How To Get Swelling Down On Face

If you've ever cried during a sad movie, ingested something you're allergic to, or bumped your head on an open cabinet, your face probably started to swell shortly thereafter. In fact, having a puffy face from time-to-time due to harmless activities such as eating spicy food or having a good cry, is totally normal. Some people even find that they tend to have a puffy face in the morning and not in the afternoons and evenings, likely caused by dehydration , seasonal allergies, or consumption of high amounts of salt or alcohol the night before.

In some cases, facial swelling may be an indicator of a life-threatening condition such as anaphylactic shock. Luckily, other accompanying symptoms including itchy throat , heavy wheezing , and hives will help you identify the seriousness of the issue.

What Is Facial Swelling?

Facial swelling is puffiness caused by inflammation of facial tissue. Also known as facial edema, a puffy face is the result of an abnormally large buildup of fluid in your face, which occurs directly under the skin within your tissues.

Facial swelling is most obvious on the eyelids, cheeks, and lips and typically dissipates within a few hours, though in some instances, the swelling can spread to your neck and throat.

Facial swelling is typically brought on by something specific, such as certain medications, infections, and injuries, among other causes. Unless your puffy face lasts for more than a day or is accompanied by severe discomfort and/or difficulty breathing, you shouldn't panic. In most cases, rehydrating, icing the affected area, and resting will reduce the swelling.

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Possible Causes of Puffy Face

A puffy face is typically a symptom of another condition, and often occurs in conjunction with other symptoms, including hives . Some people experience facial swelling on specific and rare occasions, such as tooth abscesses , while others may be prone to frequent puffiness due to underlying conditions, including thyroid disorders , which affect the regulation of your metabolism and other bodily functions.

Certain foods, such as an excess of carbs, salt, and alcohol, can also cause facial swelling. Stress can also cause your face to swell because when you're feeling anxious, your adrenal glands produce more cortisol than usual, which can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including facial swelling. Your puffy cause could be caused by a variety reasons including:

Seasonal, food, and medication allergies
Physical injury
Infection
Pregnancy
Obesity
Malnutrition

Other possible causes of puffy face include persistent and painful sinus headaches. Sinus headaches are identified by the location of pain—directly behind your face—and typically, the pain worsens when you bend forward.

Tooth abscesses can also cause facial puffiness, but the swelling is typically localized to the side of your face with the affected tooth, otherwise known as unilateral facial swelling.

Symptoms to Watch For

Unlike some conditions whose symptoms may be unclear, the symptoms of facial swelling are very noticeable. For some people, swelling occurs gradually and over the course of a few hours and for others, it can happen quickly and in a matter of minutes.

If you are experiencing facial swelling, you'll notice that parts of your face such as your eyes, cheeks, and/or lips both look and feel puffier than usual, and you may also experience other symptoms including:

Hives or rash
Itching
Nasal congestion
Watery eyes
Dizziness
Swelling of surrounding area

How to Get Rid of Puffy Face

The best way to reduce a puffy face is to identify what is causing the swelling. For instance, if your cheek is puffy because you were just stung by a bee, you'd remove the stinger immediately and apply ice; whereas if your throat is swollen because you're experiencing a minor allergic reaction, over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines will help with your inflammation. If your facial swelling is accompanied by difficulty breathing, a serious drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, or lightheadedness, you should seek medical attention immediately.

If your symptoms are manageable and you aren't in pain, there are a few things you can do at home to reduce the swelling in your face including:

Applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
Applying a cold compress
Sleeping on your back while propping your head
Icing the affected area
Hydrating
Avoiding alcoholic beverages and salty foods

Risk Factor and Complications

While facial swelling could be a symptom of an allergic reaction or the result of an injury, in some cases, it can be a symptom of a more urgent medical condition. If you are suffering from a medical emergency, such as anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure, and you ignore it, you may develop more serious complications like high blood pressure , seizures, kidney and/or liver damage, fluid in your lungs, and blood clotting. Symptoms associated with anaphylaxis include:

Skin reactions such as hives or rash
Low blood pressure
Difficulty breathing due to constricted airways
Weak or rapid pulse
Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
Dizziness and/or fainting

Certain conditions and factors may increase your risk for developing facial swelling. You may be more likely to develop facial swelling if you:

Have a family history of severe allergic reactions
Are pregnant
Have an infection
Have consumed large quantities of alcohol or salt
Are underweight or overweight

When to See a Doctor

Most of the time, your facial swelling can be treated at home. However, if it's worsening at a concerning rate, becoming increasingly painful or inhibiting your ability to carry out simple tasks such as brushing your teeth, opening your eyes, or eating, seek medical treatment immediately.

You should also seek medical treatment if you knowingly consumed something you're allergic to. If you ignore your symptoms, you may experience anaphylaxis, which, if not treated immediately, usually with epinephrine, can have fatal consequences.

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How K Health Can Help

If you are concerned about unusual facial swelling and want to consult a medical professional, download the K Health app. Did you know you can get affordable primary and urgent care with the K Health app? Download K to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Health's AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.