Right side swelling in face

Swollen Face on One Side | Causes of Your Facial Swelling

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Skin abscess

A skin abscess is a large pocket of pus that has formed just beneath the skin. It is caused by bacteria getting under the skin, usually through a small cut or scratch, and beginning to multiply. The body fights the invasion with white blood cells, which kill some of the infected tissue but form pus within the cavity that remains.

Symptoms include a large, red, swollen, painful lump of pus anywhere on the body beneath the skin. There may be fever, chills, and body aches from the infection.

If not treated, there is the risk of an abscess enlarging, spreading, and causing serious illness.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination.

A small abscess may heal on its own, through the body's immune system. But some will need to be drained or lanced in a medical provider's office so that the pus can be cleaned out. Antibiotics are usually prescribed.

Keeping the skin clean, and using only clean clothes and towels, will help to make sure that the abscess does not recur.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: rash with bumps or blisters, red rash, red skin bump larger than 1/2 cm in diameter, pus-filled rash, rash

Symptoms that always occur with skin abscess: rash with bumps or blisters

Urgency: Primary care doctor

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Salivary duct stone (sialolithiasis)

A salivary duct stone is the most common disorder of the salivary glands (where you make spit). They can range in size from tiny particles to stones that are several centimeters in length.

You can try treating this at home and going to the doctor if things don't work. You can stay well hydrated, apply warm compresses, and massage or "milk" the duct with the stone in it. Another tip would be to suck on lemon drops or other hard tart candy (called sialogogues, which promote salivary secretions) throughout the day. Pain is treated with NSAIDs like Ibuprofen. If things do not get better or you cannot find the stone, it's best to go to your doctor.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms: swelling on one side of the face, swollen jaw, painful face swelling, spontaneous jaw pain, painful jaw swelling

Urgency: Phone call or in-person visit

Mumps

Mumps or "the mumps" is a viral infection for which most people have been vaccinated when they were a child. Though in rare cases, even vaccinated people can still get sick. Symptoms of the are swelling of the parotid gland (this gland produces your spit and is located in the cheek), fever, face pain and a sore throat.

Since this infection is caused by a virus, treatment with antibiotics is not helpful. It usually resolves on its own. You can seek advice over the phone or in a retail clinic to have other infections ruled out and get symptomatic treatment. If you are pregnant and possibly exposed to mumps, you need to call your doctor.

Infection of the salivary duct (sialadenitis)

The ducts that create saliva can be infected by bacteria and is typically found after surgery in the mouth and in the elderly that take medications that slow saliva production.

You should visit your primary care physician or an urgent care today. In the most minor situation, you would need antibiotics for 10 days while the doctors identify the type of bug it is. In more severe cases, you might need to go to the hospital for antibiotics given through the blood.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: fever, chills, swelling on one side of the face, pain on one side of the face, swollen jaw

Urgency: Hospital emergency room

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, or "underactive thyroid," means that the thyroid gland in the neck does not produce enough of its hormones. This causes a slowing of the body's metabolism.

The condition can occur due to autoimmune disease; any surgery or radiation treatment to the thyroid gland; some medications; pregnancy; or consuming too much or too little iodine. It is often found among older women with a family history of the disease.

Common symptoms include fatigue, constantly feeling cold, weight gain, slow heart rate, and depression. If left untreated, these and other symptoms can worsen until they lead to very low blood pressure and body temperature, and even coma.

Diagnosis is made through a simple blood test.

Hypothyroidism is easily managed with daily oral medication. The patient usually starts feeling better after a couple of weeks and may even lose some extra weight. It's important for the patient to be monitored by a doctor and have routine blood testing so that the medication can be kept at the correct levels.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: fatigue, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, weight gain, muscle aches

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deep layers of the skin. It can appear anywhere on the body but is most common on the feet, lower legs, and face.

The condition can develop if Staphylococcus bacteria enter broken skin through a cut, scrape, or existing skin infection such as impetigo or eczema.

Most susceptible are those with a weakened immune system, as from corticosteroids or chemotherapy, or with impaired circulation from diabetes or any vascular disease.

Symptoms arise somewhat gradually and include sore, reddened skin.

If not treated, the infection can become severe, form pus, and destroy the tissue around it. In rare cases, the infection can cause blood poisoning or meningitis.

Symptoms of severe pain, fever, cold sweats, and fast heartbeat should be seen immediately by a medical provider.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination.

Treatment consists of antibiotics, keeping the wound clean, and sometimes surgery to remove any dead tissue. Cellulitis often recurs, so it is important to treat any underlying conditions and improve the immune system with rest and good nutrition.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms: fever, chills, facial redness, swollen face, face pain

Symptoms that always occur with cellulitis: facial redness, area of skin redness

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Bruise of the face

A bruise is the damage of the blood vessels that return blood to the heart (the capillaries and veins), which causes pooling of the blood. This explains the blue/purple color of most bruises. Bruises of the back are common, given how exposed this area of the body is.

You can treat this at home with rest (exercise as tolerated) and ice (10-20 minutes at a time).

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: swelling on one side of the face, head or face injury, painful face swelling, warm and red face swelling, face bruise

Symptoms that always occur with bruise of the face: head or face injury

Urgency: Self-treatment

Angioedema

Angioedema is a condition which can cause swelling and puffiness of the face, mouth, tongue, hand or genitals. It is often related to an allergic reaction to food, medicines or insect bites.

Allergic reactions can be dangerous and therefore you should be brought to the nearest Emergency Room for evaluation and treatment. Call for an ambulance if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fainting, vomiting, trouble swallowing, tightness in throat or trouble breathing.

