The skin around the eyes swells. Swelling under the eyes - how to eliminate harmless causes and when to see a doctor

A rested person should look fresh and alert after a full night's sleep. But it also happens that we have rested, and slept well, and are not sick, but we look exactly the opposite - swelling under the eyes, bags give our face a tired and haggard look. Why does this happen and is it possible to restore the beauty and freshness of your face? We suggest you figure it out.

Causes of swelling under the eyes

Before we talk about the causes of swelling under the eyes, let's note some anatomical features of the structure of the periocular area, because this structure largely determines the chances of bags appearing.

The eyeball is located in the bony cranial cavity - the orbit. In addition to the eye itself, this cavity contains muscle and nerve fibers, blood vessels, ligaments and fatty tissue. The fat layer creates a kind of “cushion” for the eye, which smoothes out all movements of the eyeball. Fatty tissue looks like cells with a connective tissue membrane.

Not so long ago, experts were inclined to believe that “bags” under the eyes begin to form when the membrane connective tissue becomes flabby, inelastic and loses the ability to hold the fat layer inside it. In this way, a kind of protrusion is formed, externally manifested in the form of a “bag”. Because of this interpretation of the problem, doctors often resorted to surgical intervention, suturing and securing the connective tissue membrane.

But a few years ago, scientists reconsidered the reason for the appearance of “bags”. It turned out that this problem occurs due to an increase in the volume of the fat layer in the cells. This occurs due to swelling or an increase in the number of fat cells.

It is worth noting that “bags” under the eyes, which are caused by swelling of the tissues, appear in the morning and gradually disappear throughout the day.

“Sacs”, the appearance of which is associated with an increase in the number of fat cells, are permanent and do not disappear either in the morning or in the evening.

Let us describe the main reasons for the appearance of swelling under the eyes:

  1. Genetic predisposition. If your family has the same problem - puffy eyes - then most likely you also have a tendency to excessive growth of fatty tissue. Pay attention to this, especially if swelling begins to appear in childhood.
  2. A common cause of edema nowadays is night parties and club life. Everything is simple here: use alcoholic cocktails, or worse, narcotic drugs, against the background of lack of sleep, provoke swelling of the periocular tissues. The effect, as they say, is obvious.
  3. Excess salt. If you like salty foods, be prepared for the fact that you may experience puffiness under your eyes. Salt retains fluid in tissues, especially fatty tissue, hence swelling.
  4. Puffiness under the eyes can be caused by feeling unwell. In principle, a person may not feel that he is sick, but there is still internal pathology. These may be kidney diseases, colds, sinusitis, some allergic manifestations (runny nose, conjunctivitis).
  5. Most women notice the appearance of “bags”, for example, during menstruation. Such swelling occurs due to changes in hormone levels. At the end of the “critical days,” the swelling usually goes away.
  6. Another reason for the appearance of edema can be excessive tanning - both natural and in a solarium. Ultraviolet rays help retain fluid in tissues.
  7. Excessive eye strain also leads to fluid accumulation. This happens when working at a computer for a long time or spending a lot of time in front of a television screen.
  8. Another reason is improper use of cosmetics. Firstly, it’s no secret that daytime cosmetics must be washed off before going to bed. Secondly, night cream should be applied at least 2 hours before bedtime, otherwise active ingredients products (especially moisturizers) will contribute to the accumulation of fluid in the most delicate tissues on the face - around the eyes.
  9. A logical reason for bags under the eyes is age. Over time, the connective tissue membranes weaken, the skin becomes flabby, and the fat layer begins to “sag” at the lower eyelid.

Symptoms of swelling under the eyes can appear with most diseases of the cardiovascular system (cardiac failure, myocardial ischemia, thrombophlebitis, pericarditis, etc.), with pathologies of the genitourinary system (nephritis, toxic infections, nephrosis, amyloidosis), with diseases thyroid gland, stomach, nervous system. Edema cannot appear without a reason; it is always formed as a result of improper functioning of the internal organ system.

Swelling under the eye from a blow

Very often, swelling under the eye from a blow appears after an injury to the nasal or frontal part. One or both sides of the face may be affected.

Blue swelling under the eyes appears after direct trauma to the face or strong blow head. They result from the accumulation of blood in a certain area near the eye: this is accompanied by the usual traumatic swelling and darkening of the skin.

A minor hematoma usually disappears on its own, but in some cases it can cause complications.

The bulk of traumatic edema may not be directly related to damage to the periocular area - the tissues near the eye can swell and change color without injury to the eye. This may be due to trauma to the head and the skull itself (blunt blow to the head, fall, etc.).

Severe swelling under the eye may not form immediately: in the first time after the injury, the swelling is insignificant, and the color is practically unchanged (there may be slight redness). After some time, the damaged area retains the liquid and darkens. Depending on the nature of the injury, there may be a simultaneous deterioration in visual abilities and difficulty blinking. As the process subsides, the hematoma will lose color and saturation, and the swelling will gradually disappear.

Symptoms of serious damage include double vision, difficulty with eye movements, and inability to see. If a person loses consciousness, has a nose bleed, or ears, the victim complains about headache– the injury can be quite severe.

Watery swelling under the eyes can also be caused by other reasons:

  • medical procedures, for example, facelift, otolaryngological interventions, maxillofacial surgery;
  • allergies;
  • infection;
  • dental disease;
  • insect bites.

Allergic swelling under the eyes

One of the first signs of the body's reaction to an allergen is swelling of the eyelids and areas near the lips. This symptom is often accompanied by redness of the skin, itching in the swollen area, and rashes on the skin.

Itching and swelling under the eyes occur due to the filling of the soft tissues of the face with fluid. This condition can worsen over 5-35 minutes. With severe allergies and ongoing exposure to the allergen, swelling can spread further to the limbs and even the whole body.

