Fact Checked
Bags under the eyes are mild swelling or puffiness which is common as a person ages. With aging, the tissues found around the eyes and muscles that support the eyelids become weak. The fat layer that is responsible in supporting the eyes moves down into the lower eyelids which leads to the puffy appearance of the lids. Fluid can also buildup in the space found below the eyes which adds up to the swelling. Bags under the eyes are usually a cosmetic problem and not a sign of a serious underlying condition.
Symptoms
- Mild swelling of the area
- Loose or saggy skin
- Dark circles
If the symptoms become severe and persistent, with redness, pain and itching, it is best to seek medical help immediately.
Causes
- Accumulation of fluid in the area due to the weather such as hot and humid days, changes in the hormonal levels or eating salty foods.
- Lack of sleep
- Suffering from allergies or dermatitis especially if the puffiness causes redness and itchiness.
- Bags under the eyes run in families or hereditary
Treatment
- While sitting, apply a cool compress or ice pack. Wet a clean washcloth using cool water and then apply the damp washcloth to the area under and around the eyes for at least a few minutes and apply a mild pressure.
- Get plenty of sleep at night especially for adults for at least 7-8 hours of sleep at night.
- When sleeping, elevate slightly the head by placing an additional pillow under the head or raise the head of the mattress. This helps in preventing the accumulation of fluids around the eyes while sleeping.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter medication for allergies to minimize the severity of the symptoms.
- Drink plenty of liquids for the rest of the day to help flush out excess salt from the body that causes bags under the eyes. Avoid drinking beverages such as espresso and alcohol that causes dehydration.
- Place cool cucumbers over the affected eyes to help lessen the bags. Another option is to use damp tea bags and place in the freezer to become cool and then place them over the eyes. Another alternative when using the tea bags is placing 2 tea bags in boiling water and then remove and let it cool down. Sit in a chair and cover the face, nose and eyes using a paper towel or face washcloth and then place one soaked tea bag in each eye and elevate the feet up. Allow the tea bags to stay on the eyes for a few minutes to achieve the best results.
- Minimize the amount of salt used in every day cooking to help eliminate bags under the eyes.
Tips
- Place 2 spoons of steel in the freezer for at least 15 minutes and after that place each spoon in each affected eye until they become warm. Make sure the eyes are closed.
- Avoid drinking plenty of water before going to bed.