Get Rid of Puffy Eyes

You may sometimes have noticed that the skin under your eyes look swollen or puffed up. It is usually a mild condition and may reverse itself within a short time. Puffiness is seen when fluid is retained under your eyes.

Causes- Fluid balance of our body can be affected by the weather, extensive and frequent travel as well as hormonal changes. This dis-balance is usually manifested as puffy eyes. Hangovers caused by excessive intake of alcohol may also result in puffiness. Intake of certain drugs like lithium may cause puffiness too.  However, if you find that the puffiness is accompanied by redness and itching then it is most probably caused by an allergic reaction. Kidney and thyroid problems may also result in puffiness. It can also be hereditary in nature.

Home Remedies- You can try elevating your headrest in order to get rid of the puffiness. Washing your eyes thoroughly with cool water may also help to reduce it.  Lying down with iced pads over your eyes may just do the trick . The astringent property of cucumber can help to lessen the accumulated fluid below your eyes. Try placing cool slices of cucumber over your eyes and relax while they do their work. You can also apply hot, saline compresses over the affected area. Chilled tea bags over the eyes will have the same effect.  The caffeine present in the tea will help in constricting the blood vessels and reduce swelling.

A combination of witch hazel and stiffly beaten egg whites can be applied under the eyes with a brush in order to make the skin tighter and less swollen.

Diet- Supplementing your diet with essential fatty acids is a good idea. Flax seed oil and fish oils are the most prominent sources for such fatty acids. They help in alleviating inflammation in general and may help in reducing the puffiness of the eye as well.  Remember to drink plenty of water if you suffer from puffiness frequently. A dehydrated body retains water adding to the puffiness under your eyes.