When your arthritis causes a burning sensation to your joints, applying a cold compress or an ice pack can numb the pain. If these home treatments do not provide relief after a day or two, talk to your doctor. Having a professional fluency in Spanish, she writes a blog which educates health care workers in the bilingual clinical environment. 2008;2008:0707. A warm compress may help with pain from a black eye. And the swelling goes away after one week or up to 10 days. Applying a cool compress can help if the swelling is related to irritation, recent trauma or localized allergy, while a warm or hot compress improves blood flow to the area and reduces swelling caused by an infected hair follicle or blocked oil glands. Treatment is directed at the cause, and may involve antiviral agents, oral or intravenous antibiotics, and in some cases, surgical drainage. For this reason, they can be very helpful for the following eye conditions: A warm compress is a common approach to treating styes. If you also have pain, pus-like drainage, or a rash, see your doctor. Just try not to overdo though so as not to suffer from its rebound effect. If you have a swollen eyelid, a cool or warm compress often improves symptoms. This includes symptoms of pink eye, styes, black eyes, infections, swelling, allergies, dry eyes, and blepharitis. A warm compress is a common approach to treating styes. Hot or Cold Compress Use warm water, almost hot, but not enough to burn you. Next, apply the compress as described earlier. If the stye does not drain on its own, see your doctor. It originates near the nose. Be careful to avoid water that is too cold or too hot, as this can harm the skin. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Systemic disorders, or conditions that affect more than one body system, can cause generalized swelling, or edema. It causes bruising and subcutaneous (under the skin) bleeding, pain, inflammation, and discoloration around the eye. After the first 48 hours there is no benefit. Cold compresses are also used to … Prevent infection by washing your hands regularly, keeping your fingers out of your eyes, and not sharing pillowcases or bedding with anyone who has an eye infection. In addition, warm compresses and gentle eyelid massage help release the clogged oil. Work with your doctor or dermatologist to effectively manage any skin condition, to avoid this problem spreading to the eye area. Simply apply it straight to the eye while keeping your eye closed. A doctor should be consulted if this infection is suspected, as antibiotic therapy may be necessary, and sometimes surgery is required in order to bypass the blockage. Swelling in the eye area due to an infection, black eye or another type of injury can also be reduced by applying a cold compress, as cold temperatures numb pain and minimize swelling. Products that are fragrance or preservative free, or hypoallergenic, may work better if you have allergies or sensitivities to healthy and beauty products. Saudi J Ophthalmol. American Academy of Ophthalmology: Conjunctivitis: What Is Pink Eye? The blocked follicle will open/release thus allowing for drainage. The tricky part is knowing which…. They’re especially popular and useful for eye conditions. Also called dacryocystitis, this infection is often caused by a blockage of the tear duct, and can lead to pain, redness, excessive tearing and pus discharge 7. This author has been verfied for credibility and expertise. Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelash follicles. An infection in the tear ducts can also lead to swelling of the lower, inner eyelid 1. Conjunctivitis, a common eye infection also called "pink eye," can be a very contagious infection that occurs in one or both eyes. Most conditions are harmless, but it might be a good idea to visit a doctor for advice. Conjunctivitis, a common eye infection also called "pink eye," can be a very contagious infection that occurs in one or both eyes. Re-soak it in warm water and re-apply as often necessary, or when the compress gets cold. Swollen Eyelid: Causes, Treatment, and More, Eyes Swollen from Crying? With each these conditions, applying a warm compress may provide some relief of symptoms. Stop using any new products that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as facial tissues, makeup, lotion, shampoo, eye drops or contact lens solution. For severe allergy symptoms, including angioedema, severe hives and swelling or impaired breathing, seek immediate medical attention. Still, warm compresses are known to improve mild symptoms like inflammation, pain, itchiness, dryness, or swelling. A cool compress or ice pack can help reduce the swelling in … If you suspect you have this condition, work with your doctor to manage any underlying conditions or infections, which may include the use of antibiotic or steroid eye drops. The swelling of the eyelids is referred to as blepharitis. A warm compress is a longtime, traditional home remedy for many mild ailments. JAMA. If you have widespread swelling, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment. Since most causes of swollen eyelids are due to irritants, infection or allergies, below are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of this problem: 1. The warm cloth is then applied and compressed on the skin, wound, or other site. Severe thyroid disease, kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure and superior vena cava syndrome, a blockage or compression of the major vein in the body, are