Swollen eyelid home remedies go a long way in getting rid of the unwanted stretching whatever the cause is. Whether the swelling is on the lower or upper eyelid, the application of the natural and home remedies is the same. We explore how to use different remedies and the precautions that should be put into place.
Swelling of the eyes can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Swollen eyelids are painful or hurt when blinking, or generally feel sore. What causes a lower eyelid to swell? What causes upper eye to swell? How can you get rid of swollen eyelids naturally and fast or overnight?
According to EyeHealthWeb, build-up of fluid is a common cause of the swelling of upper and lower eyelids. All About Vision on the other hand list inflammation or allergies as a cause of swollen eyelids. Let’s find out how to get rid of swollen eyelids with home remedies or naturally.
Swollen Upper Eyelids and Swollen Lower Eyelid
Swollen eyelids are those have suffered enlargement. This can be either on the upper or lower eyelid. The swelling results from inflammation or a buildup of fluids in the tissues surrounding your eyes. The causes for this range from mild infections, and inflammation to more serious causes such as infections and malignancy.
There also are some more specific causes for swollen eyelids. Eyelid cysts are one of them. These develop over time and are rarely painful. However, in case they become infected, it is possible for them to become red and inflamed. Another condition frequently confused with cysts is formation of stys. These tend to occur at the end of eyelashes and only become visible with time. How long the swelling lasts is determined by the cause and severity. Causes such as allergic reactions last a short while and will go away when there is not more exposure to allergens.
In most cases, these swellings are nothing much to worry about. There always will be tell-tale signs of when an eyelid swelling should be of concern. In case the swelling is accompanied by symptoms such as a double vision, abnormal bulging, fever or vision loss, a physician should be contacted. In case of any of these danger signs, you should see the doctor immediately. Do the same if there is excessive pain or if the swelling does not get better or go away with time even after you have tried using home remedies for swollen eyes.
Swollen Itchy Eyelids, Causes
At times, it is possible for the swollen eyelids to be itchy as well. These symptoms may be accompanied by a gritty feeling. This normally occurs as a result of dry eyes or inflamed lids. The symptoms usually worsen in the morning and get better as the day progresses. Persons suffering dry eyes have a greater risk of getting cysts. The swelling and itching are rarely serious health conditions and can be alleviated using artificial tears to reduce irritation.
Another cause for the same could be contact dermatitis. This gets triggered when the eyes get into contact with irritating substances and things they are allergic to. With this type, the swelling and itching should clear up the moment the causative substance is eliminated. In other circumstances, conditions affecting the rest of the body can as well result in swollen eyelids as they will cause retention of fluids around the eye area.
What can you do for a swollen eyelid?
This is a common question asked by people having swollen eyelids. There are many things that can help. These include treatments and putting into place preventive measures to avert further swelling. Whatever you do should be determined by what the cause of the swelling is as well as the extent of damage done.
In case the cause of the swelling is allergies, you should use antihistamines and decongestants to ease the swelling. These can be in the form of eye drops or oral medication. Also ensure that you eliminate the allergens. Where the swelling is not as a result of allergies, the use of natural and home remedies can help eliminate mild and moderate swellings.
In addition, you should stay away from the causes of the swelling. Avoid rubbing the eyes as this could worsen the condition. Keep the eyes clean as well to avoid getting infections. Where the swelling is severe, persistent or when the use of home remedies does not yield any relief, medical treatment should be sought immediately.
Home Remedies for Swollen Eyelid
The eyelids contain a lot of tiny blood vessels making them very sensitive. As a result, they easily swell up even at the least irritation. This could be as a result of sleep deficit, allergic reactions, bruising among others. Where the swelling is minor, the use of home remedies for swollen eyelid will help ease the swelling, soothe irritation and relief pain. We look at some of these home treatments and how to make use of them for fast relief.
Drink a lot of water
Sometimes the cause of swollen eyes is dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, it tends to build water reserves within the body. This could lead to swollen eyelids. Where this is the case, drinking plenty of water can help treat swollen eyelids. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol as this can aggravate the dehydration. When your body stays well hydrated, it helps to prevent it from going into survival mode and thus avoid getting puffed up in the wrong places.
Cold Water for relief of swelling eyelids
Cold water is a great and simple cure for eyelids that have swollen up. This is more so where they are caused by sleepless nights. The coolness from the water will constrict the blood vessels thus lessen swelling as well as inflammation.
- For a number of times each day, splash your face with ice-cold water.
- The same effect could also be achieved by using ice compresses on the eyes.