Allergic reaction may develop in response to contact with certain foods ( exotic fruits, products with dyes, etc.), on chemicals(paint and varnish products, cosmetics, detergents), as well as household dust, pet hair, plant pollen. There are also neurological forms of allergies that develop as a result of stress.

Red swelling under the eyes can be a sign of allergic conjunctivitis, an inflammatory process in the conjunctiva of the eye. This disease can be accompanied by lacrimation and a feeling of itching in swollen areas. As a rule, allergies appear almost immediately after contact with the allergen. Often the cause may be new cosmetics that are applied to the face or eyelids, or a cleanser. Sometimes, having used this remedy, a person goes to bed, and the next morning sees a disappointing picture in the mirror: red eyes, swelling, itching and burning in the eyes.

The food component of allergic conjunctivitis is rarely considered.

Allergic eye damage is usually bilateral.

Swelling under the right eye can occur if the allergen was brought directly into the eye with dirty hands. In this case, itching, tearing, redness of the sclera, and swelling will be observed in the right eye. Complex forms of allergies may be accompanied by photophobia.

If there is swelling under the left eye, this usually indicates an allergy on the left side. Although this situation is not considered quite typical.

Sometimes a bacterial infection can accompany allergic conjunctivitis: with this complication, swelling and redness are added purulent discharge from the eye.

Swelling under the eyes after biorevitalization

Rehabilitation after biorevitalization may not proceed as quickly as we would like. It all depends on the qualifications of the doctor who performs the procedure on you, on the drug used, on your individual reaction to the drug and the procedure as a whole. If you are allergic to the injected drug, you are unlikely to look stunning the next day after the procedure. For this reason, before agreeing to biorevitalization, you should conduct a test injection of the drug into the back of the arm. If there is no swelling, redness, pigmentation or itching, the drug is suitable for you and can be used on the face.

Of course, before carrying out the procedure, make sure that the specialist who will perform the injections is qualified. In order not to harm your own health, it is recommended to carry out biorevitalization not in beauty salons, but in specialized clinics with appropriate accreditation.

If the procedure is carried out correctly, the swelling should disappear the next day. In more unfortunate cases, swelling can last up to 10 days.

True, sometimes swelling also appears due to the patient’s failure to comply with certain rules provided for speedy rehabilitation and bringing the facial skin back to normal. These rules should be taken seriously:

  • After the session, touching the surface of the skin with your hands is not allowed;
  • You can’t use makeup for 24 hours;
  • It is not recommended to use facial antiseptics for two days;
  • For 14 days you cannot sunbathe, including in a solarium, or spend time in bathhouses, saunas and swimming pools.

Heart swelling under the eyes

Cardiac swelling under the eyes is serious sign, which requires a thorough, comprehensive examination and the appointment of qualified treatment.

As a rule, cardiac edema originates from the lower extremities and lower abdomen, only in severe cases spreading to the eyelids and face. The swelling is not sharp, it grows very slowly, over a period of one month to six months. This is the main difference between cardiac edema and renal edema. Swelling in kidney diseases appears quite quickly, from one to several days, and, as a rule, begins with swelling near the eyes.

Edema associated with heart disease tends to spread lower. This means that in people who suffer cardiac pathology on their legs, only the lower extremities often swell, and in patients who are in a supine position, the lower back swells.

If there is no treatment and the disease progresses, the swelling begins to spread higher. First, they occupy cavities (ascites, hydropericarditis), gradually worsening liver function, overfilling the hematopoietic system and making breathing difficult. In this case, the swelling may already spread to top part body and face.

Constant swelling under the eyes

The presence of constant swelling under the eyes may indicate the presence of diseases of the genitourinary, cardiovascular system, thyroid gland and some other organs and systems.

  1. Glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory process in the vascular system of the kidneys, which is characterized by swelling near the eyes, pain in the lower back, high blood pressure, changes in the daily volume of urine, and high temperatures.
  2. Pyelonephritis is an inflammatory process in the renal pelvis, calyces and kidney parenchyma. The main signs of the disease can be considered high temperature, pain in the lower back (often on one side), and the appearance of turbidity in the urine. Swelling near the eyes is especially noticeable during the chronic course of the disease, both during remission and in the acute stage.
  3. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nasal sinuses, which is characterized by high temperature, headache, nasal discharge or difficulty breathing through the nose, as well as swelling near the eyes on one or both sides.
  4. Overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism, diffuse toxic goiter) - accompanied by bulging eyeballs, puffiness around the eyes, bags under the eyes and swelling of the eyelids.
  5. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) – accompanied by weakness, drowsiness, slow metabolism, as a result of which fluid is retained by the tissues, which causes swelling on the face, especially in the morning.

If the swelling is constant and does not disappear on its own, you can suspect the presence of some disease. It is best to consult a doctor and undergo a series of examinations to determine the cause of the symptom.

Swelling under the child's eyes

Swelling under a child's eyes does not always indicate a problem in the body.

Swelling under the eyes of a baby can appear as a result of prolonged crying or screaming of the baby, after drinking too much liquid, or after the baby fell asleep and slept for a long time in a position in which the head was lower than the level of the body.

If the swelling near the eyes of a child is not caused by any disease, it disappears without additional effort on its own.

If the swelling does not go away, then you can suspect that the baby has certain diseases. In such cases, you will need to consult a doctor:

  • if swelling of the eyes is accompanied by redness, tearing, runny nose, and the child becomes capricious - all this possible signs allergic reaction. You should consult a doctor immediately;
  • if swelling of the eyes is detected against the background of hyperthermia, problems with urination, back pain, a disease of the urinary system can be suspected;
  • swelling of the eyes against the background of protruding fontanel and constant crying of the baby may indicate increased intracranial pressure.

