tissue. It is held inside by a membrane located between the eye socket and the eyelid.

Swelling is caused by an increase in the volume of fatty tissue - the connective tissue cannot withstand the load and sags under the eyes like a hernia. The problem is aggravated by the fact that due to frequent or constant pressure on the membrane, blood circulation is disrupted, and blue semicircles appear in this area.

Periorbital tissue can increase due to its proliferation, then the swelling under the eyes is constant and does not depend on the state of health and time of day. Age-related changes or genetic predisposition are to blame for the pathology (one of the parents or grandparents also suffers). If this is the problem, you are unlikely to be able to quickly remove puffiness under the eyes at home.

But the usual accumulation of fluid also leads to a change in the volume of fatty tissue, and then swelling appears suddenly or periodically. In this case, the sad consequences on the face can and should be fought. True, you will first have to find out the source of the problem.

Causes of puffiness under the eyes - eliminating external factors

Do you get up every morning with bags under your eyes, and in the afternoon you already look fresh as a cucumber? The fact is that porous tissues of adipose tissue are an ideal overnight storage of excess fluid. In the morning, when you take a vertical position, under the influence of gravity it gradually moves to the lower part of the body. Most likely, it is your body letting you know about the errors that you make in your diet or sleep pattern:

• Excess liquid (tea, coffee, water and even soup) at night. If you do not give your kidneys a well-deserved rest, do not be surprised that excess moisture is distributed throughout the tissues, including in the periorbital area.
• Lack of fluid. The body senses the deficiency and stores it. Do not forget about the minimum norm, especially in the heat and after intense training.
• Eating spicy, salty and alcoholic foods, especially at night. All these excesses contribute to fluid retention in the body.
• Lack of sleep, anxiety, overwork, lack of fresh air. In stressful situations, the body loses its usual rhythm, and organs (including the kidneys) work intermittently. Spending long periods of time behind the wheel (with a book or computer) also does not contribute to a healthy appearance.
• Cry. Blood rushes to the periocular tissue to replenish fluid reserves to replace shed tears.
• Sleeping with your head down or without a pillow. Gravity is to blame - the normal outflow of blood and lymph is disrupted.
• Unwashed cosmetics, incorrectly selected or applied cream at the wrong time. They clog pores and interfere with the normal functioning of the skin. For the eye area, use only light serums or concealers designed for this area.

The list of factors is considerable, but eliminating one or even several of them will certainly not be difficult. Cosmetic procedures will help you achieve better results.

Contact a cosmetologist or fight on your own?

And this is at your request. If the problem is only fluid retention, and you don’t want to take measures on your own, beauty salons can offer you a choice of several methods to get rid of this scourge:

• A course of professional masks.
• Lymphatic drainage. The outflow of fluid is stimulated by low-frequency electric current.
• Mesotherapy. Introduction of microdoses of a drug into the problem area, which activates metabolic processes in tissues.
• Cryolifting. Cold is used as a stimulant.

Each is good in its own way, but you shouldn’t expect a permanent effect - get ready for the fact that the course of procedures will have to be repeated from time to time.

If the swelling is associated with the growth of fatty tissue, there will be no sense in the procedures - neither from home nor from professional ones. In this case, turning to a method called “blepharoplasty” will save you from the defect - this is when excess periorbital tissue is surgically removed.

How to quickly get rid of puffiness under the eyes

Cosmetology companies offer a choice of products with which you can quickly relieve puffiness under the eyes at home - creams, serums, gels, patches. Some of them are equipped with roller applicators (to make it more convenient to use). The main thing is to follow the basic rules for applying such products:

1. First perform a sensitivity test on the bend of your elbow.
2. Apply the product in minimal doses (if there is no roller), using gentle movements.
3. Use creams, serums and gels at least half an hour before bedtime and an hour before going out into the cold.

Here are the components in cosmetic products that can help quickly and effectively with problems associated with swelling:

• Horse chestnut extract - contains saponins and flavones, which, according to modern research, maintains the normal integrity of the vascular system and connective tissue and has a pronounced anti-edematous effect.
• Caffeine – promotes drainage and reduces puffiness around the eyes.
• Sodium dextran sulfate - accelerates microcirculation, due to which excess fluid is removed from the tissues and puffiness under the eyes disappears.

