Fact Checked
Bags under the eyes are minimal swelling under the eyes and this is common as the person ages. With aging, the tissues found around the eyes and some of the muscles that support the eyelids become weak. Normal fats that help in supporting the eyes move into the lower eyelids which causes the eyelids to look puffy while fluids can also accumulate below the eyes which add to the swelling.
Bags under the eyes are not a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. A home remedy like a cool compress helps in the appearance of bags under the eyes.
Symptoms of bags under the eyes
- Saggy or a loose skin
- Presence of dark circles and mild swelling
- If the swelling is severe and persistent, affects other parts of the body especially the legs as well as redness, itching and pain, seek medical help.
Causes of bags under the eyes
- Not getting enough sleep
- Fluid retention caused by changes in weather like hot and humid days, eating salty foods and the level of hormones
- Allergies or dermatitis especially if there is puffiness together with redness and itching.
- Bags under the eyes can be hereditary
Treatment and home remedies
- While sitting up, apply a cool compress to the skin under and surrounding the eyes for a short time along with gentle pressure. You can learn more about the effectiveness of cold therapy by enrolling in a class on first aid
- Get enough sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
- While sleeping, raise slightly the head by adding an extra pillow or prop up the head of the mattress. This helps in preventing fluids from accumulating around the eyes while sleeping.
- Avoid exposure to allergens and take over-the-counter allergy medications if the person develops under the eye reactions caused by hair dyes, cosmetics, soaps and other allergens.
Other treatments of bags under eye
- Place some tea bags on the eyelids especially green tea bags for the best results. Green tea bags possess some anti-inflammatory components called EGCG. This is a natural chemical that minimizes the build-up of fluids that will cause bags under the eyes.
- Another treatment is using a potato. All you have to do is to grate the potato and strain it. Dip cotton pads into the potato juice and place the pads on the eyelids. This helps in minimizing the soreness of the puffy eyelids and remove bags under the eyes.
- Eat a healthy diet to prevent bags under eyes. It is important to reduce the consumption of salt and carbohydrates in order to minimize water retention which causes puffy eyes.
- Drink plenty of fluids to minimize bags under the eyes.
- Place metal spoons in the freezer for about 5 minutes then place them over each eye since this helps in reducing the puffiness.
- Soak some tea bags in water for a few minutes then drain excess water from the tea bags then place one to each eye for about 15 minutes. Tannins are ingredients in tea that helps minimize the appearance of bags under the eye. Black and green teabags are most helpful.
- Put a slice of cucumber over each eye for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Take note that cucumber provides a calming effect on the sensitive area of the eye.