Swelling under the eyes during pregnancy

Swelling under the eyes during pregnancy can be regarded as normal if they are caused by excess salt or liquid in the pregnant woman’s diet. Excess fluid accumulates in the fat layer, forming swelling under the eyes, weight gain, pasty skin and other symptoms.

But often swelling near the eyes can be regarded as a sign of renal pathology, gestosis or other diseases. How to distinguish between normal and pathological?

  • If swelling occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy, then this symptom is most likely due to natural causes. In the first trimester, swelling can be a complication of pyelonephritis or dropsy.
  • If swelling is accompanied by a sudden and large weight gain (more than 15 kg), you should definitely consult a doctor.
  • If, on the eve of the appearance of swelling, a woman consumed a lot of liquid, or, for example, ate large number watermelon is the norm. If the diet did not differ from usual, and the daily amount of liquid did not exceed one and a half to two liters, you need to consult a doctor.
  • Natural swelling usually disappears after eliminating salty foods from the diet. If swelling does not go away after changes in diet, inform your doctor.
  • In women suffering from a chronic inflammatory process in the kidneys, the appearance of edema may indicate an exacerbation of the pathology.

A pregnant woman should monitor her condition very carefully and, at the slightest suspicion, contact her doctor.

Puffiness under the eyes in men

Puffiness under the eyes can also bother men, especially in the morning after waking up. There can be quite a few reasons for this, and the main one is a disorder of the natural lymph and blood flow from the eye area. To prevent this disorder, you should avoid consuming large amounts of salt and drink less liquid a few hours before bedtime.

A number of reasons contributing to the appearance of swelling include the presence of bad habits, lack of physical activity and oxygen, lack of rest and chronic fatigue.

Swelling on the cheekbones under the eyes may be associated with kidney disease, which is accompanied by proteinuria. With kidney disease, a large amount of sodium ions accumulate in the body, which retain fluid.

Swelling in kidney disease has a number of special characteristics. Initially, swelling appears on the feet, eyelids, then spreading over the face and the whole body. Edema is accompanied pale color face and dry skin. Often, swelling occurs due to a decrease in the daily amount of urine.

The appearance of puffiness under the eyes in men requires consultation with a specialist if the problem does not go away after reviewing the principles of nutrition and lifestyle: giving up salty foods, alcohol, smoking, maintaining a sleep and rest schedule.

Types of swelling under the eyes

The skin near the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the skin on the face. She is able to instantly respond to even minor violations regime or changes within the body, and this stasis is marked by unattractive swelling near the eyes. We have already talked about possible and most common reasons. Now let's look at what kind of swelling there are.

Puffiness under the eyes in the morning most often bothers those women who forget to cleanse their faces of makeup before going to bed. It’s trivial, but such a reason can provoke not only the appearance of edema, but also conjunctivitis and irritation of the mucous membrane. Don’t be lazy and take literally 5 minutes before going to bed to remove any remaining residue. cosmetics using special milk or hypoallergenic lotion.

Swelling under the eyes after sleep may indicate excessive fluid intake in the second half of the day. This can be especially true for those who like to “drink tea” in the late afternoon. Men who watch the evening football with a few bottles of beer and salty crackers also risk waking up in the morning with swelling around the eyes. Alcoholic drinks disrupt metabolic processes in the body, and salt retains fluid. The result is an accumulation of fluid in the most sensitive place on the face.

Circles and puffiness under the eyes can occur in those people who suffer from the bad habit of rubbing and frequently touching the eye area. This often occurs among knowledge workers, especially undergraduate and graduate students, who have to sit at the computer for long periods of time, even at night. Long reading, usually in low light, also contributes to the appearance of circles.

Puffiness under the eyes and bruising can be a consequence of unstable hormone levels in the body. For example, often bluish circles appear in women immediately before the onset of menstruation or during menstruation. By the way, at this time not only the face, but also the limbs and the whole body may swell. In pregnant women, swelling may not go away for weeks.

Swelling and bags under the eyes can appear not only from excess, but also from lack of fluid in the body, especially in people actively involved in sports. The body needs to receive a certain amount every day clean water. If there is little fluid intake, the body has to make reserves of water, accumulating it in the tissues, and in particular in adipose tissue. As a result, swelling appears in the form of bags under the eyes. In addition, due to a lack of fluid, it becomes difficult for the body to remove toxic and harmful substances, which affects the appearance of dark circles near the eyes. To avoid all this, it is recommended to drink 1.5 to 2.5 liters of clean water daily (if there are no contraindications).

  • monitoring blood pressure levels, especially during pregnancy or in cases where renal pathology is suspected. High performance Blood pressure in a pregnant woman may indicate the development of hydrops of pregnancy or toxicosis. If high blood pressure is observed against the background of pain in the lower back, then the development of an inflammatory process in the kidneys can be assumed;
  • taking a general blood test - carried out in order to track signs of the inflammatory process in the body;
  • general urine test - routine diagnostic method for pathologies of the urinary system;
  • ultrasound examination kidneys - using this method will determine the presence of kidney stones, as well as other changes and disorders in the renal system;
  • electrocardiography and echocardiography – used for suspected diseases of the cardiovascular system and cardiac failure;
  • Treatment of puffiness under the eyes

    Therapeutic procedures for eye swelling include treatment of the disease that led to the occurrence of edema: this is therapy for the urinary system, colds, infectious and inflammatory diseases, allergic reactions, as well as normalization of nutrition and lifestyle. Such treatment will only be prescribed medical specialist based on diagnostic results.