Using folk wisdom against puffiness under the eyes

Alternative medicine is also active - it recommends getting rid of the problem with the help of massage, special exercises, masks and cold.

Massage

Combine the morning application of eye cream with a light massage with your fingertips. Using tapping movements, move in both directions from the center at the bridge of the nose or temple. If desired, replace the cream with jojoba oil, diluted 1:2 with a lighter consistency oil (rosehip, grape, peach or apricot kernels).

Gymnastics

Make it a habit to do simple eyelid exercises at least twice a day. Fix the inner and outer corners of the eyes with your middle and index fingers so as not to provoke the appearance of wrinkles. Look up and, moving only the lower eyelid, try to close your eyes. Hold the muscles tense for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat the exercise 10-12 times.

Masks

All kinds of masks for 15-20 minutes from available products can quickly relieve swelling, including after shed tears. As raw materials for them, use parsley or cabbage leaves chopped in a blender, potatoes or cucumber - sliced ​​or grated. Tea (green or green) and decoctions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, sage, linden) cope well with swelling. Brew as usual, cool and apply cotton pads or slightly wrung out filter bags to your eyelids.

Home cryotherapy

Cold perfectly stimulates fatty tissue. Freeze the remaining broth to wipe under your eyes with ice cubes in the morning (think about cryolifting). Do not overdo it - it is only important to refresh the problem area, and not freeze it. The method of applying a cold silver spoon is based on the same principle.

Are swollen eyelids a consequence of illness? A look from the inside

It’s not without reason that, looking at your puffiness under your eyes, your loved ones are interested in your health. Such an external flaw may actually be a consequence of “disorders” in the body. Even the best treatments for the eye area will only help with puffiness temporarily unless you solve your health problems:

• Hormonal imbalance is a common cause of swelling under the eyes in women. Estrogen promotes fluid accumulation in tissues, including the area around the eyes. A jump in its level is usually observed before the onset of the menstrual cycle, during puberty, at the onset of menopause, or in the third trimester of pregnancy. It’s difficult to call it a disease, but if in parallel with this symptom you notice others (rapid weight gain, constant weakness), consult an endocrinologist.
• Along with swollen eyes, are you tormented by lower back pain, fever, and are you endlessly drawn to the toilet “in a small way”? Most likely, you have problems with the urinary system - go to a urologist immediately.
• Do you wake up with puffy eyes under your eyes, a headache in the bridge of your nose and forehead, can’t breathe through your nose and is freezing? It is quite possible that the problem “lies” in the sinuses of the nose. You need to contact the ENT.
• It is possible that swelling under the eyes is one of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. At the same time, sneezing, nasal discharge, pain in the eyes, redness and watery eyes are observed. This swelling goes away immediately after the allergen is eliminated. Avoid contact with substances that cause such reactions, consult an allergist.
• If swelling is noticeable only on one side, then this may be a consequence of inflammation of the periorbital tissue itself or organs located nearby (facial nerves, eyes, lacrimal glands, gums, teeth, nose). Such an infection must be treated immediately; it cannot be done without the help of specialists.
• You may have problems with your cardiovascular system if you get out of bed refreshed in the morning, and puffiness under your eyes appears in the late afternoon. Associated symptoms are shortness of breath and swollen legs. Seek help from a cardiologist.

In order to look at the world with a wide-open gaze, you need to be persistent, and first of all, eliminate the causes of puffiness under the eyes. Take note of a few ideas on how to quickly and effectively get rid of this problem. But the main thing is to pay attention to your health, and then others will no longer have any reason to worry about your tired and sickly appearance.

The symptoms of any disease are unpleasant due to their presence, but when the signs of pathology negatively affect a person’s appearance, this is doubly sad. For example, having discovered puffiness under the eyes, any person will think about the question: is this a sign of a disease, and if so, what kind? If not, how can this aesthetic defect be eliminated?

