Q: My face looks puffy and tired this time of year, especially around my eyes. What causes that, and is there anything simple I can do at home to reduce it?
A: If your face looks puffy, especially around the eyes, along with redness or that heavy, fatigued feeling, seasonal allergies are often a common culprit. You may even hear this referred to as “allergy face,” a non-medical nickname people use to describe the swelling and puffiness that can come with allergy symptoms.
When your body reacts to allergens like pollen, it releases histamine. That leads to inflammation and fluid buildup in delicate areas like the eyelids and under-eyes, which is why you may notice swelling, dark circles or a generally puffy appearance.
There are a few simple things you can do at home to get some quick relief.
One of the easiest tricks is using something cold, like a chilled spoon or a cold compress. The cool temperature helps constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, which can quickly bring down puffiness. Try to avoid rubbing or pressing hard on the skin around the eyes, since that can make irritation worse.
It is also worth remembering that allergies are not the only cause of facial puffiness. Things like poor sleep, high salt intake, dehydration, certain medications and even your sleeping position can all contribute to fluid retention in the face.
While these at-home techniques can help you look and feel better quickly, they are temporary fixes. If allergies are the root cause, treating them with appropriate allergy medicines — such as antihistamines and nasal sprays — reducing your exposure to triggers and, in some cases, pursuing allergy evaluation and treatment such as allergy shots can provide longer-lasting relief.
If swelling is severe, one-sided, painful, red and warm, associated with vision changes or accompanied by trouble breathing, hives, or tongue or lip swelling, seek urgent medical care. If puffiness is persistent or keeps coming back, it is always a good idea to check in with your physician to rule out other causes, such as infection or underlying medical conditions.
Dr. Curt Chaffin is an allergy and immunology specialist with The Asthma and Allergy Group of Galen and is a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.