How to prevent and get rid of eye puffiness and dark circles

Puffy eyes and dark circles around the eyes can happen for various reasons and with no reason at all.  The most common reasons are: excessive crying, lack of sleep, late night partying and drinking, allergies, pregnancy and hormonal changes. Eye edemas can be a sign of more serious medical conditions as well, such as the “kissing disease” mononucleosis, thyroid gland problems, etc. Sometimes, the foods and medications we take affect the eyes too.

A common reason for having puffy eyes and dark circles are certain types of allergies, which cause swelling and itching of the eyes, because of the histamine released in the eye blood vessels trying to protect them from the particular allergen. You will need some antihistamine pills or eye drops to resolve this quite annoying issue.

Other medical reasons for puffy eyes are bacterial infections or blocking of the glands which produce oil – these are also known as chalazions and styes. If you have this, you should try using warm compresses on the eyes several times a day, and also certain medications, such as ointments and medical pads, which you may use to resolve this condition. It is important to remember that the lump from the infection or blockage must be left to resolve it self – do not squeeze or try to open it like a pimple!

Conjunctivitis or infection of the eye membrane is another common reason for swollen eyes.The symptoms are – waking up with your eyes “stuck” together, irritation and itching of the infected eye(s) and swelling.  Since this infection may be caused by bacteria or a virus, you should use your own towel in order not to contaminate people around you.

A more serious medical reason for puffy eyes is the herpes infection in the eye mucus, which may cause sores and swelling. You need to go to the doctor for medication and treatment of the ocular herpes.

Of course waking up with puffy eyes may be caused by crying, not getting enough sleep, too much partying, water retention, etc. Did you wake up with puffy eyes caused by nonmedical reasons; well here are a few tips which can resolve the problem:

• Wash your face and eyes with really cold water.
• Place cucumber slices on the eyes and let them stay there for five minutes.
• Place used tea bags, chilled in the on top of your closed eyes for 5 minutes.
• Use a chilled mask or even chilled spoons to place on the eyes.
• Place raw potato slices on the eyes for a while.
• There are certain cosmetic products – creams, gels and serums for puffy eyes as well.
• Use strawberry jam or strawberry puree masks for the puffiness.
• Remember not to place ice on the skin around the eyes directly for more than a couple of seconds.

To avoid getting puffy eyes in the first place:

• Get sufficient sleep.
• Sleep with an elevated head – use a propped up pillow to limit the chances of getting fluid retention in the face.
• Eat more foods which help with fluid retention, or are diuretics, such as bananas, raisins, cabbage and cranberry juice.
• Limit the salt you eat and drink at least 8-10 cups of water a day to clear out the body of toxins
• Regular exercise improves circulation and reduces fluid build-up around the eyes.

If the puffiness is related to an allergy or another medical condition use the eye drops and medication you have been prescribed.

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