What Can You Do About Under Eye Bags?

Late nights damage more than sleep patterns and cognitive function. Puffy, swollen eyes are something everyone deals with at one point in their life. Its causes and treatments vary, and sometimes a person doesn’t know the cause because magazines and health professionals taut sleep disturbances as the main cause.

Finding the actual cause can be more difficult than taking preventative measures or seeking treatment. However, once identified, a person can easily manage their symptoms or make lifestyle changes. Other fixes for this common condition include home remedies and makeup techniques to mask the visible signs.

What Causes Under Eye Bags?

Hereditary reasons, aging, allergies, asthma, lack of sleep, jet lag, and fluid retention can all cause under eye bags. There are more reasons a person might wake up with the temporary condition too, but it’s rarely a serious, medical condition. Still, under eye bags can be a cosmetic nuisance.

Aging is one cause where doctors can point to weak facial muscles. These small muscles support facial features, such as the eyelids. As a person ages, the normal fat cells in their eyelids shift lower. It can cause the appearance of swollen, puffy bags under the eyes. On top of this, a person can also have a secondary condition or have consumed too much sodium that leads to further swelling below their eyes.

Sodium intake is another reason a person develops under eye bags. It can occur rather quickly after a high sodium meal, but the physical changes can arise just 24 hours later.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can Under Eye Bags be Prevented?

A: A person can take steps in their life to limit the possibility of waking with under eye bags, but no method is foolproof since a cause could be undiagnosed and therefore untreated. The majority of people with under eye bags can:

  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Avoid stress
  • Quit smoking
  • Limit or remove alcohol
  • Limit salt intake
  • Treat allergies and asthma

Q: When Should a Person See a Doctor?

A: Most cases of under eye bags don’t require medical intervention. However, a patient should seek medical attention if the following symptoms accompany their puffy eyes.

  • Severe swelling
  • Persistent swelling
  • Painful
  • Under eye bags or eye area is itchy or red

A doctor might order further tests to rule out serious secondary conditions causing the symptoms, which range from an allergic reaction to a thyroid disorder.

Q: Can a Doctor Prescribe Anything For Under Eye Bags?

A: This largely depends on the cause. Allergy, asthma, and fluid retention might have treatment options, but they don’t guarantee a reduction in under eye bags. A person can have a condition, believe it to be the cause, but they still have symptoms.

Q: Are There Remedies For Under Eye Bags?

A: Applying cold compresses to the affected area can reduce the visible signs. Cucumber slices or cooled, used tea bags applied to the eyes and relaxation methods can help too.

Q: Can Makeup Cover Under Eye Bags?

A: Applying a cosmetic fix can reduce the appearance of under eye bags, but it will not cure them. Keep in mind that makeup can also aggravate the skin and increase the visible signs of under eye bags. A person should be careful to use makeup formulated for eye use as this skin is delicate.


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