Ever experienced swelling around the eyes? Well, there are endless theories, but a poor night’s sleep is the obvious reason. But face puffiness that spreads around the neck and throat is often seen as a cause of concern. It may well be a medical emergency. Do you know what causes face puffiness and are there any face puffiness remedies? Let’s figure out.
What is Face Puffiness?
Face puffiness is the swelling on the face and the surrounding areas. It is a result of fluid retention in the body, which could be a sign of a deeper medical problem. At the onset, face puffiness is most commonly noticed during the early morning hours soon after getting up from bed. But if the root cause is left unidentified and unaddressed, face puffiness can persist throughout the day.
What Triggers Face Puffiness?
From a few being auto-correct to others that pinpoint greater health concerns, face puffiness causes are endless. Here are some of the most commonly seen reasons that trigger face swelling:
1. High Sodium Diet
Intake of high-sodium foods is seen as the most common face swelling causes. Sodium retains water and further increases thirst and subsequent water intake. This leads to uncontrolled fluid retention that reflects in face puffiness in the morning.
2. Poor Sleep Pattern
Too much or too little sleep can trigger face puffiness. The sleep position allows the fluid to collect in the face, hence the puffiness.
3. Wrong Makeup
Some makeup products can trigger a skin reaction, known as contact dermatitis. This leads to puffiness around the face and area of application.
4. Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol is a diuretic. It causes dehydration by increasing the frequency of urination. This triggers a response reaction in the body as it starts to retain more fluid, especially in the face.
5. Medical Health Conditions
Do you know that certain medical health conditions have face puffiness as a common symptom? Allergic reactions, a sinus infection, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome due to high cortisol levels, preeclampsia or pregnancy-related hypertension, cellulitis infection upon invasion of bacteria or fungus into the cracked skin, or a possible drug interaction resulting in a drug allergy are the most common medical situations wherein face puffiness is evident.
When is Face Puffiness a Medical Emergency?
Face puffiness causes that have lifestyle connections is generally seen to settle on its own. But medical conditions (severe allergic reactions, respiratory or cardiovascular problems, etc.), especially the ones with other worrisome symptoms need immediate medical attention. These include:
- Facial swelling
- Swelling of the limbs
- Skin rashes and hives
- Anxiety attack with or without palpitations
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Nasal congestion with persistent coughing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Slurring of speech
- Weak pulse
- Low Blood Pressure
Do Home Remedies Work?
The treatment for face puffiness will depend upon the factor that triggers it. While prevention is the best cure, a few home remedies are also effective. If the symptoms are only restricted to face puffiness, one can try a few face puffiness remedies to seek a quick cure. These include:
- Application of a cold compress using a clean wet cloth dipped in cold water can provide immediate relief by tightening the blood vessels.
- Topical application of a hemorrhoid cream that tightens the skin under the eyes. (use this with caution)
- Drinking plenty of water to counter the side effects of dehydration
- Reducing sodium intake is the key to controlling fluid retention in the body
- Placing cold-used tea bags on the eyes helps combat bloating on the face as the caffeine content helps narrow down blood vessels.
- Placing cold cucumber slices is one of the best face puffiness remedies due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Exercise or move around rhythmically to ensure proper blood circulation in the body
- Limit the intake of alcohol to reduce its harmful effects.
- Try popping an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug to settle an allergic reaction
- Use an extra pillow to sleep with the head in a high position
- Try a relaxing massage for pregnancy-related swelling.
Conclusion
Face puffiness in the morning can be an unpleasant sign. While for many it will go away on its own during the day. But recurrence is common, especially if corrective steps to manage the condition are not taken promptly. However, if face puffiness causes are linked to a health concern, medical intervention becomes crucial. But whatever the case, it is important not to take the matter lightly. Also, if face puffiness remedies fail to provide the desired results, check it up with a doctor.
