Cures for Puffy Eyes Due to Crying

Puffy eyes can be an unwelcome, yet common side effect of long periods of crying. Why does this occur? Excess salt, or sodium, from your tears can build up in your tear ducts. The skin around the eyes including upper and lower eyelids can swell from immediately after the cry until the next morning. This can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing. You may want to just crawl back into bed and have another cry over this condition, but have no fear. Here are some simple remedies available that will have you smiling again in no time.

Home Remedies

• There are many options available in your cupboard, refrigerator, freezer or around the house.

  Tea bags are a great choice. The caffeine in the tea helps to tighten the blood vessels and reduce swelling. To get started, soak tea bags--black or green--in cold water. Next, wrap the chilled tea bags in a paper towel, lie down and place them on the eyes for 10 minutes or so and the swelling should come down.

  Cucumbers are another tried and true option. Take two chilled cucumber slices and place them over your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes to refresh and rejuvenate.

  A milk and water mixture can also bring you some relief. Moisten a cotton ball or pad with a combination of iced water and chilled milk. Close your eyes, place the soaked pads over them and the inflammation will soon be brought down.

  Don't have any milk, tea bags and cucumbers? You have another option right in your silverware drawer: a spoon. Stick metal teaspoons in the freezer to chill them. The put a spoon on each eye until they reach room temperature. You may want to start with freezing at least six spoons so that you can replace a room-temperature spoon with a chilled one as needed.

Store-Bought Solutions

• The health and beauty aisle of your local market or variety store also offers great plant-, vitamin- and mineral-based products that could be helpful.

  There are many beneficial eye creams and eye masks available. Many are made using plant extracts such as chamomile, cucumber, mint and aloe. These products work best when refrigerated, so keep them chilled and ready to have on hand to reduce puffiness. Look for products with aloe vera and vitamin E, which provide moisture to reduce inflammation and help to ease pain.

Precautions

• Hemorrhoid treatments are often recommended for puffy eyes. While these products are known for their ability to reduce puffiness and swelling, they will create a burning sensation in your eyes, so proceed with caution.