Reducing the Swelling in Your Face
Multiple medical problems and procedures, such as dental work or an allergic response, as well as diseases like edema, can cause facial swelling. Most cases of facial edema are mild and respond nicely to ice and elevation. Extreme swelling requires prompt medical attention.
How to Reduce Facial Swelling
Find out what’s causing your face to swell.
Facial edema can be caused by a variety of medical issues and allergic reactions. Determine the likely cause(s) of your swelling to help you decide on the best course of treatment. Some possible explanations are:
- Antibody reactions
- Cellulitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by bacteria.
- Inflammation of the sinuses caused by a bacterial infection is known as sinusitis.
- An infection of the conjunctiva, or “pink eye,” is a common condition.
- Extreme subcutaneous swelling (angioedema)
- Disturbed Thyroid
Put on an ice pack. When applied to an enlarged area, cold therapy can help alleviate pain and inflammation. You can reduce facial swelling by applying ice to it, either directly or in the form of a towel-wrapped ice cube. For at least ten and preferably twenty minutes, press the ice pack against your face.
An ice pack can be used as often as three times a day for up to three days.
Raise your gaze up to the sky. Keeping your head up can help minimize swelling since blood flow is directed away from the area. Maintain an erect posture while sitting during the day. Get into a sleeping position that keeps your head slightly elevated.
You can lean your upper body back against the headboard by placing pillows there.
Don’t touch anything too hot. If your face is puffy, wait at least 48 hours before exposing it to heat. Swelling and inflammation in the face can be made worse by exposure to heat. To reduce the risk of this heat-related adverse effect, you should avoid long, hot showers, hot tubs, hot baths, and/or hot packs.
Applying a paste made of turmeric might help. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric have been well documented. Powdered or freshly ground turmeric can be mixed with water to form a paste. Sandalwood, like turmeric, is thought to reduce inflammation; therefore, the two can be combined. Make sure to avoid getting the paste in your eyes when you apply it to the swollen area of your face.
After applying the paste, wait around 10 minutes. The solution needs to be rinsed. Finally, dab your face with a cold compress.
Just give it some time, and it will pass. In the case of minor injuries or allergic reactions, facial swelling often resolves on its own. Till then, all you can do is be patient and bear with it. But if it doesn’t improve or change after a few days, you should see a doctor.
Take one pill of an oral antihistamine if the swelling in your face is the only symptom of an allergic response, and wait to see if it goes away or gets worse, at which point you should consult a doctor.
Avoid taking particular pain relievers. Do not take aspirin or any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for the pain associated with facial edema. Inappropriate blood clotting has been linked to the use of several OTC pain medications. The inability to clot increases the risk of bleeding, and it can also cause edema to persist or worsen.
Getting Help from a Doctor
If the symptoms worsen, you should see a doctor. In the event that the swelling does not subside within three days or if the symptoms worsen, medical attention should be sought. The inflammation could be the result of an infection or something far more catastrophic.
In the event that you develop tingling or numbness in your face, have trouble seeing, or find pus or other signs of infection, you should see a doctor immediately.
Take an antihistamine.Allergies are a possible cause of the facial edema. To try to alleviate the symptoms, you can buy antihistamines over the counter.Seeing a doctor is the next step if that doesn’t work. They can figure out what’s going on and give you stronger antihistamines.
Oral or topical antihistamines may be recommended.
If you need to lose water weight, take a diuretic. There are drugs that can help reduce facial swelling, particularly in cases of edema. A diuretic, prescribed by your doctor, will cause your body to shed excess water through urination.
Try a different course of treatment. Facial edema is a side effect of some drugs, including prednisone. Get in touch with your medical provider and discuss your current prescription regimen. Your doctor may switch your medication if they determine that to be the case.
Adjusting One’s Way of Life
Stack up the pillows and get some rest. The swelling of your face may occur if you sleep with a flat pillow and let your head dangle too low. Get some plumper pillows or add an extra one or two to your bed. Keeping your head raised over the night will help alleviate inflammation when you awake.
Keep your diet well-rounded and healthful. Having more sugar and carbohydrates in your diet may make you puffier. Eating a diet rich in high-quality proteins and non-starchy veggies like leafy greens can assist with this. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day and cut back on your alcohol use. drinks with added sugar and packaged junk food.
Cut back on the salt. Inflammation, fluid retention, and puffiness have all been linked to salt consumption. The swelling around your face may go down if you cut back on the sodium in your diet. According to the American Heart Association, most people can safely consume up to 1,500 mg of sodium daily.
Eating less fast food, canned goods, frozen dinners, and other processed items is one way to cut back on sodium. Because of their high sodium content, they are not recommended for people with high blood pressure.
If you want to reduce your sodium intake, cooking at home is the best option.When you cook your own food, you have complete control over the amount of salt used, unlike when eating out or from a box.
Continue your regular routine of physical activity. Constant sitting around might lead to fluid retention and consequent edema. In order to control persistent swelling, you should engage in moderate physical activity, such as jogging or walking, for at least 30 minutes per day.
Improve your hydration by taking in more water. Facial swelling can be exacerbated by inflammation, which in turn can be caused by dehydration. Dry, itchy skin from dehydration is another symptom of the underlying inflammation caused by this condition. Maintaining a radiant complexion requires drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
Make facial exercises a daily habit. Sucking in the cheeks and pursing the lips are examples of facial exercises that can be used to maintain a youthful, firm appearance. Tapping your face softly with your middle fingers at the same time may also be a useful facial workout.
Making a peace sign with your fingers and nodding your head up and down signifies a relaxed state of mind.
Make an exaggerated “OO, EE” motion with your mouth while pursing your teeth.