Getting Rid Of Puffy Eyes Articles | Remedy

By: Richard Bleuze

Puffy eyes are really quite common and are known to create the look of being over tired, unhealthy, or a few years older than we really are. Causes such as poor sleep habits, allergies or allergic reaction, a diet high in salt or alcoholic beverages, or fluctuation in hormonal stability can contribute to the look of puffiness above and below the eye.
The eyelids are very sensitive and can easily become irritated, red and puffy, but don’t despair; it is easier to get rid of puffy eyes than you may realize especially minor puffiness. Minor puffiness is the kind that you notice when you wake up, but is then reduced or eliminated by mid-morning as gravity drains the fluid that has accumulated throughout the night. Below you will find some simple techniques to relieve the swelling so you can get on with your life.

Symptoms of Puffy or Swollen Eyes:
1.  Puffiness or swelling of the upper and lower eyelids, usually in the morning is occasionally accompanied by itching and/or redness.
2.  Dehydration. When the body gets dehydrated it begins storing up water, which can cause puffy eyes.
3.  Diet. Drinking alcohol or eating salty foods before going to sleep.
4.  Insufficient sleep.
5.  Allergies.  Perhaps your feather pillows, linen fabric, face-creams, dust, pollen, or food.
6.  Aging. As you get older the skin begins to loose elasticity, causing swollen eyes.
7.  Hormonal changes. The days just before and during menstruation
8.  High blood pressure
9.  Eyelid dermatitis
10.  Inflammation of the eyelid
11.  Orbital cellulitis, an infection of the orbital tissue
Chalazions, small tumors on the eyelid that are benign
12.  Kidney infections
13.  Thyroid problems
14.  Drugs. 
15.  Heredity.

Preventing Puffy Eyes:
There is no cure for puffy eyes. Getting rid of puffy eyes is the hardest part of the aging process. The best defense against puffy eyes is prevention. Getting rid of puffy eyes can be an annoying and a cumbersome addition to your morning routine. Be sure to drink plenty of water and get a minimum of 8 hour of sleep each night. Keep stress in check by making sure you have appropriate outlets to help manage both emotional and physical stress. Remove contact lenses each night before you go to sleep unless your contact lenses are specially designed for nighttime use. Eliminate or reduce consumption of alcohol and sodium. Using fragrance free, non-toxic skin moisturizers can also help in preventing symptoms related to puffy eyes.  However, here are a few suggestings, in addition to the above, that can help you to reduce puffy eyes.
1.  Stay hydrated. If you are thirsty, you are dehydrated. When properly hydrated, your urine will be nearly clear.
2.  Lower your salt intake. The body can only store salt in fluid suspension - which will gather in the skin around your eyes.
3.  Reduce your intake of acholic.
4.  Never sleep wearing eye make-up.
5.  Beware of bacteria. Get rid of old eye products and it is probably a good idea not to share your eye products with anyone else either.
5.  Get enough quality, regular sleep.
6.  Sleep with your head elevated 
7.  Sleep on your back so that gravity does not route fluid directly to your eyes.
8.  Cooling the puffy area of skin around the eye can reduce swelling. Do this by chilling an ice cube wrapped in a paper towel, chilled spoons, a cool wet washcloth, chilled left-over herbal tea bags, or strips of potato, cucumber, or strawberry. 
9.  Avoid excessive rubbing or drying of your eyes. The skin around your eyes is extremely sensitive, and repeated touching of your eyes can not only irritate the them, but also worsen allergies--both can lead to puffy eyes. Also remember to take your contact lenses out before bed each night to avoid irritation and drying and the resulting puffiness.  
10.  Wear a mask that is filled with cold water or gel for a few minutes when you wake up in the morning.
11.  Keep your eye creams in the refrigerator
12.  Soak cotton-wool pads in a bowl of ice-cold milk and then squeeze most of the liquid out. Place the pads on your eyes and repeat as they warm up for about 15 minutes. This will also brighten the white in your eye.
13.  Dip cotton balls in ice water, and then squeeze the water out. Apply the cotton balls to your eyes for 5-10 minutes.
14.  Give your eyes a salt bath by soaking cotton pads in a saline solution or a solution of one teaspoon of salt in one pint of hot water. Place the pads on your puffy eyelids for a few minutes.

  NOTE:  Allergy related puffiness can become a permanent condition if not treated and eliminated. When the connective tissues in the eye become damaged from repeated swelling, the skin stretches and becomes looser. This can result in pouches under your eye, called blepharitis, because the fat around the eye has bulged. These pouches do not respond to home remedies like normal, occasional puffiness does. There is a minor surgery that can be performed called “blepharoplasty,” where the surgeon makes a very small incision under the lower eyelid to remove the excess skin, eliminating the pouches.  SEE YOUR DOCTOR!!