Bothered by “bags under the eyes”? Before resorting to surgery try these remedies.
1. Get your rest. Fluid tends to accumulate when you are sleep deprived.
2. Correct water retention problems. Kidney and heart problems can cause fluid retention. Have swelling in your feet also? Get to a doctor and find out the cause.
3. Let gravity help. If you find that bags are worse in the morning, it is likely that fluid is accumulating at night while you are laying dow. Sleep with your head elevated by using extra pillows and/or raising the head of your bed on blocks.
4. Watch for allergies. These can be airborne as in hayfever or contact: hair products, soaps, and cosmetics are common culprits. Avoid items that cause allergy symptoms. Over the counter allergy products like Claritin and Zyrtec can be effective.
5. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling. Soak a cloth in ice water, wring it out and apply over the eyes. Another method is to wrap a paper towel around ice cubes. Apply cold for at least five minutes.
6. Teabags, black, green or white soaked in cold water and applied to the eyes can be helpful. Tea contains tannins which can help tighten the skin. The bags should be applied for approximately 10 minutes. Rinse your eyelids thoroughly with cool, clean water immediately after soaking to prevent the tea from discoloring your skin.
7. Some people find cucumbers effective. Cover the eyes with cool cucmber slice for 15 minutes.
8. Hemorrhoid creams can temporarily reduce swelling. Apply a small amount of hemorrhoid cream to baggy areas under your eyes and rub it in gently. Take great care not to get any into your eyes.
Of course, when simple home remedies don't seem to help, consult your doctor.
