Swollen Eyelid Remedy

Swollen eyelids, in most cases is a minor issue and often the result of insufficient sleep. Also referred to as puffy eyelids, this is one of the eye problems that can cause irritation. Swelling of upper or lower eyelids can bring discomfort to the person as well as cause itchiness and pain.

However, swollen eyelids are a temporary phase and rarely interferes with the normal vision. Apart from inadequate sleep, allergic reactions and water retention are some of the most common causes of swollen eyelids.

Over-the-counter Medications: There are a number of companies manufacturing creams specially formulated to treat this condition. Check the ingredients of the eye cream before buying it, and ensure that they contain aloe vera and vitamin E. Even use of aloe vera gels is very effective to treat swollen eyelids. All these eye care products provide tremendous relief from the itchy sensation as well as reduce the redness associated with swollen eyelids.

Benadryl: In case swollen eyelids are caused due to allergens, then Benadryl, an allergic reaction is commonly prescribed to relieve the eye problem. Benadryl is manufactured as a topical ointment and is also available in a tablet form.

Antibiotic Ointments: These are prescription medicines that are generally applied on the outer portion of the eyelid to decrease the inflammation.

Eye Drops: Antibiotic eye drops are sometimes prescribed if the inflammation of eyelids is severe and is a source of great discomfort. These eye drops contain steroids that help to relieve pain.

Naturally remedies are inexpensive and moreover especially quite helpful to treat swollen eyelids caused due to conjunctivitis.

Cucumber: Take a frozen cucumber and cut it into circular slices. Now put a slice over the affected eye (make sure the eye is closed) for 5-10 minutes. Do this daily to get rid of swollen eyelids.

Tea Bags: Putting wet tea bags over swollen eyelids is yet another way to minimize swelling. Tannin, an important compound found in tea display anti-inflammatory activity. Drape these teabags in a paper towel and then put them on your swollen eyelids for 10-15 minutes daily. Repeat this procedure twice or thrice during the day and you are sure to experience reduction in swelling.

Cold Water: There are plenty of benefits of water, and one of them is to cure swollen eyelids. Washing the face in cold water can also help to reduce swelling. A cold compress of frozen peas is also beneficial to lessen puffy eyelids. The cooling sensation, be it of frozen peas or cold water, soothes the pain and itchiness. Cold compress constricts the blood vessels, which in turn decreases the blood circulation to the affected area. This helps to reduce the inflammation of the eyelids.

Diet: You got to stay away from salty products as too much salt in the diet encourages water retention, which may aggravate swelling associated with the eyelids. So, in order to get rid of swollen eyelids at the earliest, one important step is to decrease salt intake.

Following a diet high in omega-3 essential fatty acids is equally important to reduce the swelling of the eyelids. This is because omega-3 acids show anti-inflammatory properties and so eating foodstuffs (fish, fish oil) rich in these healthy fats is a natural way to alleviate the symptoms of puffy eyelids.

Stop Smoking: The habit of smoking can also worsen the symptoms of swollen eyelids. The eyes may itch terribly and the redness too can become more noticeable. So, as long as the eyelid problem persists, one must quit smoking.

Witch Hazel: This is basically a shrub that has immense healing properties. Witch hazel is a herbal remedy for a number of ailments. It is a powerful medication to treat swollen eyelids. Take a cotton ball and soak it in refrigerated witch hazel. When using witch hazel for the treatment of swollen eyelids, it is essential to keep the eyes closed, as this herbal remedy will cause a burning sensation if it goes into the eyes. Keep these cotton balls over the affected eye for 10-20 minutes daily.

Ice Cubes: Another recommended swollen eyelid remedy involves the use of ice cubes that are quite capable to reduce inflammation of eyelids. However, direct contact with ice cubes need to be avoided as it can damage the sensitive skin around the eyes. Instead, place them in a plastic bag and then keep it on the eye for some time. This is one of the best ways to get rid of swollen eyelids.

Potatoes: Slices of potatoes can also contribute to reduce inflammation of the eyelids. Keeping slices of raw potato over puffy eyes can tighten the skin around the eyes. Doing this 2-3 times in a day will surely help to eliminate swollen eyelids.

Any prescription or home remedy will not work unless the person takes adequate rest. Sleeping 7-8 hours daily is necessary to recover from a swollen eyelid problem. During the course of treatment, eye makeup should be avoided to keep the condition under control.