Face swelling is the accumulation of fluids in the tissues around the face and further affects the upper arms and the neck. It happens randomly but for a reason. Its alternate names are moon face, puffy face, swelling of the face or facial edema.
Face Swelling Causes
• Allergic reaction
• Angioedema – This is swelling of the skin, which is much like hives, although this occurs beneath the skin.
• Cellulitis
• Conjunctivitis coupled with inflammation surrounding the eyes
• Malnutrition
• Obesity
• Reactions to drugs including those of penicillin, glucocorticoids, aspirin and sulfa
• Reaction to blood transfusion
• Sinusitis
• Stye – This is inflammation around an eye that is infected.
• Surgery of the jaw, nose or head
• Tooth abscess
• Trauma or injury of the face such as burns
Treatment for face swelling
Face swelling can be remedied by simple methods at home by applying cold compress over the swollen region in order to dull the pain and inflammation. When you sleep, raise your head by using extra pillows as this will help reduce the swelling of the face.
Other remedies in reducing facial swelling you can do at home are listed below.
- Take medications such as antihistamine or anti-allergy because your swelling might be due to allergic reaction from food or airborne allergen, insect sting or allergic rhinitis. Couple this with decongestant if you think that the swelling of your face has something to do with the inflammation of the sinuses. If you think that the inflammation of your sinuses is caused by virus, fungi or bacteria, consult a medical professional for further instructions about medications, whether this means starting on a new one, or making changes or stopping some intake of certain drugs.
- Minimize intake of salt. If there is too much salt in the food, this may cause an increase in the fluid retention of the body. Excessive retention of fluid in the body may lead to swelling on different body parts, including the face.
- Make use of a cream with anti-inflammatory properties and apply it on your face. You may likewise opt for anti-inflammatory pills which could also lessen the pain on the face.
- Ask your doctor if there are any health conditions or infections that cause facial swelling. Doctors will give you a treatment guide.
- If the inflammation is around the eye, then it might be a stye. A hot compress should do the trick in lessening the pain and reducing the swelling. Apply the hot compress for about ten minutes, 4 times a day. If the stye does not die out, seek medical attention from a specialist and they will recommend you to undergo some outpatient surgical procedures to drain out and clean the infection if there are some; or prescribe some antibiotic cream to be applied.
If the face swelling does subside or only grows worse, you will need to seek medical attention. Doctors will ask you questions in order for them to determine what cause the facial swelling. Emergency measures may be applied if the face swelling is due to respiratory distress or burns.
