If you didn't get enough sleep last night, you may notice bags under your eyes. In some cases, bags under the eyes can be caused by allergies or diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, bags under the eyes do not usually require treatment by a doctor. Instead, you can treat puffy eyes at home using common, basic ingredients. If your puffy eyes do not respond to home remedies, consult a doctor for further treatment.
Step 1
Get adequate sleep. Some people require more sleep than others, but the Mayo Clinic recommends between seven and eight hours for most adults.
Step 2
Sleep with extra pillows. By propping your head up with an extra pillow or two, fluid that collects under the eyes will drain into the lymph nodes, preventing bags under the eyes.
Step 3
Apply teabags to the eye area to reduce swelling, suggests professor of dermatology, Marianne O'Donoghue, M.D. Run two black teabags under cold water, then wrap them in tissues and apply one to each eye for several minutes to reduce swelling.
Step 4
Place a cold washcloth or a small towel filled with ice cubes over your eyes. Sit up with the cold compress over your eyes, to encourage fluid to drain out of the eye area. Repeat as necessary throughout the day.
Step 5
Take a dose of antihistamine medication. If your puffy eyes are due to allergies, histamines will cause your eyes to swell. By taking an over-the-counter antihistamine, you will get temporary relief from puffy eyes, states the Mayo Clinic.
Tips and Warnings
- Your doctor can perform a surgical procedure to tighten the skin underneath your eyes.
- Consult a doctor if bags under your eyes are preventing you from seeing.
Things You'll Need
- Pillows
- Teabags
- Tissues
- Washcloth
- Small towel
- Ice cubes
- Antihistamine medication
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