Bags Under Eyes Causes

As a child, I would often wonder about the facial wrinkles and soft puffy bags under the eyes of my grandmother. Gradually, I started correlating this condition with aged people and the process of aging. But, one day, I met a young beautiful lady, with a flawless skin, a perfect body and a pair of attractive eyes. But, I was astonished at the fact that she had bags under her eyes. She was not old enough to develop under eye bags. At that young age, I could not figure out the reason for under eye bags in that lady. But, now, I know that bags under eyes causes can be something other than aging and young people too develop this condition due to various causes.

Causes

Bags under eyes is more a cosmetic concern than a health problem, even though, this condition may develop due to some underlying medical conditions. This condition may make you look older, tired and worn out. Though, commonly found in older people, you may also find some young people with bags under eyes.

• Aging is one among the most common bags under eyes causes. As you age, the muscles and ligaments get weaker. The fat around the eye, which is held in place by the muscles and ligaments, migrate to the area below the eyes, forming a soft, puffy, bag-like structure, which is known as an under eye bag. This condition may be aggravated by several factors like, illness and stress.
• In some families, puffy eyes or bags under eyes is a common trait among the family members. They get this condition from their genes. So, heredity can also be considered as one of the causes.
• Some illnesses or medical conditions can also be the reasons for bags under eyes. Chronic sinus infections and allergies are most often found to be associated with this condition. Recurrent infections and allergic reactions causes swelling and deflation of the skin below the eyes, which leads to bags under eyes. If the symptoms include stuffy nose, watery and itchy eyes, pain near the eyebrows and cheeks, along with puffy eyes, you must consult an allergist.
• Causes for under eye bags may include some other serious health problems, like, kidney disease and Graves' disease. In case of unexplained puffiness below the eyes, consult a doctor at the earliest.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menstruation, lead to water retention, which causes bags under eyes. Fluid retention is also caused by intake of excess salt and hence, can be one of the bags under eyes causes for people, who consume foods with high salt content.
• Dehydration is another cause for bags under eyes. Dehydration can also be caused by excess alcohol consumption, which is again one of the causes for bags under eyes.
• Insufficient sleep can also cause bags under eyes, which may be accompanied by dark circles under eyes too.

Apart from the above mentioned causes, stress, poor diet, vitamin deficiency, regular use of tobacco or smoking can also cause this condition.

Remedies

In most people, the condition can be remedied with the help of some home remedies. In case of any additional symptoms,like, swelling, redness and itching of the eyes and inflammation of other parts of the body, you must immediately seek medical attention. The same applies, if the puffiness below the eyes is severe and persistent. Others may approach a doctor to rule out the possibility of any underlying medical conditions or remedy the cause for that condition.

• A splash of cold water or cold compresses can be a bags under eyes home remedy.
• You may also use moistened tea bags or cotton balls moistened with cold milk. Keeping moistened tea bags over your closed eyes for at least 15 minutes can tighten the skin and reduce the puffiness.
• Elevating the head while sleeping can help you to get rid of bags under eyes. Use a different pillow for elevating the head. This may cause the redistribution of the fluid, that is causing the swelling.
• Switch over to a low carb diet, which can prevent water retention and the resultant eye bags.
• Consume foods with vitamins, like, vitamins A, C and E, which is good for the health of the skin and also to reduce bags under eyes. You must also reduce the intake of salt.

The above mentioned remedies, along with some preventive measures can be the best bags under eyes cure. Most of the preventive measures are dependent on the causes. Avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day, adopt some stress reducing exercises or yoga, have a good sleep and a proper diet. If you are not satisfied with the results, you may also opt for bags under eyes treatment, which includes skin treatments, like, laser resurfacing or chemical peels and surgeries like, blepharoplasty. However, it is always better to consult a doctor, if there is severe swelling below the eyes or if it is accompanied by other symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.