A puffy face is an indication that your body is not functioning properly. Analysis and action are necessary to eliminate a puffy face, also called facial edema or swelling, and return your face to its normal state. As Medline Plus notes, this condition can result from a variety of causes, all of which you should pay close attention to, and depending on the severity of symptoms, treat with the help of your doctor.
Step 1
Apply a cold compress or gel pack to your face for about 10 minutes. This will help reduce swelling and allow fluid to drain from the tissues in your face.
Step 2
Raise the head of your bed or sleep with a few extra pillows to elevate your head and prevent fluids from building up around your face.
Step 3
Place a glass of water on your nightstand and drink it as soon as you wake up in the morning. This will help rehydrate blood vessels that swell due to dehydration and reduce puffiness.
Step 4
Stop drinking beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol. Both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics that can cause dehydration, which in turn causes blood vessels in your face to engorge and leads to a puffy face. MayoClinic.com recommends keeping your body hydrated with plenty of water, as well as foods that have high water content, such as fruits and vegetables.
Step 5
Use less salt and eliminate high sodium foods, such as processed foods, canned vegetables and soy sauce, from your diet. Salt causes your body to retain water and can result in a puffy face. MayoClinic.com recommends replacing these foods with fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
Step 6
Make a list of prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take to help your doctor determine if a drug allergy could be the cause of your puffy face. Medications such as aspirin, penicillin, sulfa and glucocorticoids can, according to Medline Plus, cause allergic reactions that result in a puffy face
Step 7
Write down information your doctor will need if you decide to seek medical care. According to Medline Plus, relevant information includes whether you feel pain, and if you do, the location of the pain, when the swelling first appeared, what triggers the swelling and what appears to relieve it and whether you have additional symptoms. Then schedule a visit to discuss possible treatments.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask yourself if your lifestyle can be causing your puffy face. According to "Health and Lifestyle Magazine," published by Ayushveda, lack of sleep, dehydration and a poor diet can all result in facial swelling.
- Call your doctor immediately if you have any trouble breathing, if you develop a fever or if your face becomes tender or red. Another indication you need to seek medical treatment, according to Medline Plus, is if swelling occurs suddenly, is painful, severe or becomes worse over time
Things You'll Need
- Gel facial mask
- Pillows
Member Comments