Puffy eyelids are not only a cosmetic problem, but also a medical problem. Swelling visually makes the eyes smaller and ages the face, giving it a tired look. The appearance of “bags” is a signal of serious disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and the endocrine system.

What causes swelling under the eyes?

The defect in question is formed due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the periorbital zone. In most cases, this occurs after 40-45 years, when the speed decreases metabolic processes. There are other factors that provoke swelling under the eyes - causes of swelling of the eyelids:

  • sleep cycle disturbances;
  • unbalanced diet;
  • allergic reaction;
  • hormonal imbalances;
  • use of toxic substances;
  • skin infections;
  • cry;
  • hypo- or hyperthyroidism;
  • nephrotic syndrome;
  • trichinosis;
  • dysfunction of the lacrimal glands;
  • heart disease;
  • pathologies of the nasal sinuses;
  • acute respiratory infections;
  • herniated disc in the thoracic region;
  • liver diseases;
  • deficit;
  • disturbances of lymphatic and venous outflow;
  • renal colic;
  • rehabilitation after surgery;
  • high intracranial pressure;
  • low quality cosmetics;
  • improper eyelid skin care.

Swelling under the eye on one side - causes

If moisture is retained asymmetrically, swelling can be caused by temporary and not very dangerous factors. Such swelling under the eyes causes mechanical damage to the eyelids and mucous membranes (blows, bites), uncomfortable position during sleep or inflammatory diseases(conjunctivitis, sinusitis and others). When the “bag” is constantly present and does not give in standard methods to resolve the problem, you should immediately visit an ophthalmologist. Some serious illnesses accompany unilateral swelling under the eyes - the causes for women are diagnosed as follows:

  • trypanosomiasis (Chagas syndrome);
  • polyneuropathy;
  • diseases of the eyeball;
  • cavernous syndrome;
  • phlegmon;
  • barley;
  • inflammation of the facial nerve;
  • tumor.

Puffiness under the eyes - causes in the morning

Women encounter the described defect mainly after waking up. This normal phenomenon, associated with stagnation of moisture in soft tissues during sleep, physiological swelling under the eyes in the morning should quickly disappear on its own, within 30-45 minutes. Sometimes you have to make efforts to eliminate them. Reasons for persistent “bags”:


  • drink a lot of fluid before bed;
  • uncomfortable position at night;
  • drinking alcohol the night before;
  • an abundance of salty foods in the diet.

In some cases, morning swelling under the eyes indicates diseases of the internal organs:

  • kidneys and adrenal glands;
  • hearts;
  • liver;
  • thyroid gland;
  • pituitary gland

How to remove puffiness under the eyes?

First, it is advisable to find out the exact cause of the pathology in question by contacting an ophthalmologist and therapist, and get a referral to a highly specialized specialist. After determining the diagnosis, doctors will explain how to quickly relieve swelling under the eyes and prevent their re-formation. You can do it yourself general measures to eliminate “bags”:

  • adjustment of drinking regime;
  • creating a balanced diet;
  • selection of high-quality cosmetics;
  • normalization of sleep;
  • prevention of infections and allergic reactions.

How to remove swelling under the eye after an injury?

If you need to urgently get rid of swelling, it is recommended to use methods to narrow blood vessels and accelerate the outflow of lymph. To quickly remove puffiness under the eyes, any cold compress will do. You can soak a cotton pad in water and place it in the freezer for 5-15 seconds, or place a steel spoon or other icy object on your eyelid. Great option, how to relieve swelling under the eyes due to mechanical damage, tea bags (any kind) are considered. After brewing, they need to be cooled and applied to the eyelids for 10-15 minutes.

How to remove swelling under the eyes after crying?

Crying is accompanied by the appearance of swelling and redness of the skin due to the abundant flow of blood and lymph to the eyelids. The best way how to remove swelling from tears under the eyes - calm down and wash cool water. Under the influence of low temperature, the capillaries narrow and excess moisture is removed from the soft tissues. After much sobbing there is more effective method how to quickly get rid of puffiness under the eyes:

  1. Soak 2 cotton pads in pink, micellar or mineral water, leave them in the freezer for 50-60 seconds.
  2. Comfortably lie face up and close your eyes. Place ice pads on your eyelids without pressing them to the skin.
  3. Mentally say “one, two,” inhaling and exhaling deeply on a count. Completely relax and calm down, do not think about the reasons for the tears.
  4. Continue for about 7-10 minutes.

To treat constantly present “bags,” there are medications and cosmetics. It is not recommended to prescribe treatment for yourself. The best remedy for puffiness under the eyes can only be selected by a qualified specialist in accordance with the exact cause of congestion. It is allowed to use only professional cosmetics in the form of creams, serums, gels and other products.

Ointment for puffy eyes

There are no special medications produced to combat swelling of the eyelids, but drugs that constrict blood vessels help eliminate the “bags.” The most popular is heparin ointment for swelling under the eyes. It is cheap, effective and works very quickly, within 20-30 minutes. This medicine belongs to the group of anticoagulants; it helps thin the blood and eliminate congestion. To remove puffiness under the eyes using heparin ointment, you need to do the following:

  1. Use a small amount of product.
  2. Apply carefully thin layer, do not rub.
  3. Use no longer than 20 days.
  4. Apply to skin only in the morning.

Similar means:

  • Afulim;
  • Hepatrombin;
  • Bezornil;
  • Relief;
  • Aurobin and other ointments.

Cream for puffy eyes

For skin prone to oiliness and shine, it is better to choose lightweight versions of local preparations that are absorbed faster and do not leave a film on the epidermis. Many medications for hemorrhoids or varicose veins come in the form of creams and gels. They act identically to the ointments listed above, but differ in a less greasy and “heavy” consistency:

  • Troxevasin;
  • Lyoton;
  • Curiosin;
  • Troxerutin;
  • Proktonis and others.

