Swelling of the face can be caused by various things, such as allergic reactions, dental care, and diseases such as edema. Fortunately, some cases of facial swelling are mild and can be treated by applying cold compresses and elevating the face. However, if you experience severe swelling, see a doctor immediately.
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Method 1 of 3: Treating Swelling on the Face
Step 1. Find out the possible cause
There are a number of diseases and reactions that can cause facial swelling. Different causes require different treatment. So, figuring out the cause of the swelling will help you determine the appropriate treatment steps. Several things may cause facial swelling, including:
- Allergic reaction
- Cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin
- Sinusitis, a bacterial infection of the sinus area
- Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the area around the eye
- Angioedema, severe swelling under the skin layer
- Problems with the thyroid gland.
Step 2. Use a cold compress
Applying a cold compress to the swollen area can help reduce inflammation and pain. You can wrap the ice in a towel or use an ice pack and apply it to the swollen area on your face. Place the ice pack on your face for 10-20 minutes.
You may use the ice pack several times a day for a maximum of 72 hours
Step 3. Elevate your head
Elevating the swollen area can reduce swelling. So holding your head up will help. During the day, sit with your head held high. Meanwhile, at night, position your head so that it remains elevated during sleep.
You can place several pillows behind your back and head so that your upper body rests on the headboard of the bed
Step 4. Avoid hot objects
As long as your face is swollen, stay away from hot objects for at least 48 hours. Hot objects can exacerbate swelling and inflammation of the face. Because of this side effect of heat, you should avoid hot showers or baths, and use a heating pad.
Step 5. Try using turmeric paste
Turmeric is a natural remedy that is believed to help reduce inflammation. You can make a turmeric paste by mixing ground turmeric or fresh turmeric powder with water. You can also mix turmeric with sandalwood which is also thought to help reduce inflammation. Apply this paste to the swollen areas on your face, but don't let it get into your eyes.
Leave the turmeric paste on for about 10 minutes, then rinse. After that, press a cloth that has been soaked in cold water to your face
Step 6. Wait for the swelling to subside
Some cases of facial swelling will go away on their own, especially if it's caused by an injury or minor allergy. You just need to be patient and wait for it. However, if the swelling on your face doesn't improve or lessens after a few days, see a doctor.
Step 7. Avoid using certain painkillers
If you experience swelling of the face, do not use aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat the accompanying pain. These over-the-counter pain relievers can interfere with the blood clotting process. In fact, disturbances in the blood clotting process can cause bleeding while exacerbating and prolonging the duration of swelling.
Method 2 of 3: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse
If your swelling doesn't go away within 2-3 days, or if your symptoms get worse, call your doctor. There may be an infection or more serious illness causing the inflammation.
See a doctor if your face feels numb or tingling, you have trouble seeing your eyes, or if you have pus or other signs of infection
Step 2. Use an antihistamine
Swelling of the face may be caused by an allergic reaction. You can try using an over-the-counter antihistamine to see if this can help. If these drugs do not help, see a doctor. The doctor will diagnose the cause of the swelling and prescribe a stronger antihistamine.
Your doctor may prescribe an oral or topical antihistamine
Step 3. Use diuretic medication
Some cases of facial swelling, especially those caused by edema, can be treated with medications that help remove excess fluid from the body. Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic, which will help remove fluids from the body through urine.
Step 4. Change the medication you are taking
Sometimes, medications such as prednisone that you are taking can cause swelling of the face. Consult the drugs you use with your doctor. If your doctor suspects the medication you are taking is the cause, he or she will replace it.
Method 3 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Use more pillows while sleeping
If you use a pillow that is so thin that your head hangs down too much during sleep, your face may swell up. For that, put one or two extra pillows that are thicker than what you normally use. Just changing your pillow like this can help elevate your head, thereby reducing inflammation when you wake up in the morning.
Step 2. Follow a healthy and balanced diet
Increased intake of sugar and carbohydrates can contribute to swelling. To help reduce it, stick to a healthy, balanced diet consisting of high-quality protein and low-carb vegetables such as green leafy vegetables. Try to eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day and reduce your intake of alcohol, sugary drinks, and processed foods.
Step 3. Reduce salt intake
Salt can cause inflammation, water retention, and swelling. Reducing sodium intake in your diet can help reduce puffiness around your face. The American Heart Association recommends a healthy amount of sodium intake for adults, which is around 1,500 mg/day.
- Reducing sodium intake can be done by reducing the intake of packaged foods, fast food, canned foods, and processed foods. All of these foods contain high amounts of sodium.
- Make meals from fresh ingredients to help control your sodium intake. This way, you can control the amount of sodium in your food, unlike if you buy packaged foods.
Step 4. Maintain your activity level
Lack of activity can lead to fluid buildup that causes or worsens swelling. So try incorporating moderate-intensity activities such as jogging or walking for 30 minutes into your daily activities to help reduce chronic swelling.
Step 5. Drink lots of water
Dehydration can cause inflammation and worsen the disease that triggers swelling of the face. Lack of water will also make your skin dry and irritated, which can trigger inflammation. To keep your face flushed and healthy, drink at least 8 glasses of 240 ml of water every day.
Step 6. Try exercising your face regularly
Facial exercises such as sucking on the cheeks and pursed lips can help tone and tone the face. Other facial exercises that may be helpful include:
- Gently pat the face using two middle fingers at the same time.
- Place two fingers in a V shape on the face, then gently pull the eyebrows up and down.
- Gritting your teeth, then making an exaggerated "OO, EE" motion.