What is edema

Edema is considered to be a local accumulation of fluid in a certain area of ​​the body. The reasons can be completely varied, since the human body consists of just over 60 percent fluid, but the vast majority of this fluid is located in the intracellular space. And the “free” fluid circulates throughout the body, evenly distributed in the lymphatic tissue.

When swelling appears under the influence of an external or internal factor, it means that the uniform distribution of fluid in the body is impaired. But the reason for this is not always somatic pathology. There are natural causes of edema that do not pose any danger to the human body, but require cosmetic treatment.

Non-pathological edema

As a rule, swelling under the eyes, the cause of which is not a somatic pathology, never accompanies a person for a long time. It occurs under the influence of a provoking factor, which will be discussed below, and quickly disappears after the “culprit” of the swelling is eliminated.

Genetic features

Pasty eyelids are often a feature of the human face. The muscles in the area under the eyes are not very elastic, soft fatty tissues are prone to ptosis, and the proximity of blood vessels affects the structure of the eyelid. Thus, a person develops genetic edema. It is important to note that genetic characteristics rarely translate into severe swelling; usually we are talking about the effect of “tear-stained eyes”, which may not look like a flaw, but like some kind of highlight of appearance.

Important! Genetic swelling under the eyes may also have a somatic cause.

For example, if one of the parents suffers from kidney disease, the child may also inherit this disease. In this case, although edema will be considered a genetic feature, it will primarily be a symptom of the disease, that is, it will not be classified as non-pathological.

Age

Considering the specific structure of the tissues under the eyes, it can be assumed that as a person ages and the tissues of his face become ptosis, the effect of puffiness will appear. In addition, it is important to slow down the metabolism in the tissues, so free fluid in the tissues needs mechanical action for uniform distribution - massage.

But, as is the case with the genetic structure of the face, it is important to distinguish the puffiness of the eyes associated with aging from the pastiness of the eyelids associated with diseases acquired with age.

Pregnancy

Swelling during pregnancy is not uncommon, and its location can change constantly. But it is important to note that swelling under the eyes during pregnancy is not a sign of pathology only if it does not last long, disappearing on its own after 1-3 days.

Swelling during pregnancy

Nutritional Features

Swelling under the eyes can appear after heavy consumption of sodium, that is, table salt, which tends to retain fluid in the body. Just like salt, alcohol can affect the body.

It is important to note that swelling on the eyelids, which occurs as a result of eating or drinking alcoholic beverages, can only appear in a healthy person after a very large amount of sodium or alcohol. If puffiness under the eyes appears after eating a pickled cucumber or a glass of wine, there is definitely a somatic pathology.

Tears

After watery eyes caused by emotional distress or exposure to an irritating substance on the mucous membrane of the eyelids, the eyelids often become swollen.

The chemical composition of tears has a slight irritant effect on the mucous membrane, so the tissues turn red and swell. The body reacts to the process as to inflammation, provoking an increase in the amount of free fluid around the affected area, and swelling is formed.

Puffiness under the eyes caused by watery eyes goes away within a few hours.

Thus, the non-pathological formation of swelling under the eyelids is characterized by the following factors:

• occurs under the influence of specific factors that are not diseases;
• go away quickly on their own.

Pathological edema

If swelling under the eyes occurs regularly, and not a single sign from the above-described list of factors of non-pathological origin of edema is detected, then there is a reason to check whether there is a physical pathology.

Inflammatory processes

Inflammation of the tissues located in the eye area leads to swelling. This is a normal process associated with the work of the immune system to remove the cause of inflammation. The swelling will persist until the inflammation is cured. Such diseases include conjunctivitis, uveitis, and keratitis.

Endocrine pathologies

Diseases of the thyroid gland, especially those associated with a decrease in its hormone production functions, are often accompanied by an increase in intercellular fluid and the volume of lymphatic tissue. With hypothyroidism, swelling is distributed over the entire surface of the body, but in some areas it is especially noticeable, for example, in the eyelid area.

Among endocrine pathologies, Cushing's syndrome can be distinguished, when swelling accumulates exclusively in the facial area, including under the eyes.

