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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffThe following tips can help you reduce or eliminate bags under eyes:
- Use a cool compress. Wet a clean washcloth with cool water. While sitting up, apply the damp washcloth to the skin under and around your eyes for a few minutes using mild pressure.
- Get enough sleep at night. For most adults, seven to eight hours a night appears to be the best amount of sleep.
- Sleep with your head slightly raised. Add an extra pillow or prop up the head of your mattress. Or, elevate the entire head of the bed a few inches. This helps prevent fluids from accumulating around your eyes as you sleep.
- Reduce allergy symptoms. Avoid allergens when possible, and ask your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications. Talk to your doctor about prevention strategies if you develop under-eye reactions due to hair dyes, soaps, cosmetics or other allergens.
References
- Tsai LM, et al. The eye and ocular adnexa. In: Doherty GM, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Surgery. 13th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=23. Accessed June 14, 2011.
- Ben Simon GJ, et al. Cosmetic eyelid and facial surgery. Survey of Ophthalmology. 2008;53:426.
- Understanding blepharoplasty. American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. http://www.aafprs.org/patient/procedures/shareable/s_blepharoplasty.html. Accessed June 30, 2011.
- Goldberg RA, et al. What causes eyelid bags? Analysis of 114 consecutive patients. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2005;115:1395.
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