Fact Checked
Bags under the eyes are mild swelling or puffiness which happens when the person ages. Due to the aging process, the tissues found around the eyes and also some of the muscles that support the eyelids become weak. The normal fat layer that helps in supporting the eye moves down into the lower eyelid which causes it to appear puffy. Fluid can also build up in the space found below the eyes which also results to evident swelling.
Symptoms
- Sagging or loose skin
- Minimal swelling of the area
- Dark circles around the eyes
If swelling is severe and persistent with itching, redness and pain and also affects other areas of the body such as the legs, seek medical help immediately.
Causes
- Allergies or dermatitis especially if puffiness has itching and redness
- Individual was not able to get enough sleep
- Hereditary since it can happen to any members of the families
- Bags under the eyes can be caused by changes in weather condition especially during hot and humid days.
- Eating salty foods or altered hormone levels
Treatment
- Apply a cool compress on the affected area. Simply immerse a clean wash cloth in cool water. While the individual is seated, apply the cool washcloth over the skin around and under the eyes for a few minutes and apply mild pressure.
- Encourage individual to get plenty of sleep at night at least 7-8 hours every night.
- When sleeping, slightly elevate the head by adding a couple of pillows or prop up the head of the mattress. Another option is to elevate the head of the bed a few inches high in order to help minimize fluids from accumulating around the eyes while sleeping.
- Soak two tea bags in cold water at least 30 seconds. Squeeze the water from the tea bags. While sitting, place the tea bags on each eye and areas around and underneath the eyes at least for 10 minutes. Use black, green or white tea bags which have tannins that help in minimizing the puffiness and tighten the skin. Rinse the eyelids thoroughly using cool and clean water immediately in order to help prevent discoloration of the skin caused by the tea bags.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter allergy medications if there is a reaction caused by hair dyes, soaps, cosmetics and other allergens.
- Cover the closed eyes with slices of cucumber at least for 15 minutes since it also helps in moisturizing the skin and minimizes the swelling.
- Grate some potatoes and strain it. Dip cotton pads into the potato juice and place it on the eyelids. This works by reducing the soreness of the puffy eyelids and minimize the bags under the eyes.
- Eat a healthy diet in order to help eliminate bags under the eyes, minimize intake of salt, and eat less of carbohydrates, in order to minimize retention of water which can cause puffy eyes.