What is the best way to reduce swelling in your face?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 11, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Facial swelling can be a symptom of a range of medical conditions. These can range from minor, easily-treatable ailments, to more serious conditions requiring urgent medical attention. Identifying the possible cause of the swelling helps determine the most appropriate treatment.

Common causes of facial swelling include:

Allergy/Anaphylaxis
Cushing syndrome
Hypothyroidism
Infection
Injury
Preeclampsia - high blood pressure associated with pregnancy
Surgery
Sinusitis

Facial Swelling Causes and Treatments

Causes of Facial Swelling	Associated Symptoms	Treatment
Allergy/Anaphylaxis Medication Foods, such as nuts, eggs, fish and shellfish Plants Insect bites Pollen Animal dander Venom	Sneezing Itchy and runny nose or eyes Stuffy nose Itchy or sore throat Itchy hives Difficulty breathing Throat swelling Coughing Rapid pulse Sweating Dizziness Fainting Nausea Vomiting Abdominal cramps Diarrhea	Mild allergic reactions can usually be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) medications including antihistamines (tablets, creams, eye drops and nasal sprays) and corticosteroid creams if not contraindicated. Home remedies, such as a cold compress, ice pack or soothing cream can also provide some relief. More severe allergic reactions may be associated with other symptoms of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. If you suspect anaphylaxis you should call 911 and go to the emergency department.
Cushing syndrome	Weight gain around abdomen Weight loss around arms and legs Thin skin Purple stretch marks Slow healing Acne	You should contact your health care provider if you think you have Cushing syndrome, a condition where you have increased levels of cortisol in your body, especially if you are taking corticosteroid medication.
Hypothyroidism	Lack of energy Weight gain Dry skin and hair Hair loss Constipation Sensitivity to cold	You should contact your health care provider if you think you have hypothyroidism, a condition where your thyroid gland is underactive.
Infection Cellulitis Mumps Dental abscess	Fever Pain Redness Bumps or blisters (abscesses) Bumpy skin like an orange peel Bad breath Toothache or sensitivity Headache Muscle ache Weakness and fatigue Loss of appetite	If you think you have a bacterial infection you should contact your health care provider. You may require an antibiotic or other treatment. If you think you have a viral infection, such as mumps, you should call your health care provider. Cold compresses and OTC pain relief such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) may also be used if not contraindicated.
Injury Sport Motor vehicle Fall Fight Work- or home-related	Cuts Bruises Lacerations Broken bones Confusion Sleepiness Blurry or Double vision Seizures Slurred or confused speech Weakness Pupils of different sizes Blood or fluids coming out of you ear or nose	Swelling associated with a minor injury may be treated at home with a cold compress or ice pack, which can be applied for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours. An NSAID, such as ibuprofen, may also help with the pain and swelling if not contraindicated. If the swelling doesn’t improve or is associated with a more serious injury such as a broken bone, a traumatic head injury or concussion, you should contact your health care provider or go to the emergency department.
Preeclampsia	Swollen hands Weight gain of 5 pounds or more Headache Spotted or blurred vision Pain in your upper abdomen	Preeclampsia, or high blood pressure associated with pregnancy, can be life-threatening. If you think you have preeclampsia you should contact your health care provider.
Sinusitis Infection Inflammation	Fever Headache Pain Pressure Redness Tenderness Thick yellow or green discharge from nose Dry cough	Sinusitis may resolve by itself. However, a range of self-care options can help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis at home. Nasal rinses, breathing steam, using a decongestant or steroidal nasal spray, or taking an antihistamine or NSAID may also help if not contraindicated. If your symptoms do not improve after three days, or do not go away after 10 days, you should contact your health care provider.
Surgery		Ask your health care provider for the best way to manage swelling associated with your surgery.

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