Cushing's syndrome and hypothyroidism

Kidney diseases

Kidney diseases, especially chronic ones, are the most common cause of swelling under the eyes. The kidneys are responsible for excreting “excess” fluid from the body, so if their function - the filtration ability of the blood - decreases, the fluid accumulates and manifests itself in the form of edema.

This often occurs in diseases such as pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, and renal failure of unspecified origin. Even at the latent stage of these diseases, the pastiness of the eyelids is one of the obvious symptoms of the disease, which makes it possible to diagnose the pathology at an early stage and, probably, cure it.

Glomerulonephritis is accompanied by the loss of protein in the urine, and most of this protein consists of albumin. Gradually, the decrease in albumin in the blood becomes chronic, and if a person does not replenish albumin from the outside, he develops edema, which is very difficult to eliminate, even with the help of diuretics or lymphatic massage.

Inflammation of the lacrimal gland

This pathology is less common than the other listed causes, but if it occurs, swelling in the lower eyelids will be very strong.

The pathology is that the lacrimal gland becomes inflamed under the influence of a bacterial or viral pathogen, and fluid begins to accumulate in it. In addition to swelling under the eyes, inflammation is also accompanied by severe discomfort and pain.

Allergic reactions

If pastiness appears and disappears suddenly, you can track whether there are certain factors that cause its appearance. Very often an allergic reaction can occur, for example, to face cream or decorative cosmetics, dust, or animal hair. In order to check your guess, you can temporarily change the brand of cosmetics and refuse close contact with animals.

Important! Usually, swelling in the eyes due to allergies is accompanied by tearfulness, sneezing, and a sore throat.

Is swelling dangerous?

Puffiness under the eyes does not pose any danger to a person and his vision, but it can signal serious somatic pathologies, which, in turn, can be dangerous.

Edema is also a serious aesthetic defect that does not benefit a person’s attractiveness.

Diagnostic methods

If swelling occurs frequently, you should consult a doctor to diagnose and identify the causes of swelling. To do this, you need to go to the clinic to see a therapist and get referrals for examinations from him.

1. A general (clinical) blood test is carried out to identify the presence of inflammation in the body. They will be indicated by an increase in ESR above 10 mm for men and 15 mm for women, as well as an increase in the number of leukocytes - cells with which the immune system fights the culprit of inflammation.

Also in the clinical analysis, the leukocyte formula is considered, which can be used to determine the activity of the immune system directed against the allergen, and not the virus or bacteria. In this case, it will be clear that the swelling under the eyes has formed due to an allergic reaction.

1. Biochemical blood test - if edema is present, the doctor will consider the results of this analysis of kidney function indicators - the level of urea, uric acid, creatinine. Great importance is given to the amount of total protein in the blood serum; if this indicator is low, it is necessary to conduct a clarifying analysis of the amount of albumin, a low level of which is the cause of edema.
2. A complete urinalysis is also performed to evaluate kidney function. The presence of protein in the urine, changes in urine density, or traces of blood cells in the urine indicate problems in the urinary system that can cause swelling of the eyelids. If deviations were detected in the analysis, the doctor prescribes additional ones: Zimnitsky test, Rehberg test.
3. Test to determine the amount of thyroid hormones to detect hypothyroidism.
4. Ultrasound examination of the kidneys and thyroid gland for visualization of organs. Thus, pyelonephritis, diffuse thyroiditis, changes in kidney tissue, for example, replacement of glomeruli with replacement tissue during autoimmune processes or injuries, urolithiasis, hydronephrosis, can be diagnosed.

How to quickly get rid of swelling?

There are methods that give quick but short-lived results. They can be used if necessary, while the main treatment method has not yet given a lasting therapeutic result.

All these methods are united by one principle: applying cold objects to the orbital region, which can be:

• metal spoons, which must first be kept in the freezer for 10-15 minutes;
• cooled tea bags after brewing;
• slices of cucumber or raw potatoes;
• cotton pads soaked in kefir or milk.

And finally, if swelling under the eyes cannot be cured by eliminating the root cause, or get rid of them with the help of modern cosmetology, you can try to learn how to mask the deficiency with the help of decorative cosmetics. Modern cosmetics, coupled with special skills, can hide any, even the most pronounced, flaw in a minute.