As a safe alternative, experts advise purchasing a cosmetic cream for puffiness and bags under the eyes:

  • Lierac Dioptigel;
  • Cellcosmet Eye Contour Gel-XT;
  • La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Yeux;
  • Avéne Eluage;
  • Skin Doctors Eyetuck and others.

Tablets for puffiness under the eyes

To eliminate swelling around the eyelids, women often use (Veroshpiron, Trifas and analogues). They quickly remove excess fluid from the body. Diuretics for swelling under the eyes should not be taken without the advice of a doctor. Any diuretic is a potent medicinal product, which is prescribed for diseases of the kidneys, heart and blood vessels. If you take such a remedy for puffiness under the eyes, there is a risk of disrupting the functioning of these organs. This is fraught with dangerous irreversible complications, especially for the excretory system.


Cosmetics manufacturers produce special products for intensive care behind the centuries. It includes masks and disposable patches for under-eye puffiness, providing instant relief of congestion and skin lifting. Such products are based on natural ingredients that constrict blood vessels and lighten the epidermis. High-quality products that can effectively remove puffiness under the eyes:

  • Purederm Collagen Eye Zone Mask;
  • L'Etoile Bon Voyage Agiotage;
  • Petitfée Gold EGF Premium;
  • Secret Key Gold Racoony;
  • Lusero Patch;
  • Shary Visage;
  • Payot Design Lift;
  • Swiss Line Cell Shock;
  • Gigi Eye Care and others.

Beauty salons offer several manual and hardware procedures aimed at combating swelling of the eyelids. The following types of massage help remove even severe swelling under the eyes:

  • lymphatic drainage;
  • vacuum (dermatonia);
  • lifting;
  • cryogenic;
  • (Chinese).

You can also eliminate swelling and bruises under the eyes on your own. At home, you only need eye cream for manipulation; you can use special anti-congestion products. Before starting the session, it is important to completely remove makeup and wash your face. Then you need to precisely apply the selected cream to the skin around the eyelids and massage with light pressing movements of your fingers. The correct direction is shown in the figure below. The manipulation is carried out simultaneously for both eyes. You need to start from the 1st point and end at the 8th. Duration – 10-12 minutes.


Folk remedies for puffiness under the eyes

Homemade organic cosmetics also cope well with congestion. The only thing you should avoid are diuretic herbs for puffy eyes. Herbal preparations are similarly potent medicines intended for the treatment of diseases of internal organs. Their uncontrolled use will lead to disastrous consequences.

Parsley is especially popular among women for puffiness under the eyes. It not only removes “bags”, but also whitens the skin of the eyelids and helps to disappear dark circles. The greens must be chopped so that they release juice, wrapped in gauze pad and put on the eyes like a compress (10-12 minutes). Excess raw materials can be frozen for future procedures.

Swelling of the eye makes people look sick. Most patients perceive it as a cosmetic defect that spoils their appearance. But it is necessary to remember that the eyes swell for a reason, and this has its own reason in the form of various diseases.

The eyelids are prone to swelling due to their too loose structure, because they consist of subcutaneous fat, blood vessels and muscles. Often swelling under the eyes is due to fluid retention. But in some situations, the causes of swelling under the eyes are indicated by serious eye abnormalities.

Puffiness under the eyes can occur due to different types reasons. These include the following reasons.

  1. Inflammatory eye diseases.
  2. Allergic manifestation.
  3. Diseases of internal organs.
  4. Eye injury.
  5. Oncological diseases.
  6. Congenital pathologies in eye development.
  7. Disruption of lymph flow.
  8. Eye strain.
  9. Bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
  10. Consuming salt in large quantities.

If there is swelling under the eyes in the lower eyelid area, then the causes of this phenomenon are usually divided into two types.

  1. Unit. It occurs as a result of incorrectly selected cosmetics, poor diet, injury or poor lifestyle.
  2. Chronic. Appears as a result of diseases of the heart muscle, renal system and thyroid gland, clogged blood vessels, allergic reactions and age-related changes.

But the cause of swelling of the left eye can be the ingestion of salty or smoked food and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Macular swelling of the eye

The eye is a swelling of the central part of the retina. It can occur as a result of such reasons as:

  • diabetic rhinopathy;
  • uveitis;
  • vascular thrombosis on the retina;
  • eye injury;
  • consequence after surgery.

Swelling of the macula is characterized by symptoms such as:

  • formation of blurred central vision;
  • perception of the overall picture in pink;
  • increased sensitivity of the eyes to light;
  • promotions;
  • deterioration in the quality of visual function in the morning after sleep.

This type of puffy under the eyes can be treated in three ways.

  1. Conservative therapy.
  2. Laser treatment.
  3. Surgical intervention.

Swelling of the cornea

This type of edema is characterized by deterioration of visual function in the evening.

The main reasons may be the following factors.

  • Increased eye pressure.
  • Development of glaucoma.
  • Birth trauma in an infant during birth.
  • Consequences after surgery.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Infection.
  • Impact of the stimulus.
  • Uveitis.

When there is swelling under the eyes due to inflammation of the cornea, the following symptoms are characteristic.

  • Redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva.
  • Pain in the eyes.
  • Severe fatigue of the visual organ.
  • Photophobia and lacrimation.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Decreased corneal transparency.

To begin treatment, you need to understand why swelling under the eyes appears. Based on this, the doctor may prescribe antiviral or antibacterial agents. The use of soft lenses during corneal treatment is prohibited. In some situations, swelling is accompanied by increased dryness of the visual organ. Therefore, you additionally need to use a drug that contains.
When there is swelling under the eyes and the condition is considered severe, treatment is carried out using hormonal anti-inflammatory drops. inflammatory in nature.

