Having a puffy or swollen eyelid can be uncomfortable and unsettling. Luckily, there are several measures that can be used to alleviate this condition. It is important to note that a swollen eyelid develops due to an infection, irritation, eye allergy or a blocked oil gland or tear duct. As an outcome, fluid builds up in the tissues adjacent to the eye which causes the evident swelling.
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Using a warm compress for a swollen eyelid
If the condition responsible for causing the swollen eyelid can be managed with a warm compress, you can easily utilize this measure.
- Thoroughly wash hands to minimize the risk of transferring bacteria to the already infected eye.
- Using a clean towel or washcloth, fold it into quarters. In a small bowl or basin, fill it with warm, ideally filtered tap water.
- Immerse the towel or washcloth in the water.
- Wring out the excess water and apply it over the affected area with the eye closed in 5-minute intervals. This can relieve some of the pressure and pain as well as promote the release of the infection.
Conjunctivitis or pink eye is a bacterial infection involving the eye surface that causes redness, inflammation and watery eyes with drainage. - Wash the towel or washcloth in the laundry using the hottest temperature to prevent further infection.
What to do for a swollen eyelid due to an infection?
Stye
A stye is usually triggered by a bacterial infection. It is described as an abscess that appears similar to a small-sized, reddish lump close to the interior or exterior of the eyelid which is evident as a swollen eyelid.
In most cases, they are caused by the staphylococcus bacteria that thrives on the skin. The pain can be minimized with a warm compress but it might also require antibiotics if it does not respond after a few days.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis or pink eye is a bacterial infection involving the eye surface. This type of infection causes redness, inflammation and watery eyes with drainage. The condition is highly contagious thus it is vital to avoid touching the eyes or sharing any eye products. The doctor usually prescribes antibiotic drops to properly heal the infection.
Infected eyelid skin
If stye is not properly treated, the eyelid skin can become infected. In case antibiotics are not effective in dealing with the infection, a CAT scan might be required to rule out other serious infections.
Infected tear duct
This type of infection often occurs among infants that triggers excess tearing and swollen eyelids. Minor surgery might be needed if the condition does not subside after the child reaches a year old to unclog the duct. As for cases affecting adults, a warm compress is used several times throughout the day to promote drainage and alleviate the pain while antibiotics are given to promote healing.