Awakening with a swollen, or puffy, eyelid can be troubling and uncomfortable, however with these treatments, the problem can be minimized. A swollen eyelid happens due to an inflammation, an infection, an obstructed tear duct or oil gland, or an eye allergic reaction. The tissues surrounding the eye build up fluid to eliminate off infection and causes swelling.
Universal Treatment with Warm Compress
Treatment relies on the specific condition present. Some need warm or cold compresses, however others are more serious and might need antihistamines, antibiotics, and even surgery to heal. Natural home remedy may supply relief, however if they do not work after a couple days, visit your health care specialist.
To start with a warm compress, follow these steps:
- Wash hands completely to prevent any bacteria from transferring to the already infected eye.
- Take a clean washcloth and fold it into quarters.
- Use a small bowl and fill with warm (ideally filtered) faucet water
- Take the washcloth and immerse in the water
- Use the hot washcloth to the eye area with your eye closed in 5 minute intervals. This may ease some pain and pressure, and help the body release the infection.
- Do not simply wash out the washcloth, but run it through the laundry at a hot temperature level to rinse to prevent further infection.
How to Treat Swollen Eyelid Caused by Infection
Conjunctivitis
Likewise called “pink eye,” conjunctivitis is a bacterial infection on the surface area of the eye. This infection causes inflammation, soreness, and watery itchy eyes with drain. It is extremely contagious, for that reason it is essential to avoid touching your eyes or sharing eye products, such as cosmetics. Antibiotic drops from your doctor are normally had to heal the infection.
Infected Tear Duct
This is an infection most common in babies that causes inflammation and excess tearing. Infants may be born with a tear duct that is too small, and minor surgery might be required if the condition does not enhance after they turn a year old to unblock the duct. For treatment of adult tear duct infection, a warm compress applied numerous times daily can help with drainage and pain, and antibiotics may be essential for healing.
Stye
A stye, or hordeolum, happens most often due to a bacterial infection. It is an abscess that appears like a small red, pimple-like lump appearing near the within or beyond the eyelid itself. Styes are caused by the staphylococcus bacteria, which live on the skin. The pain can be eased with a warm compress, but the condition might require treatment with antibiotics if it does not react after a few days.
Infection of Eyelid Skin
This can happen due to the long term infection from a stye. If the stye is not treated or does not recover, the infection can infect the eyelid. If antibiotics do not successfully eradicate the infection, a CAT scan may be essential to dismiss other more serious infections.
Other Causes of a Swollen Eyelid and Their Treatment Solutions
Chalazion
A chalazion looks similar to a stye, but it is not an infection. They are red bumps, but are pain-free, caused by a blockage of oil glands in the eyelid that offer lubrication to the eye. They can disappear by themselves in about a month, or warm compresses can be applied to speed healing.
Epidermal Inclusion Cyst
This type of cyst happens under the eyelid and might exist from the time of birth. These cysts may likewise establish after surgery or an injury. The only method to treat this condition is with surgery to remove the lesion.
Eye Allergies
Common irritants, such as dust, mold, mites, and pollen can likewise irritate the eyes. Your immune system overreacts to the irritant present, triggering swelling, redness, and pain. It can likewise be caused by a cosmetics allergy. The primary step is to stop using eye makeup to figure out if that is the cause, and to take an antihistamine designed to halt the allergy and ease symptoms.
Caution
Call your doctor right now if you experience eyelid swelling that gets worse rapidly, causes pus-like drain from the eye, or is accompanied by a fever, vision problems or a rash near the eye.