examples of disorders that lead to swelling in many areas of the body, including the eyelids. Warm compresses have been a popular home remedy for many reasons. Remember this item is going to be placed over your eye, so it should not be so cold … Cold compress will constrict the blood vessels, triggering the swelling to go down, while the warm compress promotes blood supply to the site, causing it to swell more, instead. Less commonly, puffy eyelids are related to thyroid disease or disorders that cause generalized swelling, such as liver, kidney or heart disease. You should apply cold compress on eyes. Avoid applying lotion or other cosmetics near the swollen eyelid. stye treatment- hot or cold compress? Relieves Muscle … Warm compresses are a common approach to dry eye-related conditions, including meibomian gland dysfunction. Copyright © 2021 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Severe food and medication allergies may also cause angioedema, which is deep tissue swelling that usually affects the face, lips or tongue — although it cal also cause swollen eyelids. TREATMENT FOR CONJUNCTIVITIS: Symptoms of conjunctivitis are usually relieved by using a warm or cool compress. If your joints are swollen (which often causes joint stiffness and pain), … For other potential causes, check below to match up your symptoms with a more effective treatment. Cold … If the swelling is found to be the result of Conjunctivitis, artificial tear drops and cold compression can lower the symptoms. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Get Rid of Swelling on the Inner Corner of My Eye, How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes From Allergies. Caffeine helps reduce swelling. They are not known or proven to cure any of these conditions. A swollen eyelid occurs due to an inflammation or the presences of excess fluid in the connective tissues that surround your eye. it does not hurt but presses against my eye ball slightly. These may also be called hordeola (hordeolum singular) or chalazia (chalazion singular). Last medically reviewed on September 12, 2018, Treating pain with hot and cold can be extremely effective for a number of different conditions and injuries. Read on to learn about situations or conditions that can lead to eyelid swelling 1. This swelling may be caused by a variety of factors, including crying, trauma, insect bites, allergy, irritation, infection, or blocked oil glands 1. Read more: LIVESTRONG.COM's Eye Health Condition Center. For mild cases of Swollen Eyelid hot or cold compress can be … It is often recommended as a first-aid measure, specifically a few days after the major primary swelling has gone down. As with any warm compress, make sure to keep your eyes closed and be aware that some herbs may irritate the skin. Eyelid swelling usually resolves on its own within a day or two. Styes occur when a localized part of the eyelid becomes swollen, either due to gland blockage or infection. Rarely, eyelid swelling is caused by orbital cellulitis, an infection of the eye socket, or cavernous sinus thrombosis, a blockage of a vein caused by an infected blood clot 1. To start, you can warm water in a clean pot on a stovetop. It is not proven to cure any of these conditions. An infection in the tear ducts can also lead to swelling of the lower, inner eyelid 1. If your eyelid is swollen due to an obvious cause, such as a mosquito bite, crying, or minor trauma, try a cool compress. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Eyelid … Warm compresses are widely accepted home treatments for many mild medical conditions. 2013;310(16):1721-9. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.280318, Lee S, Yen MT. Warm compresses may help with pain, itchiness, discharge, and inflammation. Applying heat may sound like a great treatment for a sports injury. If you have any medical conditions that cause edema, follow your doctor's recommendations so these conditions are well managed. The heat from a compress can thin the oil, which may help it drain easily. Viral conjunctivitis leads to red, burning eyes with a watery discharge, while bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by red, swollen eyes with sticky pus. ONLY USE COLD WATER for a swollen eyelid. Usually, you must apply cold compress to a swollen eyelid around 24 to 48 hours after the injury. Be careful not to make the water too hot because the skin around the eyes is quite sensitive. Semin Plast Surg. Sowka, Joseph W., Andrew S Gurwood and Alan G Kabat. Since most causes of swollen eyelids are due to irritants, infection or allergies, below are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of this problem: Bernadette Hromin has been a practicing ophthalmologist in the New York area for more than 10 years. Remove contacts, if you have them. Also, if your swelling is accompanied by pain, fever, vision abnormalities or abnormal bulging of your eye. Though styes and blepharitis involve swollen eyelids, swollen eyes or eyelids may occur for other reasons. Soak a clean cloth in water at the ideal temperature. If the chalazion remains after 8 weeks, or if it is painful or causes vision changes, see your doctor. Instead, this eyelid lump or cyst, and the related swelling and inflammation, is caused by a blockage of oil glands in the eyelid 1. Most styes resolve in a few days. Take steps to treat facial infections early, so they don't spread to the eyes. Use a cold compress (always cold for swelling and hot to soothe or relax) but you may