Eye swelling due to allergies

Swelling above the eyes of an allergic nature is characterized by severe swelling of the upper eyelid and tearing. In medicine it is called " angioedema", which refers to the manifestation of Quincke's edema. If swelling under the eyes is a result of allergies, then the main cause is considered to be contact with an irritant.

Treatment should be prescribed by an allergist after determining the cause. Often, drug therapy involves the use of:

  • Eye ointments. Prescribed when severe itching in the eyes, tearing and burning.
  • Hormonal ointments. Help relieve swelling under the eyes and relieve itching.
  • Antihistamines.
  • Eye drops that have a vasoconstrictor effect.

Treatment of eye swelling using traditional methods

Often, swelling under the eyes appears in the morning after a night's sleep. If swelling under the eyes occurs only occasionally, then the causes of this phenomenon may be great use fluids in the evening, prolonged crying, eye strain, or the onset of a cold. Traditional methods know how to quickly remove puffiness under the eyes.

  1. Cold compresses. It is enough to take something cold from the freezer, wrap it in a scarf and apply it to the inflamed eyelid. Keep the compress on for about five minutes. You can use regular ice cubes instead. There is no need to wrap them in gauze or a scarf. It's worth just wiping skin around the eyes until the ice melts.
  2. Helps relieve swelling at home fresh cucumber. It is enough to apply a slice to the inflamed part of the eyelid for a few minutes. It will draw out all the fluid, relieve redness and soothe the delicate skin around the eyes. But this method has a small disadvantage - it can whiten the skin in the place where it will lie. Therefore, if the patient has a tanned face and swelling under the eyes, then it is better to abandon this method and choose something else.
  3. Parsley will help to quickly relieve swelling on the upper eyelid at home. This plant is one of the universal methods for treating many diseases. To use parsley, it must be finely chopped and mixed with sour cream. The resulting paste should be placed on the inflamed eyelids for ten minutes. This method is aimed at improving blood circulation, which helps to quickly get rid of swelling.
  4. You can also make a decoction from parsley. This method helps well when there is severe swelling under the eyes. You need to add one spoon of crushed plant to a mug of boiled water. Let it brew for fifteen minutes and strain. From the resulting infusion you need to make lotions on the area around the eyes. And the remaining broth can be poured into molds and frozen. Ice cubes should be used to massage the inflamed area every morning.
  5. When there is severe swelling under the eyes, black or green tea bags will come to the rescue. After the patient has used them, it is enough to apply them to the eyelids for a few minutes. To achieve the best effect, you can put them in the refrigerator and let them cool slightly. This method helps relieve swelling, get rid of redness and...
  6. An excellent way to relieve swelling under the eyes is to use blue clay. It is sold in pharmacy kiosks. Clay can cure many diseases. To do this, just take a small amount of powder and mix with water until a mushy mass forms. Then put it around the eyes and keep it there for at least an hour until the swelling disappears completely.

To know how to remove puffiness under the eyes, it is worth finding out the cause. Only an experienced doctor can help with this, because only he knows why there is swelling under the eyes.

A cosmetic defect such as dark circles or puffiness under the eyes can be a cause for concern, since it is a consequence of an imbalance in the healthy balance of the human body. The causes can only be found and eliminated by a doctor through adequate treatment.

Swelling that occurs under the eyes and results from accumulation in subcutaneous tissue fluid is called edema.

The accumulating liquid includes:

  • Leukocytes;
  • Proteins;
  • Potassium;
  • Sodium;
  • Salt;
  • Water.

What diseases can cause swelling under the eyes?

The following diseases can cause puffy circles under the eyes:

  • Edema that occurs due to endocrine disorders;
  • Disruption of the cardiovascular system;
  • Kidney problems;
  • Liver diseases;
  • Various diseases eye;
  • Inflammatory processes;
  • Herniated disc;
  • Allergy.

Causes of puffiness under the eyes in women

Women may experience puffiness under the eyes for the following reasons:


Causes of puffiness under the eyes in men

Male factor:

  • Alcohol abuse;
  • Use of cigarettes and drugs;
  • Nocturnal lifestyle and lack of sleep;
  • Sedentary lifestyle;
  • Poor nutrition;
  • Age-related swelling under the eyes.

Causes of puffiness under the eyes in children

Edema in children:

  • Genetic predisposition;
  • Allergic reaction;
  • Teething period;
  • Inflammatory processes of the ear/nose/throat;
  • Hormonal imbalance;
  • Staying near a TV/tablet/computer for a long time;
  • Increased intracranial pressure;
  • Eye opening in infants.

Pathological causes of bags and swelling. Edema during pregnancy

Possible diagnoses:


Edema during pregnancy

During pregnancy, swelling under the eyes often appears. The causes and treatment of edema are determined by specialists in the field of gynecology, cardiology or nephrology.

A common occurrence among pregnant women is late toxicosis - gestosis. It may occur for the following reasons:


Heart problems can also cause swelling of the eyelids in pregnant women. This occurs due to excessive stress on the cardiac system. Most often, heart disease affects patients who had heart problems before pregnancy. But women who gained significant weight before pregnancy or experienced severe stress are also at risk.

Swelling of the eyelids in pregnant women can be caused by illness or excessive load on the kidneys.

This happens for the following reasons:

  • In the first trimester, slight swelling around the eyes occurs due to hormonal changes in the body, which leads to relaxation of some internal organs. The reason for this phenomenon is increased levels of progesterone. Another reason that does not require immediate medical intervention is overload of the kidneys. During the period of gestation, they work for two.
  • In the second and third trimesters slight swelling possible due to the size of the enlarging uterus. It puts pressure on the bladder, resulting in urinary stagnation.
  • If a woman suffered from pyelonephritis or nephritis before pregnancy, relapses are possible.
  • Flu, infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, various complications after infectious and colds lead to swelling of the eyelids during pregnancy.

