Puffiness of eyes commonly arises due to a collection of fluid or water in the loose fatty tissue under the eyes. Puffy eyes or bags under eyes lends a disturbing appearance to the face and is the cause of major concern especially from a cosmetic point of view for most people. Some of the commonest causes for puffy eyes are an excessive salt intake, lack of adequate sleep, eye strain due to excessive use of gadgets, allergic conditions, eye infections, hormonal imbalance such as thyroid problems.
Here are some handy home care tips that can help in decreasing the bags under your eyes to a great extent that are not due to any serious medical condition:
1 . Cut down on salt. Pickles and fried foods contain a substantial amount of salt. Packaged and preserved foods too are high in sodium and are best restricted to 1-2 times a week to avoid under eye puffiness.
2 . Sleeping on one side or on the abdomen leads to accumulation of fluids under eyes due to gravity. Hence, avoid sleeping sideways and on the abdomen. Try sleeping on the back as much as possible or shifting sides through the night.
3 . Splash cold water on face 2 to 3 times at regular intervals. This helps in decreasing the swelling around eyes.
4 . Placing a cold spoon over the puffy eyes is also known to be very effective.
5 . Soak a cotton swab in warm water with salt and place it on the eyes for 10-15 minutes.
6 . Cucumber slices refrigerated for 10 minutes, when placed over eyes decrease the puffiness due to the astringent effect of enzymes present in it.
7 . Strawberry slices too are effective for the same reason.
8 . Potato is another effective measure for relieving the puffiness of eyes. Grated potato tied in a cloth and placed over eyes for some time, repeated several times of day helps to a great extent. Potato contains substances that are anti-inflammatory in nature.
9 . Egg white and refrigerated used tea bags are also useful in reducing the puffiness around eyes. They can be placed on the puffy eyes for 15 minutes, twice a day to reduce puffiness.
10 . Aloe Vera gel is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. A generous application of the gel around eyes improves blood circulation and reduces swelling around eyes.
Home remedies usually help in reducing the puffiness of eyes in most cases. However, do not neglect when puffiness is accompanied with pain, eye discharge, disturbance of vision, persistent or worsening swelling. It may be an expression of an underlying serious disease condition that needs medical treatment as listed in the causes.