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Puffiness And Swelling Under Eyes
By
Patricia | January 19, 2010
Swelling Under Eyes -Puffiness, Edema Under Eyes
Swelling under the eyes is a common phenomenon among most people and it is commonly referred to as puffy eyes. In medical parlance, the puffiness under the eyes is usually an indication of buildup of fluid known as periorbital edema. The puffy appearance of tissues swelling under the eyes is usually seen when a person awakes from a fitful night's sleep. In most cases, mild puffiness under the eyes is a temporary and cosmetic concern, and rarely indicates a sign of a serious underlying medical disorder. Having puffy eyes can be rather annoying and embarrassing in social situations. Some common causes of swelling under the eyes includes genetics, fluid retention as a result of hormonal imbalances or changes in weather, allergy reactions or skin conditions such as dermatitis especially if the swelling is accompanied by inflammation and a feeling of itchiness, certain medications or drugs.
Mild degrees of puffiness is a usually normal phenomenon among most individuals, but factors such as age and intense stress can also make the puffiness more prominent. Upon waking, the tissues surrounding the eyes become noticeably swollen, possibly due to the gravitational spreading of fluid in the horizontal position.
Causes
Under eye swelling can also be caused due to:
- Mononucleosis - An acute disease characterized by fever and an abnormal increase of mononuclear leucocytes or monocytes in the bloodstream, or swollen lymph nodes, Causing eyes to become puffed out and swollen. This may take place in the early phases of the infection.
- Sleeping longer than intended/sleep deprivation - disrupted sleep cycles are common causes of eye puffiness.
- Fluid retention due to pregnancy, hormonal imbalances or menstruation. Women experience fluid retention, especially in the subcutaneous tissues due to the above causes.
- Excessive salt in one's diet also enhances the development of fluids, resulting in puffy eyes.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages and tobacco use also leads to swelling under the eyes. The toxins present in alcohol and tobacco can activate an individual's levels of stress and fatigue, and may also influence hormonal imbalances; all of which may eventually cause retention of fluid leading to swelling under the eyes.
- Adverse allergic reactions are also responsible for swelling under the eyes. During an allergic reaction, leaks take place in the hypodermic capillary areas which can lead to swelling in the face, especially under the eyes.
- Skin conditions - under eye swellings could also be the result of a side effect of certain skin disorders, such as inflammation of the skin. If the affected area under the eyes becomes very sensitive, it can lead to puffiness.