“Even without having the itchiness that comes with allergies, or if you're using contacts, it can sometimes irritate the eyes and cause fluid to build up under the eyes, creating the appearance of puffiness.” After consulting a doctor, she suggests antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin for those who have seasonal ...
Antihistamines: These help reduce swelling around the eyes if an allergic reaction causes it. Adrenaline or epinephrine: This emergency treatment helps reduce extreme swelling caused by an anaphylactic shock.
Whether it's an airborne allergen like pollen, or an applied allergen like eye makeup , eyes can swell when histamine is triggered. Taking an oral antihistamine or applying antihistamine eye drops should reduce eyelid swelling if allergies are to blame.
Allergy Medications – If you feel that you have puffiness in your lower eyelids, it is usually worth a two-week trial of allergy medications. We recommend an over-the-counter oral medication such as Claritin®, Allegra® or Zyrtec® for swollen eyes. Another option is one of the nasal sprays such as Flonase or Nasacort®.
The best treatments for under-eye pouches are energy-based tightening devices. These differ in the type of energy they deliver to the skin. High-intensity focused ultrasound, radiofrequency, and radiofrequency microneedling are the most common devices used.
The hydrocortisone in the cream works as an anti-inflammatory to reduce puffy eyes, however, prolonged use of this cream will cause thinner and more delicate skin in the eye area. There's also the risk of getting this cream in the eye, which can lead to glaucoma, all for just a temporary reduction in eye bags.
Preparation H for eye bags
This popular hemorrhoid cream has also become popular for under-eye puffiness. The active ingredient is phenylephrine, which shrinks blood vessels. This effect could temporarily reduce the visibility of prominent eyelid veins, but it won't do much for the puffiness.
You can place anything cold, such as an ice pack, frozen bag of vegetables, chilled cucumber slices or refrigerated spoons, over closed eyes for a few minutes. Hemorrhoid creams: Some people pat over-the-counter creams designed for hemorrhoid treatment under their eyes.
Bags under eyes are caused when the tissue structures and muscles supporting your eyelids weaken. The skin may start to sag, and fat that's usually around the eye can move into the area below your eyes. Also, the space below your eyes can gather fluid, making the area look puffy or swollen.
Both Claritin and Zyrtec are antihistamines effective for treating allergy symptoms, including puffy eyes. Zyrtec tends to work faster but may cause more drowsiness. Claritin, on the other hand, is less likely to make you drowsy but may take a bit longer to provide relief.
Eye bags are often caused by fluid retention in the space below the eyes. This happens when you've been laying down for a long time, causing the fluid to build up under the eyes. Typically, this goes away within a few hours.
An NSAID, such as ibuprofen, may also help with the pain and swelling if not contraindicated. If the swelling doesn't improve or is associated with a more serious injury such as a broken bone, a traumatic head injury or concussion, you should contact your health care provider or go to the emergency department.
Medicines called anti-VEGF drugs can slow down or reverse macular edema. Medicines called steroids can also help with swelling in the retina. Your doctor will usually inject these medicines into — or very close to — your eye.
Cigarette, Alcohol, and Salt Intake
This can lead to premature aging of the skin, causing it to sag and become more prone to under-eye bags. Alcohol, on the other hand, is dehydrating and can lead to fluid retention in the body. This fluid retention can manifest as puffiness, particularly in the under-eye area.
They also typically contain hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory which may help reduce puffiness or under eye bags. Note: Before you slather Preparation H all over your eyes, be sure you apply cautiously. You don't want the harsh ingredients to get in your eyeball.
Factor in allergies
Antihistamine eyedrops are also helpful when it comes to the bags and puffiness surrounding the eyes. Dr. Green recommends those struggling with allergies see an allergist for medical advice. She notes an OTC antihistamine like Zyrtec during the day, or Benadryl at bedtime.
This increased pressure can lead to glaucoma and irreversable vision loss. If steroid cream is going to be used around the eyes careful supervison by a MECS Optometrist is needed. Use of topical steroid cream for more than a week can cause long term issues it is important to taper the use of topical steroid use.
It's possible hemorrhoid creams may tighten blood vessels and improve the appearance of under-eye skin, bags, and dark circles. But these creams shouldn't be used on the face. There's no evidence for whether this practice is safe or effective.