Traditional treatment

Treatment of swelling under the eyes is carried out by treating the underlying disease. Usually, with successful therapy, swelling disappears on its own. In addition, while drawing up a basic treatment plan, the doctor usually adds drugs for symptomatic therapy. In this case, these will be diuretics that will help remove excess intercellular fluid from the body.

For any disease accompanied by swelling, the patient is prescribed a special diet, in which the amount of salt is reduced to a dose of no more than 5 grams per day. Depending on diuresis, limiting fluid intake to one and a half liters may be indicated, which will include consumed fruits, vegetables, and soups.

Universal remedies to combat swelling

Swelling is always a consequence of an excess amount of subcutaneous fluid, so any treatment methods are based on ensuring that this fluid does not accumulate there, or quickly disappears due to the activity of the lymphatic system.

To fulfill the first condition, it is important to control the amount of liquid consumed (including fruits, vegetables, soups) and salt.

For the second condition, it is necessary to help the body get rid of excess moisture accumulation in the eye area using methods such as massage, cooling masks, hardware or injection cosmetology.

True, such measures produce a temporary effect. A permanent result is possible only if the cause of the swelling is identified and eliminated.

Therapy of edema during inflammatory processes

Inflammatory processes in the eye area always cause swelling - thus the human immune system tries to eliminate the culprit of inflammation and has a healing effect on the tissue.

Swelling of the eyes due to inflammation can be considered using the example of the most common pathology - conjunctivitis. Although, of course, there are several dozen more diseases, the symptoms of which affect the mucous membrane of the eyes and provoke an inflammatory process.

The mechanism for the appearance of eye conjunctivitis looks something like this: against the background of a decrease in general or local immunity, pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the body, which become provocateurs of inflammation.

Therefore, proper treatment should look like this:

• eliminating the severity of symptoms;
• direct treatment;
• increasing local and general immunity.

Symptoms of inflammation of eye tissue usually include swelling, redness, and mild itching. With prolonged course of the pathology, an increase in temperature is possible. Therefore, symptomatic treatment includes taking anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs (acetylsalicylic acid, Paracetamol), and the use of cooling compresses.

The use of eye drops with moisturizing properties is also recommended: they relieve redness and reduce itching, eliminate swelling of the eyelids:

• "Vizin";
• "Ophtolic";
• "Oxycal".

Important! One of the main techniques for reducing the severity of unwanted symptoms is to avoid using decorative cosmetics during eyelid swelling and wearing high-filter sunglasses.

Even an ordinary heating pad with ice, wrapped in a towel, can act as a compress; it must be applied to the eyelids for 3-4 minutes with a break of 10 minutes. Breaks are necessary in order not to chill the facial nerve.

Direct treatment is the use of medications that relieve inflammation. In order to select a drug, you need to know exactly what is causing the pathology: infection, bacteria, microtrauma.

All groups of drugs that relieve inflammation from the eyes, and, accordingly, relieve swelling, can be divided into several categories:

• antibiotics - used only for proven bacterial infection after appropriate prescription by a doctor (“Levomycetin”, “Gentamicin”).
• eye drops with an antibacterial synthetic composition (sulfonamides);
• antiseptics for treating eyelids (“Okomistin”);
• antiviral ophthalmic agents (Ophthalmoferon, Aktipol).

The duration and order of use of drugs is determined by the doctor, based on what caused the swelling under the eyes and how the patient responds to treatment. On average, swelling due to inflammatory processes in the tissues of the eyelids becomes less pronounced within a couple of days after the start of properly selected treatment, and completely disappears after 7-10 days.

The final stage of treatment of inflammatory processes in the orbital region is to increase local and general immunity. In order to strengthen general immunity, you need to get rid of sources of chronic infection (caries, tonsillitis, sinusitis), eat a balanced diet, and maintain a sleep-wake schedule. On the street it is better to wear sunglasses, and replace decorative cosmetics with new ones, preferably hypoallergenic, and also change brushes and sponges for eye makeup.

