It is normal that we 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 decrease.
This permanent discomfort can cause us discomfort, basically because we do not know why our eyes are in this state. Fortunately, it is rarely something serious. For this reason, at OneHOWTO we prepare an article in order to inform you about what causes this condition and also tell you how to remove puffy eyes to restore a lush and healthy look to your face.
Cold compresses for puffy eyes
One of the first solutions for puffy eyes is cold compresses. For using cold compresses for puffy eyes take note of these indications:
- If you use cold liquids like water or milk, wet a cotton ball or pad and squeeze it out well.
- Place each soaked ball or puck on your puffy eyelids or eyes.
- Normally, you only need 10 to 15 minutes of application.
In the case of 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 see a doctor, as it can grow so much that it interferes with vision. Likewise, you should see a doctor if it starts to hurt or there are signs of infection such as high fever.
Sliced potatoes and cucumber to deflate the eyes
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 an hour, so you take advantage of the benefit of the cold.
- Cut slices that are a little less than half a centimeter thick.
- Place them in the eyes for about 20 minutes and repeat if necessary. You can do this several times a day to alleviate the discomfort and reduce the inflammation of the area.
The application of this type of puffy eye remedies It is very similar to what is done to reduce and reduce inflammation of dark circles, being able to use slices or applying masks made with these natural ingredients only in this area. Therefore, we recommend you take a look at this other oneHOWTO article on How to use cucumber for dark circles.
Anti-allergy and antibiotics
In the event that having the swollen eyelids from allergies, the most recommended is to take antiallergics or antihistamines. Of course, these should only be used under medical supervision.
Home remedies cannot replace the antibiotics in case of bacterial infections. For this reason, it is important to see a doctor if, in addition to the inflammation in the eyes, there is pain, the area is hot or the presence of pus is noticeable.
Chamomile compresses for puffy eyes
Chamomile is one of the most popular home remedies for removing eye inflammation. If you are not allergic to this plant, follow these steps to reduce inflammation of the eyes with chamomile:
- Use chamomile in tea bags. If you have chamomile in bulk, then make a bag with a piece of medium type cloth and a string or thread, so that it serves as a filter and there is no residue later, and put the dried flowers there.
- Boil a cup of water.
- When it comes to a boil, remove from the heat and add 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 the 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 sachets or soak new pads or gauze.
In this other post we talk more about How to wash your eyes with chamomile.
Green or black tea
The compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate present in tea has anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, tea also contains polyphenols, very active antioxidants that can protect you against the action of free radicals. On the other hand, the theine present in tea reduces inflammation and dark circles, and also gives elasticity to the skin. Prepare the tea to remove puffiness from the eyes it is practically the same as the preparation of chamomile.
- Put 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 sachets directly on the eyes, or the gauze or discs, for about 15 to 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 restore 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, cold has the property of reducing circulation in the tissues (vasoconstriction), which contributes to reducing inflammation in the area. The cold cools and relieves pain and itching. If you dare to try the 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 spoons. 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 one application and another.
- If you need it, apply it about three times a day.
Why do eyes swell – the causes
After knowing how to remove puffy eyes in various ways, we want to explain to you why do the 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 from crying or fatigue. Inflammation around the eyes means that they have edema, that is, there is excess fluid in the connective tissue that surrounds them. You may not feel pain, but that depends on the factor that caused the inflammation. It is also possible that only one eyelid, the upper or the lower one, becomes inflamed, 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. go to the 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 life we have faced bitter situations that have made us cry profusely for a long time. The result is puffy eyes from crying, with a striking red color. But why do they get inflamed?
Emotional tears inflame our eyes because the connective tissue around the eyeball absorbs part of the flow of tears that emanates from the tear ducts. In addition, the nervous system responds to our crying and increases blood flow to the face, which further drives the swelling of the face.
Allergies
If in addition to inflammation, the eyes become red and there is quite annoying itching, the cause is most likely allergic. Fortunately, it is almost never a dangerous thing. Common allergens that cause these reactions are dust and pollen, although there may be another factor found in the environment.
Cosmetics
Either because they got into one or both eyes, or caused an allergic reaction in someone sensitive, the consequence is swollen eyelids from allergies. They will also be watery and red.
Styes
Styes are quite annoying and, if not treated in time, 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 actually isn’t. The chalazion is a cyst that occurs due to the obstruction of the sebaceous glands found in the eye. Another difference with the stye is that it rarely causes pain unless they grow a lot. It is possible that after the appearance of the first one, more will emerge.
Blepharitis
Some medical conditions also swell the 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 will talk about how to cure blepharitis.
Ocular 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. Thyroid overactivity produces cells aimed 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…