Though under eye bags are often associated with aging, the condition may develop in younger people as well. This article provides some information about the causes for bags under eyes.
As a child, I would often wonder about the facial wrinkles and the soft puffy bags under the eyes of my grandmother. Gradually, I started correlating this condition with aged people and the process of aging. One day, I met a beautiful young lady, with a flawless skin, a perfect body and a pair of attractive eyes. I was astonished to find that she had bags under her eyes. She was not old enough to develop under eye bags. At that tender age, I could not figure out the reason for under eye bags in that lady. Now, I know that bags under eyes can be caused by reasons other than aging, and young people may also develop this condition.
Causes
The condition is more of a cosmetic concern than a health problem. However, bags under eyes may develop due to some underlying medical problems. A person with under eye bags may look older, tired and worn out. Given below are some of the possible causes for this condition.
- Aging is the most common cause for puffiness under the eyes. As you age, the muscles and ligaments get weaker. The fat around the eye, which is held in place by the muscles and ligaments, migrate to the area below the eyes; forming a soft, puffy, bag-like structure, which is known as an under eye bag. This condition may be aggravated by several factors, like illness and stress.
- In some families, puffy eyes or bags under eyes is a common trait. Most of the family members develop this condition, as it is in their genes. So, heredity is also considered a reason for this condition.
- Chronic sinus infections and allergies are also associated with under eye bags. Recurrent infections and allergic reactions causes swelling and deflation of the skin below the eyes, which leads to bags under eyes. If the symptoms include stuffy nose, watery and itchy eyes, pain near the eyebrows and cheeks, along with puffy eyes, you must consult an allergist.
- Causes for under eye bags may include serious health problems, like kidney disease and Graves’ disease. In case of unexplained puffiness below the eyes, consult your health care provider at the earliest.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menstruation, cause water retention, which results in bags under eyes. Fluid retention is also caused by intake of excess salt. So, those who consume foods with high salt content may also develop under eye bags.
- Dehydration may also cause this condition. Apart from reduced water intake, dehydration can be caused by other reasons, like excess alcohol consumption.
- Insufficient sleep is another cause for bags under eyes, which may be accompanied with dark circles too.
Apart from the causes mentioned above; stress, poor diet, vitamin deficiency, regular use of tobacco or smoking, may also cause this condition.
Remedies
In most cases, under eye bags can be cured with some home remedies. In case of additional symptoms, like swelling, redness and itching of the eyes, and inflammation of other parts of the body, you must seek medical attention immediately. Ensure that you consult your health care provider, if the symptoms are severe or persistent.
- Cold compresses is an effective remedy for puffiness under the eyes.
- You may also use moistened tea bags or cotton balls soaked in cold milk. Keeping moistened tea bags over your closed eyes for at least 15 minutes can tighten the skin and reduce the puffiness.
- Elevating the head while sleeping may also remedy the condition. Use a different pillow for elevating the head. This may cause redistribution of the fluid, that is causing the swelling.
- Switch over to a low-carb diet, which reduces water retention that is causing under eye bags.
- Consume foods with vitamins, A, C and E. These vitamins are good for the health of the skin and also for reducing bags under eyes. You must also reduce intake of salt.
These remedies, along with some preventive measures, can cure bags under eyes. In most cases, remedying the underlying cause is enough for curing under eye bags. Avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Do some exercises or yoga for stress relief, and have enough sleep and a proper diet. If the condition is persistent, seek medical attention. Treatment involves laser resurfacing or chemical peels, and surgeries like blepharoplasty. However, it is always better to consult a health care provider, if there is severe swelling below the eyes, or if it is accompanied with other symptoms.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.