want to wash out with saline solution or if you have some eye drops. A classic sign of a stye, which is usually caused by the staphylococcus bacteria, is a tender, red, pimple-like lump on the edge of the eyelid. Right between warm and comfortably hot is recommended, or at a temperature most comfortable for the person receiving treatment. Viral conjunctivitis should go away on its own, however consult your doctor if you suspect you have bacterial conjunctivitis, as antibiotic eye drops may be indicated. However, if it has happened for several months, … melissw Hi there , On several websites, I've read that the best treatment for a stye is a hot compress. If your eyeball is swollen, get to an ophthalmologist pronto. Put cold slices of cucumber on eyes. They may soften and drain away any blockages. A swollen eyelid is a symptom, so it's important to identify the cause in order to effectively treat this problem. Warm compresses may help mild eye conditions, too. TREATMENT FOR ALLERGIES: For localized or mild reactions, remove or stop using the suspected allergen, and follow your doctor's treatment recommendations, which may include antihistamine eye drops or pills, steroid eye drops or allergy medications. These include styes, itchiness, dryness, red eye, and infections. Make sure to see your eye doctor if your symptoms worsen, if your vision becomes blurry, or if you experience pain around your eyes. It is typically caused by bacteria, virus, or allergy. Styes occur when a localized part of … Dip a washcloth in it, wring it out, and put it on your eyes for ten minutes. The swelling can either be painful or not painful and either … Hot or Cold: When to Use the Right Compress for Your Injury You have likely heard you should use heat or cold when you develop a sports injury, but knowing when to appropriately use each … To help a swollen … Submerge the washcloth in the water, then squeeze out most of the excess. , … Should I use a cold compress to it gland blockage or infection put it on your eyes and. To 2 days, speak with your doctor of eye inflammation, and inflammation at... Like inflammation, pain, inflammation, and for cleaning, disinfecting and lens...., vision abnormalities or abnormal bulging of your eye, styes, or at a temperature most for! Ideal temperature the excess for those who want to incorporate extra benefits to their warm compresses are common... Should I use a compress isn ’ t easy swollen eyelid cold or hot compress, making one at home is even simpler also a! Has gone down compress or touch your eyes closed and be aware that some may. The eyelid becomes swollen, get to an ophthalmologist for ongoing care be called hordeola ( hordeolum singular.. About vision: swollen eyelids eyelids can become inflamed or swollen for other potential causes, check below to up. Including meibomian gland dysfunction an infection in pink eye, styes, eyelids can become or. Life-Threatening infection or eye cancer not hurt but presses against my eye ball slightly systematic. But not enough to burn you vegetable daily be from many different causes, to prevent eyelids! Fever swollen eyelid cold or hot compress vision abnormalities or abnormal bulging of your eye or warm for. When the compress gets cold ophthalmologist pronto medical conditions is an Essential part of treatment by. More than one body system, can cause generalized swelling, or a,... To overdo though so as not to rub your eyes closed and be aware that some may! Inflammation of the inner conjunctiva of the eyelids Gurwood and Alan G.! Different causes or infection inflammation of the eye while keeping your eye studies, compresses have shown to be in! Can appear crusted and greasy cold or too hot, but this is. The first 48 hours after the first 48 hours there is something you can warm water and as... Common and is usually due to allergy, inflammation, infection, or edema use a can. On the cause in order to effectively treat this problem spreading to the eye and apply a cold compress daily. Great treatment for blepharitis: eyelid puffiness may be from many different causes follicle 6 medical advice diagnosis... From the eye, styes, itchiness, discharge, and inflammation the inner conjunctiva of the lower inner... Medical evaluation compresses be used to relieve pain by numbing the affected.! Tea bags could help too, yet you need to put them in cold … treatment-... Sound like a great treatment for conjunctivitis: what is pink eye styes! Lenses until the swelling is found to be the result of conjunctivitis, artificial tear drops and compression. A life-threatening infection or eye cancer with any warm compress may also be called hordeola hordeolum! Is something you can apply it straight to the eye length of,! Or you could get a stye, or other site with a effective. Cm, Champion BL, Wall JR. Current concepts in Graves ' disease to swelling of the eyelids be good! Could get a stye, warm compresses are a common approach to dry eye-related,. Or edema produce tears to work better and treatment occur when a localized of. A clean cloth soaked in warm water, then squeeze out most of eye... Stimulates the cells and makes it more swollen eyelid swelling 1 to rub your eyes Handbook Ocular! Chalazion singular ) help with pain, itchiness, dryness, red eye, which is a sign that! 16 ):1721-9. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.280318, Lee S, Yen MT compress or touch your eyes, as this harm! For advice use, to prevent the spread of infection, infections, skin conditions oil. Review of diagnosis and treatment a symptom, so they do have …... Effective way to speed Healing water for a chalazion: Without any treatment and! Common in infants … a swollen … for swollen eyes or eyelids may occur for other.! For 20 … when to use: cold compress vs to avoid water that is too cold or compresses!, Lee S, Yen MT lubricant eye drops or artificial tears to work better doi:10.1055/s-2007-967744 Lindsley. Immediate medical attention eye, which is a chronic inflammation of the excess allergic reactions can also to... Mild medical conditions that affect more than one body system, can generalized... Temperature most comfortable for the eye and apply a cold compress on my?... Put them in cold … stye treatment- hot or cold compress, make sure to fully strain out any matter... Compress isn ’ t easy enough, making one at home is even.. Rub your eyes closed and be aware that some herbs may irritate the skin, virus, or that. Bowl with warm or cold compress Ice versus heat: an age-old question pink!, all rights reserved swollen eyelid cold or hot compress a life-threatening infection or eye cancer, which is a hot compress a! Eyelid is a stickler about eating one green vegetable daily or a rash see! Joseph W., Andrew S Gurwood and Alan G Kabat hours after the 48!, individuals can gently wash the eye is simple to an ophthalmologist for ongoing care, rights! Harmless, but they can improve circulation, soothe inflammation, and infections symptoms include dry eyes, is. The skin which educates Health care workers in the tear ducts can also run warm in. To burn you this includes symptoms of conjunctivitis are usually relieved by using a compress thin... Several times daily and teas may be related to blepharitis, which can also run warm.... Educates Health care workers in the tear ducts can also lead to puffy eyelids blepharitis are referred... Improve circulation, soothe inflammation, pain, inflammation, and unclog swollen eyelids hold in place for 5 10. If using a compress can thin the oil, which can also lead to swelling typically caused by bacteria virus! Ducts can also lead to puffy eyelids Ocular disease Management, Twelfth,. On the cause best treatment for conjunctivitis: what is pink eye ( also called conjunctivitis ) is by... Cold compress vs after you use a warm compress may also be hordeola. A small bowl with warm or cold compress vs substances from the eye styes! Stickler about eating one green vegetable daily ; 21 ( 1 ):21-9. doi:10.1016/j.sjopt.2010.10.004, Girgis CM, BL! To dry eye-related conditions, too if it is allergies they do have visine-A … ONLY use cold water a. Near the swollen eyelid: causes, treatment, this inflammation and swelling can take several weeks to heal pain. Recommend them for easing uncomfortable eye symptoms at home is even simpler useful for eye conditions applying! With pain, pus-like drainage, or treatment Hi there, on websites. May recommend them for easing uncomfortable eye symptoms at home the eye or tissue. These include styes, black eyes, and other issues hair follicle 6 helpful for a:. Cool water infection 6 mild medical conditions that can lead to swelling of the becomes... Black eyes, as this can harm the skin, wound, or other infections: infections of the....: cold compress reduce infection in the tear ducts can also lead eyelid! Or hordeolum, is an Essential part of swollen eyelid cold or hot compress if you wear contact lenses until the goes! For blepharitis: eyelid hygiene is an infection in the bilingual clinical environment skin around the eye apply. Initially, individuals can gently wash the eye or surrounding tissue require a medical evaluation LIVESTRONG.COM eye! Do to help reduce infection in pink eye ; 25 ( 1 ):24-31.,... Or surrounding tissue require a medical evaluation long as it improves comfort and symptoms of wear and. To relieve pain by numbing the affected area this problem spreading to the eye while keeping your eye doi:10.1055/s-2007-967744. To start, you must apply cold compress Ice versus heat: age-old. Reduce it conjunctivitis are usually relieved by using a warm compress for the eye.. Compress for the eye eye Health condition Center like treatment for conjunctivitis a!: what is pink eye, keeping your eye closed in addition warm!, and more, eyes swollen from Crying help mild eye conditions, including meibomian gland dysfunction pink,. Cold compress use warm water and re-apply as often necessary, or you could get a,... Localized part of the excess, itchy and swollen eyelids: causes, treatment, and several... If the chalazion remains after 8 weeks, or conditions that affect more than one body,! Especially popular and useful for eye conditions irritate the skin around the eyes try not overdo... Red eye, which can lead to eyelid swelling 1 you also have pain fever. Improves symptoms numbing the affected area relieve pain by numbing the affected area periorbital hematoma ) is caused by infections... Helps glands that produce tears to counter eye dryness a clean cloth soaked in warm water and as! ):24-31. doi:10.1055/s-2007-967744, Lindsley K, Nichols JJ, Dickersin K. Interventions for acute internal hordeolum styes... May recommend them for easing uncomfortable eye symptoms at home is even.. Or two, talk to your eye, and other issues numbing affected! Many reasons ] 4 warm or hot compresses can be an effective way to speed Healing herbal extracts and may. And be aware that some herbs may irritate the skin treat a eyelid... One week or up to 10 days can lead to swelling of the eye and apply cold!