What Can Cause Facial Swelling or a Puffy Face?

Allergic conjunctivitis is eye inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to substances, such as:

• pet dander
• dust
• pollen
• mold spores

It may cause symptoms like red, itchy, puffy, and watery eyes, as well as a burning or gritty sensation.

Preeclampsia is when people who are pregnant suddenly develop high blood pressure (hypertension). It usually affects people after 20 weeks of being pregnant, but may occur earlier or after postpartum.

Symptoms may include swelling in your face, legs, and arms, as well as:

• protein in the urine (proteinuria)
• headache
• blurry vision
• abdominal pain
• nausea and vomiting

If you’re pregnant and experience any of these symptoms, get immediate medical attention. If left untreated, preeclampsia may lead to life threatening complications, such as seizures, blood clots, and kidney failure.

Cellulitis is an infection that affects the deep layers of your skin. It’s usually caused by bacteria or fungi entering through a crack or cut in the skin.

Cellulitis causes an area of skin to become swollen, hot, and painful. If it affects the eye, it may cause swelling, itchiness, and redness in the whites.

Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms above, as well as fever, chills, and red streaking from the rash.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Common causes of anaphylaxis include:

• food allergies, such as nuts, fish, wheat, eggs, cow’s milk, sesame, and wheat
• medications, such as antibiotics
• insect stings or bites
• anesthetics
• latex

Symptoms of anaphylactic shock may occur very quickly after exposure to an allergy. These may include:

• swelling of the throat, face, and tongue
• hives
• difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing
• rapid heart rate
• fainting
• dizziness
• skin discoloration, such as blue, gray, or pale tongue

If you or someone you’re with experiences anaphylaxis, get immediate medical attention. If you have an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), use it immediately.

Angioedema is a form of severe swelling beneath the skin’s surface that most commonly affects the following:

• eyes
• tongue
• lips
• hands
• feet
• genitals

Swelling in these areas is sometimes also accompanied by hives.

Angioedema is usually caused by an allergic reaction to an allergen, such as food or medication. However, it may also be caused by infection or immune dysfunction.

Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic type of bacterial infection that most commonly affects your:

• head
• mouth
• neck
• chest
• pelvis

It causes sores, or abscesses, in the body’s soft tissues. These may grow into visible lumps that could cause pus to leak out from your skin.

Actinomycosis is most commonly caused by dental infections or injuries or having an intrauterine device (IUD).

A break of crank in the bone or cartilage or your nose may cause facial swelling, as well as bruising around the nose and eyes.

A broken nose is most often caused by trauma or impact on the face.

An external eyelid stye is a swollen, painful lump that grows on the outside of the eyelid. It’s caused by bacteria or a blockage in the oil glands of the eyelid.

The lump may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• red, dry, or gritty eyes
• swollen eyelids
• pus that comes out of the stye

Most eyelid bumps are mild or harmless and should disappear within 1 week. However, speak with a doctor if you experience symptoms for longer, as this may indicate a more serious condition.

Sinusitis is a condition caused by inflammation or infection of the nasal passages and sinuses. It may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies.

Symptoms like swelling, pain, and tenderness may affect the areas around your sinuses, including:

• cheeks
• forehead
• eyes

Other symptoms may include:

• decreased sense of smell
• fever
• stuffy nose
• headache
• fatigue
• sore throat
• cough

It’s important to get immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis, preeclampsia, or cellulitis.

Symptoms to look out for may include:

• swollen mouth and throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• hives or rash
• swelling of the face or limbs
• anxiety or confusion
• coughing or wheezing
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• nasal congestion
• palpitations and irregular heartbeat
• slurred speech
• rapid breathing
• rapid heart rate
• weak pulse
• low blood pressure

In severe cases, respiratory or cardiac arrests may occur.

Treatment for facial swelling will depend on the underlying cause.

It’s important to see a healthcare professional immediately if you experience anaphylaxis, cellulitis, or preeclampsia.

Swelling caused by a bee sting

If a venomous bee sting caused the swelling, remove the stinger immediately. However, don’t use tweezers to remove the stinger, as these can pinch it and cause it to release more venom.

To remove the bee sting, use a playing card instead:

1. Press down on the skin in front of the stinger.
2. Gently move the card toward the stinger.
3. Scoop the stinger up from the skin.

Swelling caused by infection

If an infection causes facial swelling, a doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics.

If an abscess is present, the doctor may cut it open and drain it. The open area will then be closed in with packing material to prevent it from becoming infected and reoccurring.

Soothing a rash

A rash can be soothed with over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments, such as hydrocortisone cream or ointments. Using a cool compress may also help soothe the itch.

Other causes, such as edema and underlying medical conditions, will be treated by a doctor accordingly.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, check out our FindCare tool here.

The best way to prevent facial swelling is to avoid any known allergens.

This may include reading ingredient labels and, when dining out, asking the waiter what ingredients are in the dishes you order.

If you experience an allergic reaction to medication, avoid taking that medication again.

If you have a known allergy that can cause anaphylaxis and have been prescribed epinephrine medication, such as an EpiPen, carry it with you. This medication counteracts a severe allergic reaction and can prevent facial swelling.

Can poor circulation cause a puffy face?

Poor circulation may result from several health conditions like blood clots, which may cause edema or swelling.

Does a puffy face mean dehydration?

Research is conflicting on whether facial swelling may occur due to dehydration. It may occur during the early stages of dehydration, but symptoms of severe dehydration may include sunken eyelids and hollow cheeks.

How can I get rid of a puffy face?

Treatment for a puffy face will depend on the underlying cause. For instance, antibiotics may be needed to treat swelling caused by an infection, while emergency medical treatment may be required for anaphylaxis, cellulitis, or preeclampsia.

Facial swelling may have several causes, ranging from mild allergy symptoms to life threatening medical conditions.

If you experience facial swelling and other symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, and dizziness, get immediate medical attention. This may be a sign of a health condition that requires urgent medical treatment.