Swelling due to herniated disc

With a herniated disc, the first minor symptom is swelling under the eyes. The causes and treatment of which are often ignored by patients. This occurs due to deterioration of blood supply to the brain. The discs are displaced and a hernia is formed, and the spinal artery, which supplies blood to all parts of the brain, is pinched, which leads to the formation of edema.

Edema due to heart disease

With heart disease, blood circulation is disrupted and moisture stagnation forms, which leads to the formation of minor edema on the early stages.

This process is caused by damage to the heart muscle tissue, which is possible for the following reasons:

  • Heart attack;
  • Inflammation of internal organs;
  • Long-term high blood pressure;
  • Atherosclerosis;
  • Angina.

As a result of this cardiac output decreases and fluid stagnation occurs in the intercellular space.

Edema due to kidney disease

Renal edema appears under the eyes in patients with organ diseases that are caused by pathological mechanisms. The causes, as well as treatment, are determined by a nephrologist and urologist.

Swelling occurs when there is no presence in the blood:

  • Protein – protein starvation occurs in the body;
  • Chlorine ions;
  • Glucose;
  • Urea;
  • Sodium ions.

Swelling appears in the evening, and by morning it subsides. It begins with the eyelids, gradually spreading to the feet.

Edema in liver diseases

Swelling, caused by liver disease, appears not only under the eyes, but also on the legs, arms, and in men, in the scrotum area. If conservative treatment does not give positive dynamics, the patient is prescribed surgery.

Causes of liver reports:

  • Cirrhosis;
  • Tumor processes;
  • Disruption of the biliary tract;
  • Hepatitis A, B, C.

If, in addition to the eyelids, an accumulation of fluid forms in the abdominal cavity, such swelling is called ascites or abdominal dropsy. Basically, this condition is one of the complications of liver cirrhosis or cancer.

Edema due to endocrine pathologies

At endocrine pathologies and hormonal disorders in the human body, swelling often appears under the eyes.

Disease Causes of swelling Treatment
Diabetes mellitus
  • Purpose therapeutic diet with restrictions on fatty, sweet and salty foods;
  • For kidney diseases, Blockordil is prescribed;
  • For diabetic hearts, medications for high blood pressure are prescribed.
Hypothyroidism Changes in hormone levels Prescription of artificial hormonal drugs.
Autoimmune thyroiditis Advanced hypothyroidism Prescription of drugs that restore cardiovascular function of the body. All drugs are selected individually.

Swelling due to inflammation of the lacrimal glands

Causes of swelling of the lacrimal glands:

  • Age-related hormonal changes. IN this process the production of tear fluid decreases, which leads to the formation of edema;
  • For diseases such as mumps, influenza and scarlet fever;
  • In case of chronic tuberculosis and syphilis;
  • For diseases of the circulatory system.

Edema due to vitamin B5 deficiency

The adrenal glands produce vital hormones - glucocorticoids. Their lack in the body leads not only to swelling under the eyes, but also to ongoing headaches, insomnia and frequent fatigue of the body. Therapy with brewer's yeast and calcium pantothenate will help compensate for vitamin B5 deficiency.

Also for patients suffering from deficiency pantothenic acid, it is recommended to include in your diet such foods as:

  • All types of green vegetables;
  • Buckwheat and oatmeal;
  • Dairy products;
  • Chicken eggs;
  • Peanuts, hazelnuts and walnuts.

Swelling due to allergies

Puffiness in the eyes due to allergies occurs due to contact of the allergen with the mucous membrane of the eye or with the eyelid.


A possible cause of puffiness under the eyes may be allergies. Eliminating contact with the allergen and specific treatment help get rid of this cosmetic defect.

Possible allergens:

  • Washing powders and other household chemicals;
  • Cat hair and hair of some dog breeds: Chow Chow, Spitz, Pekingese. A reaction is also possible to other breeds, but these are the dogs that are recognized by WHO as the most allergenic;
  • Dust;
  • Bacterial and infectious processes;
  • Cosmetics and perfumes;
  • Some types of berries, fruits and vegetables;
  • Honey and nuts;
  • Allergy to lactose ( milk protein);
  • Plants and flowers;
  • Antibiotics and vaccines;
  • To ultraviolet: both natural (sun) and artificial (solarium);
  • Bees and mosquito bites, as well as fleas and bedbugs.

Genetic causes of edema

If parents notice swelling under the child’s eyes, there is no need to immediately sound the alarm. First you need to look at the eyes of your parents and grandparents. Typically, such swelling is inherited and accompanies a person throughout his life.

Sometimes a patient’s swelling is accompanied by symptoms such as:

  • Suffocation;
  • Nausea and vomiting;
  • Sharp pain in the abdominal cavity.

Then a detailed study is necessary hereditary history through genetic studies of the patient's blood. If after research a deficiency of the C1 inhibitor has been determined, the patient is diagnosed with hereditary angioedema and special treatment is prescribed.

Physiological causes of swelling

There are swellings that do not require visiting a specialist:


Bags for bad habits

Bad habits are a common cause of bags under the eyes. It is easy to distinguish them thanks to the accompanying symptoms.

After abusing alcohol and cigarettes, in addition to bags under the eyes, the following appear:


After using narcotic drugs, persistent bags under the eyes appear due to prolonged wakefulness or drowsiness.