To consolidate the results of treatment, to prevent inflammation, and, consequently, swelling, the following drops can be used after the symptoms disappear:

• "Zorro";
• "Vizomax";
• "Ophthalmologist."

They have an immunomodulatory effect on the eyes, protecting against relapse of somatic pathology.

Therapy of edema in nephrological diseases

Diseased kidneys are a catalyst for swelling throughout the body, but pastiness of the face, and mainly the eyelids, is often the first symptom of problems in the urinary system.

In this case, it is important to consider two reasons for fluid retention in the body: decreased kidney function or the appearance of hypoproteinemic edema.

A decrease in renal function is a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate below 80 ml/min. That is, it is difficult for the organs to cope with the usual volume of blood, so some of the liquid is not excreted along with the urine, but enters back into the bloodstream, forming edema.

Treatment should be carried out only by a doctor: a nephrologist or urologist, depending on what pathology is diagnosed. In case of end-stage renal failure, treatment is no longer carried out, but hemodialysis is performed: filtering a person’s blood through a special device, which is popularly called an “artificial kidney”.

In the event that the kidneys are working, but are not functioning well, in order to reduce swelling, it is recommended to adhere to the recommendations described below:

Careful control over diuresis, that is, recording the fluid consumed and excreted. At the same time, the total amount of liquid drunk, including soups, fresh vegetables and fruits, droppers, should not exceed 1.5, and sometimes 1.2 liters.

Diuretics can be used to increase urination. If the problem is not severe, it is better to resort to herbal remedies, for example, Brusniver. But for noticeable swelling on the eyelids, it is better to use medications:

• "Veroshpiron";
• "Indap";
• "Trigrim";
• "Lasix";
• "Arifon".

Also, to facilitate kidney function, the use of vasodilators and antihypertensive drugs is recommended. It is better to use drugs to lower blood pressure (Zakardis, Lorista) constantly, choosing a comfortable dosage together with your doctor, and drugs to dilate blood vessels are best administered by drip, in a course, in a hospital setting.

If difficulty urinating due to narrowing of the ureters or blockage of the urinary tract, surgical treatment is necessary. After diuresis is restored, swelling in the eyelids will disappear.

Hypoproteinemic edema appears when the level of albumin in the blood decreases. This occurs against the background of damage to the kidney membrane when protein enters the urine. With prolonged and persistent proteinuria, the resulting edema is difficult to treat and requires regular administration of an albumin solution intravenously.

Therapy of edema in endocrine pathologies

A decrease in thyroid function is very often accompanied by swelling localized in the facial area. In some cases, swelling is invisible due to the specific structure of the face and eye shape, in other cases it immediately indicates pathology and requires correction.

The best way to get rid of edema caused by low thyroid function is to use the method of replacement therapy, when thyroid hormone is taken every day in the form of a tablet (L-thyroxine, Eutirox).

Therapy for swelling due to allergies

Swelling during allergic reactions is one of the first markers of pathology. In order for the eyes to become open again, it is necessary to use products for both internal and external use.

Antihistamines in the form of tablets and capsules can be selected from the following list:

• "Suprastin";
• "Tavegil";
• "Loratadine";
• "Claritin";
• "Rupafin."

Eye drops can be used to reduce the severity of an allergic reaction, and, as a result, swelling:

• "Vizin";
• "Okumetil";
• "Cromohexal";
• "Allergodil."

These medications should only be taken after consulting a doctor. The effectiveness of medications will be higher if the allergist identifies the reason why the activity of the immune system increases above normal and advises what measures to take to avoid contact with the culprits of the disease.

Other treatments

If the pastiness of the eyelids is not a consequence of any disease, you can turn to the services of cosmetologists who eliminate excess fluid in the lower eyelids using hardware or injection cosmetology.

Relevant! As a last resort, you can resort to the help of a plastic surgeon who will perform an operation - blepharoplasty, eliminating the pathological structure of the lower eyelid.

Traditional medicine against swelling of the eyelids recommends using eye lotions made from chilled decoctions of herbs with anti-inflammatory effects - chamomile, oak bark, even regular black tea. The product should be used regularly before bed, and you should sleep on a high pillow.