NOTICING THAT YOUR face looks a little puffy or outright swollen can be a shocking sight. Usually, facial swelling isn’t anything to worry about. But doctors say you should still keep an eye on the swelling and any other symptoms that turned up along with it.
“Sometimes facial swelling will be more noticeable first thing in the morning due to lying flat and gravity allowing fluid to accumulate in our head and neck,” explains Jeffrey Davis, D.O., C.M.D, an American Osteopathic Association board-certified family medicine physician.
Even though there may be no reason to call 911 immediately after noticing your face is swollen, you should think about what might have caused it, he adds. Are your allergies acting up? Did you have a few too many beers or a super-salty dinner? All these things can contribute to puffiness.
Pay attention to how long the swelling lasts, Dr. Davis says. “If swelling worsens over time, especially days to weeks, it should definitely be checked out by a doctor.”
Keep an eye out for any other symptoms that you have, says Carlo Manzana, a family medicine physician with PlushCare. Does your face hurt? Is it red or itchy? Are you having trouble breathing?
“Facial swelling can sometimes be a medical emergency, especially if the swelling compromises a person’s airway, or the swelling is part of a larger allergic reaction such as anaphylactic shock,” Dr. Manzana says.
Since facial swelling can be caused by many factors, he recommends seeing your doctor to find out the reason for the swelling and get the treatment you need.
What Causes Facial Swelling?
Many things can cause facial swelling, including allergies, infections, and underlying medical conditions, Dr. Manzana says. Some causes bring additional symptoms besides swelling.
Here’s a closer look at some reasons your face might be swelling up and what you should do about it:
You’re having an allergic reaction.
“Facial swelling is frequently your body triggering an immune response to help fight an allergy or an infection,” says Linda Lee, M.D., FACS, assistant professor of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear.
For instance, food allergies can cause swelling around or inside your mouth, as well as hives or eczema, according to the Mayo Clinic. Drug allergies may cause swelling, wheezing, and rashes. Medications most likely to lead to allergies include penicillin, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, aspirin, and ibuprofen, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Swelling is also a symptom of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, that’s a medical emergency, Dr. Davis says. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, a rapid heart rate, nausea, hives, and itching.
You have angioedema.
Angioedema is a reaction that causes swelling beneath the skin and often affects the lips or eyes. It can be triggered by an allergy or infection and is sometimes accompanied by hives.
“Angioedema is a more serious cause of facial swelling,” says Dr. Lee. “There are different types of angioedema—food-related, or idiopathic, meaning without an obvious cause. Angioedema can show itself as swelling around the mouth and cheeks, and can lead to swelling of the tongue or airway, and difficulty breathing.”
If you experience these severe symptoms, call 911 right away.
You have a rash.
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that develops when you come into contact with something that triggers an allergic reaction. “Often patients can have contact dermatitis from shaving creams, sunscreen, lotions, detergents, or makeup,” says Dr. Lee.
It can cause redness, itchiness, bumps, and swelling. Getting rid of it can be as simple as figuring out what’s aggravating your skin and avoiding it.
You’ve spent too much time outdoors.
Basic things that can happen outdoors can lead to facial swelling—think: insect bites or stings, sunburn, or sun poisoning, Dr. Lee says. Insect bites could cause an allergic reaction that triggers swelling. Severe sunburn can cause redness, tightness, and swelling, and it becomes sun poisoning when you have other symptoms, like nausea or fever (find out more about sun poisoning symptoms and treatments here).
If you sustained an injury to your face–like getting smacked with a ball while jumping into a pickup game–it’s logical to expect swelling in the area you got hit.
You have an abscessed tooth.
A pus-filled pimple on your gum and an extreme toothache, along with swelling in your upper or lower jaw, can indicate an abscessed tooth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. See your dentist right away because this infection can spread. Treatment can range from draining the abscess to a root canal to having the affected tooth pulled.
You’re dealing with an underlying illness.
Facial swelling can be a symptom of many different illnesses. Autoimmune disorders like lupus, Sjogren’s Syndrome, and polymyositis can cause facial swelling. An underactive thyroid might cause a puffy face, too. That’s why it’s important to get your facial swelling checked out, especially if it’s a recurrent problem, Dr. Manzana says.
There’s a problem with your glands.
Salivary glands, such as the submandibular gland or parotid gland, can become blocked by salivary stones. Dr. Lee says this can block the natural flow of saliva, causing facial swelling and pressure. The problem is often linked to dehydration or too much calcium in your system.
You have a sinus infection.
Facial pressure is a hallmark of a sinus infection, and it can sometimes lead to swelling around your cheeks and eyes, Dr. Lee says. “If there are nasal symptoms associated with facial pressure, especially with swelling around the eyelids and in the forehead between the eyes, this can be a complication of untreated sinus disease.”
Usually, a sinus infection will clear up within a few days without antibiotics, but if your symptoms linger, see your doctor.
You have a cyst.
Facial cysts, related to ingrown beard hairs or clogged sweat glands, may cause facial swelling, Dr. Lee says. “These can appear as swollen areas of the skin, which fluctuate in size and can grow larger over time.”
These cysts can become infected or inflamed, causing redness and pain in the skin around the swelling. A doctor will need to diagnose and remove a facial cyst.
You have an eyelid infection.
A stye can develop on your eyelid when an oil gland gets inflamed due to bacteria, and it can cause your entire eyelid to swell. Your eye will also feel gritty and tender, and you’ll experience a sensitivity to light.
You can apply a warm compress on your eye to speed up healing. If it doesn’t go away after a few days, your doctor may need to prescribe an antibiotic ointment or drain the stye.
How to Treat Facial Swelling
The most effective way to get rid of facial swelling depends on the cause. Dr. Manzana says it’s often best to get it checked out to be on the safe side and treat it effectively.
For example, you could take an over-the-counter antihistamine if your swelling is related to allergies, Dr. Davis says. Or, you should avoid anything—food, medication, or grooming products—that’s likely to cause your face to swell.
Otherwise, generally, he says, try using a cold compress or ice on the swollen area. Sleep with extra pillows or keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.
When to See a Doctor About Facial Swelling
Recurrent facial swelling could signal a more serious medical problem, so see your doctor about it, Dr. Manzana says. Doctors will discuss your symptoms and create a treatment plan.
Along with facial swelling, if you also have difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or lips, confusion, or pain, get medical attention, Dr. Davis emphasizes. Also, seek care if your eyelids swell and you have a fever, Dr. Lee adds.