Bags after cosmetic procedures

Causes of bags under the eyes after a cosmetic procedure:

  • After Botox injections, 99% of patients experience swelling around the eyes. This is due to temporary paralysis facial muscles, as a result of which lymph stagnates in the intercellular space, forming bags;
  • Biorevitalization can also cause bags under the eyes. Similar problem occurs in the patient due to negligence medical worker who performed the procedure, or due to the fault of the patient, who did not provide all the data on the characteristics of his own body;
  • After a circular facelift with gold threads due to insufficient qualifications of the cosmetologist or in case of violation of the technology.

Swelling from ultraviolet radiation and stress

Direct ultraviolet rays can cause a reaction in the body in the form of swelling. The exact reason why the human body rejected sun rays, medicine does not.

There are hypotheses for this pathology:

  • Immunity impairment;
  • Reaction of mucous membranes to ultraviolet radiation as a toxic factor;
  • Altitude. The higher a person is, the stronger his reaction to the rays.

Also, patients often pay attention to puffy circles under the eyes after severe stressful situations. Such edema is called carbohydrate-insulin edema. They appear due to overeating sweets after suffering from nervous excitement. Sweets provoke the release of insulin into the blood, which leads to swelling under the eyes.

Bags from excess salt in the body

After consuming foods containing table salt (and this is almost all the products that are on store shelves), a person is overcome by thirst. Together with salt, elements necessary for life enter the blood: sodium chloride. But increased concentration this substance leads to metabolic disorders.

The kidneys cannot cope with the processing of fluid, because... after salty food, a person drinks more than normal, and some of the water is not excreted, but accumulates in the cells. This becomes the root cause of swelling of the eyelids under the eyes.

Swelling due to age

It is rare to find older people who do not have bags under their eyes. These are not edemas that contain fluid, but the properties of subcutaneous fat.
The skin on the eyelids is the most delicate on the entire human body, and with age it loses its elasticity and firmness. This leads to eyelid bags under the eyes.

Swelling on one side

Unilateral swelling of the eyelid is possible for the following reasons:

  • Dental problems associated with the tooth root;
  • Unilateral inflammation of the maxillary sinuses;
  • Barley;
  • Result of traumatic brain injury;
  • Fracture or severe bruise of the nose;
  • Leave-on mascara.

Methods for diagnosing disorders in the body

Diagnosis of certain diseases, causing swelling:


Treatment of eyelid swelling

Treatment of inflammatory swelling

For inflammatory swelling under the eyes, the following treatment regimen is used:


Treatment of swelling from nephrological diseases

For such edema, the following treatment regimen is prescribed:

Treatment of allergic edema

The treatment process includes:

  • Eliminating the allergen;
  • Activated carbon will help remove the allergen from the body;
  • Use of antihistamines.

Therapeutic massage

To eliminate and prevent puffiness under the eyes, do a therapeutic massage with cream using pointed movements in the morning and evening before bed. The fingertips follow from the temples along the lower base of the eyelid. Then they run their fingers over upper eyelid. It is advisable to perform the procedure for 5-10 minutes daily.

Compresses and poultices for the skin around the eyes

Name Recipe Application
Linden compress
  • Linden flowers 20 g are brewed in boiling water;
  • Leave for 6 hours.
  • A tampon soaked in the broth is kept in front of the eyes for 15-20 minutes;
  • At the end, the eyelid is wiped with ice.
Cornflower compress
  • Cornflower flowers 60 g;
  • Hot water 200 ml;
  • Leave for 30-40 minutes.
Apply a swab to the eyes for 15-20 minutes.
Tea compress Used tea bags or tea leaves wrapped in cheesecloth. Apply to eyes for 20-25 minutes.
Cabbage compress Finely chopped fresh or sour cabbage is wrapped in gauze. Apply to swollen eyelids 4-5 times a day for 15-20 minutes.

Masks and creams for bags under the eyes

Name Recipe Application
For bruises and bags under the eyes Shredded raw potatoes mixed with 5 g of grape oil.
  • Place an absorbent napkin on both eyes;
  • Place potato mixture on a napkin;
  • Keep for 15-20 minutes.
Parsley mask Chopped parsley is mixed with 20-25 g of sour cream. The mask is applied to the eyes for 15-20 minutes.
Oatmeal mask Fill in at night oatmeal hot milk. In the morning, apply the product to the eyes for 30-35 minutes.

Creams for bags under the eyes:


Ice and frozen vegetables for puffy eyes

Methods of influence and effectiveness of using ice and frozen fruits:


Diet and a healthy lifestyle as a remedy for puffiness under the eyes

The special diet includes:

  • Oat and buckwheat cereals;
  • Fermented milk products;
  • Non-starchy vegetables;
  • Berries and fruits;
  • Boiled fish and poultry.

All dishes and cereals are prepared in water, without adding salt. The patient's sleep lasts for 8-10 hours. Meals are strictly scheduled, in small portions.

How to properly care for the skin around your eyes to avoid swelling

Skin care for swelling:

  • Daily moisturizing with special creams;
  • It is recommended to visit a cosmetologist at least once a month;
  • Using special lifting creams;
  • The use of creams against exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Preventing bags under the eyes

For prevention you need:

  • Stick to a daily routine;
  • Eat a balanced diet;
  • Do not abuse salts/sweets/spices/spicy foods;
  • Give up bad habits;
  • Get enough sleep;
  • Play sports or physical therapy:
  • Apply cosmetics correctly;
  • Don't neglect walks in the fresh air.

If the above factors are observed, swelling under the eyes will decrease or disappear. If the cause of their occurrence is a disease, timely diagnosis and proper treatment will help eliminate this cause.

Video on the topic: swelling under the eyes - causes and treatment

Why bags under the eyes appear and methods of treatment:

Causes of swelling under the eyes, ways to combat them: