How to reduce swelling of the eyes after crying
Dec 23, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
In general, if your eyes become swollen from crying, you can use methods such as cold compresses, massage, warm compresses, cucumber slice eye compresses, or elevating your head to help reduce the swelling. Details are as follows: In daily life, maintain a light diet, consume more foods rich in vitamins C and E, such as citrus fruits and nuts, and avoid consuming excessive salt.
Generally, when eyes become swollen from crying, methods such as cold compress, massage, warm compress, cucumber slice application, and elevating the head can help reduce swelling. Details are as follows:
1. Cold compress method: Applying cold compress can constrict blood vessels around the eyes, reduce local blood flow, and thereby alleviate eye swelling. Meanwhile, cold compress can also reduce the sensitivity of local nerves, helping relieve pain and discomfort. Use an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel to avoid direct contact with the skin, preventing frostbite. Gently place the ice pack or cold towel over the eyes for 15–20 minutes per session, 3–4 times daily.
2. Massage method: Massaging can promote blood and lymph circulation around the eyes, helping remove excess fluid accumulated in the eye area and thus reducing swelling. Using the pads of the index and middle fingers, gently massage from the inner corner of the eye along the eye socket to the outer corner, then from the outer corner along the lower eye socket back to the inner corner. Repeat this motion for approximately 5–10 minutes per session.
3. Warm compress method: After 24 hours of crying, eye swelling may be caused by poor local blood circulation. Applying a warm compress can dilate the eye's blood vessels, improve circulation, and promote the reduction of swelling. Soak a clean towel in warm water (temperature should be comfortable to the touch), wring out excess water, and apply it to the eyes for 15–20 minutes per session, 3–4 times daily.
4. Cucumber slice application: Cucumbers contain abundant water and vitamins. The moisture can hydrate the skin around the eyes, alleviating dryness and swelling caused by crying. The vitamins have antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and fatigue around the eyes. Choose fresh cucumbers, wash them thoroughly, and cut into thin slices approximately 2–3 mm thick. Gently place the cucumber slices over the eyes while keeping the eyes closed for 10–15 minutes.
5. Elevating the head method: Elevating the head during sleep utilizes gravity to promote blood and lymphatic fluid drainage around the eyes, reducing blood accumulation and swelling. Extra pillows can be used or the head side of the bed can be raised. The height should be comfortable, generally 15–30 cm.
In daily life, maintain a light diet and increase intake of foods rich in vitamin C and E, such as citrus fruits and nuts, while avoiding excessive salt consumption.