- Repeat the procedure you pick several times a day until the swellings are cured.
Salt Water solution for treating swollen eye lids
A solution of warm water and salt helps to draw out water retained in the eyes in a process similar to osmosis. With less water retained, the swelling is minimized.
- Add half a tea spoon of salt to a cup of warm water.
- Ensure that the water is not too hot and soak woolen eye pads in the solution.
- Place these on the eyes for a few minutes before doing the same for the other eye using a clean set of eye pads.
Chilled Tea Bags home remedy for swollen eyelids
Both green and black tea have soothing effects for swollen and irritating eyes. Caffeinated tea helps to constrict blood vessels and thus cure the swelling.
- Get two tea bags and steep them in hot water for five minutes.
- Allow them to cool to comfortable temperatures.
- While lying down, shut your eyes and place the tea bags over each eye.
- Repeat as may be necessary to treat swollen eyes with a rejuvenating effect.
Cold Spoons
When spoons are cooled, they help to tighten up the skin around the eyelids as well as relax the blood vessels. When this happens, the eyes are relieved off the swellings.
- Have four to six spoons and chill them in the refrigerator.
- Take them out a pair at a time once they have been chilled.
- Place the reverse side of each spoon on each eye.
- Once the spoon starts to feel warm, replace with a cold one until all spoons are done.
- Repeat procedure twice daily until swelling goes away.
Light Eye Massage
When done in the right way, a massage around the eyes is a great treatment method that can help eliminate swelling.
- With your eyes closed, get to press the ring finger lightly on one eye.
- Move the finger from the inside heading outside in an arc shape.
- Keep repeating this for about ten minutes and then switch to the other eye.
Natural Remedies for Swollen Eyelids
In addition to the home remedies discussed earlier on, you can make use of natural remedies to alleviate swellings on eyelids. These natural remedies for swollen eyelids are easy to use, affordable and readily available. Pick the one you feel comfortable and try it on your eyes for fast relief.
Cucumbers get rid of puffy eyes and swollen eyelids
This great vegetable is a great remedy for swollen eyes. Cucumbers contain astringent properties and are not only cooling but soothing as well. They help in constricting blood vessels around the eyelids and thus help in getting rid of the swelling. In case there is any skin irritation with the swelling, cucumbers contain caffeic acid and vitamin C which will be nourishing to the eyes and which help to reduce it.
- Slice a cucumber into thin circles.
- Place these into the refrigerator for some time to cool them.
- While leaning back, place a slice on each eye for 10-15 minutes.
Aloe Vera treatment for swollen eyes
This natural remedy for swollen eyes contains vitamin E and antioxidants which are vital for eye health. When used on swollen eyes, it helps to improve circulation of blood. It also flashes out any unnecessary fluids found under the eye. This helps to treat any swelling around the eyes.
- Cut a fresh aloe leaf and clean it up.
- Cut it into half and using a spoon extract its gel.
- With clean hands, apply this gel around the eyes and allow it to dry up.
- Use some water to wash it off.
Potatoes
These work in the same way as cucumbers. They are effective in clearing swelling on eyelids. They contain starch and have anti-inflammatory qualities. These help in reducing swelling. When used around the eyes, they will also help to get rid of dark circles.
- Wash a dry medium sized potato and peel it.
- Grate the potato to obtain fine shavings.
- Wrap up these shavings in a clean piece of cloth and use it to cover the eyelids.
- Allow it rest for a few minutes before taking it off.
Egg Whites
These contain ingredients that help in tightening the skin. These will help in getting rid of the swelling.
- Get two egg whites and whip them in a bowl until they attain a stiff consistency.
- Add some drops of witch hazel and use a soft cloth to treat the eyelids with it.
- Leave to dry and repeat procedure daily.
In addition to employing the above treatments, it is possible to avoid getting swollen eyelids. This you can do by following the tips listed below.
- Keep well hydrated to prevent the body from switching to survival mode through water retention.
- Reduce the amount of salt intake as this could lead to dehydration.
- Always sleep with your head elevated to avoid swollen eyes.
- In case your swelling is triggered by allergens, learn what they are and avoid them. Where necessary, get them treated.
- Always get enough sleep.
Sources:
- com: Swollen Eyes; Causes and Treatments
- com: Itchy Eyelids
- com: Swollen Eyelid
- com: Allergy Relief: Soothing Swollen Eyes
- com: Eyelid Inflammation
- com: Eye Injuries-Home Treatments
- com: Swollen Eyelid – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Home Remedies
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