Allergic reaction (not life-threatening)

When the body encounters a harmful substance, it responds with inflammation and swelling that can be protective. In many individuals, the body responds this way to substances that are not normally harmful, like foods or pollen. This is the basis of allergic reaction, or Type 1 Hypersensitivity.

You should visit a physician right away to discuss the allergy and its severity, if you have not already been diagnosed. Your doctor may order an allergy screen to see what other substances produce the response. If you begin to feel tightness in the throat or difficulty breathing, get to an ER as soon as possible.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: swollen face, swollen lips, lip numbness, hives, red swollen bumps or patches with a pale center, lip redness

Symptoms that never occur with allergic reaction (not life-threatening): shortness of breath, throat itching

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Facial swelling quiz

Take a quiz to find out what's causing your swelling.

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Swelling caused by use of an ace inhibitor

ACE Inhibitors are drugs used to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure and diabetes. In rare cases, these drugs can cause an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: shortness of breath, swollen face, trouble swallowing, swollen lips, swollen tongue

Symptoms that never occur with swelling caused by use of an ace inhibitor: hives, red swollen bumps or patches with a pale center

Urgency: Hospital emergency room

Questions your doctor may ask about swelling on one side of the face

If you touch the swollen area, is there pain?
Did you get hit in the head?
Any fever today or during the last week?
Were you hit or injured anywhere on your face? If so, where?

Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.

Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and More

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Allergic conjunctivitis

This eye inflammation is caused by an allergic reaction to substances like pet dander, dust, pollen, or mold spores.
Red, itchy, watery, puffy, and burning eyes are symptoms.
These eye symptoms may occur in combination with sneezing, runny, and itchy nose.

Read full article on allergic conjunctivitis.

Preeclampsia

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

Preeclampsia ccurs when a pregnant woman has high blood pressure and possibly protein in her urine.
This generally happens after 20 weeks gestation, but may occur in some cases earlier in the pregnancy, or even postpartum.
It may lead to serious complications such as dangerously high blood pressure, seizures, kidney damage, liver damage, fluid in the lungs, and blood clotting issues.
It can be diagnosed and managed during routine prenatal care.
The recommended treatment to resolve symptoms is delivery of the baby and placenta.
Doctors will discuss the risks and benefits regarding timing of delivery, based on the severity of symptoms and the baby’s gestational age.
Symptoms include persistent headache, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, pain below the sternum, shortness of breath, and mental status changes.

Read full article on preeclampsia.

Cellulitis

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

Caused by bacteria or fungi entering through a crack or cut in the skin
Red, painful, swollen skin with or without oozing that spreads quickly
Hot and tender to the touch
Fever, chills, and red streaking from the rash might be a sign of serious infection requiring medical attention

Read full article on cellulitis.

Anaphylaxis

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

This is a life-threatening reaction to allergen exposure.
Rapid onset of symptoms occur after exposure to an allergen.
These include widespread hives, itching, swelling, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, fainting, rapid heart rate.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain are additional symptoms.

Read full article on anaphylaxis.

Drug allergy

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

Mild, itchy, red rash may occur days to weeks after taking a drug
Severe drug allergies can be life-threatening and symptoms include hives, racing heart, swelling, itching, and difficulty breathing
Other symptoms include fever, stomach upset, and tiny purple or red dots on the skin

Read full article on drug allergy.

Angioedema

This is a form of severe swelling beneath the skin’s surface.
It may be accompanied by hives and itching.
It’s caused by an allergic reaction to an allergen like food or medication.
Additional symptoms may include stomach cramping and discolored patches or rash on the hands, arms, and feet.

Read full article on angioedema.

Actinomycosis

This long-term bacterial infection causes sores, or abscesses, in the body’s soft tissues.
Dental infections or trauma to the face or mouth may lead to bacterial invasion of the face or intestines.
Congestion under the skin first appears as a reddish or blueish area.
A chronic, slowly growing, nonpainful mass becomes an abcess with areas of thick, yellow, draining fluid.

Read full article on actinomycosis.

Broken nose

A break or crack in the bone or cartilage of the nose, it’s most often caused by trauma or impact to the face.
Symptoms include ain in or around the nose, a bent or crooked nose, swelling around the nose, nosebleed, and a rubbing or grating sound or feeling when the nose is moved or rubbed.
Bruising may occur around the nose and eyes that dissipates a few days after injury.

Read full article on a broken nose.

External eyelid stye

Bacteria or a blockage in the oil glands of the eyelid causes most eyelid bumps.
These red or skin-colored lumps typically occur along the edge of the eyelid.
Red, watery eyes, a gritty, scratchy sensation in the eye, and sensitivity to light are other possible symptoms.
Most eyelid bumps are mild or harmless, but some can indicate a more serious condition.

Read full article on external eyelid stye.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a condition caused by inflammation or infection of the nasal passages and sinuses.
It may be due to viruses, bacteria, or allergies.
The severity and duration of symptoms depends on the cause of infection.
Symptoms include decreased sense of smell, fever, stuffy nose, headache (from sinus pressure or tension), fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, or cough.

Read full article on sinusitis.

Facial swelling can be caused by both minor and major medical conditions. Many causes are easily treatable. However, some are severe and require immediate medical attention. Common causes of facial swelling include:

allergic reaction
eye infection, such as allergic conjunctivitis
surgery
side effect of medication
cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin
sinusitis
hormonal disturbance, such as thyroid diseases
stye
abscess
preeclampsia, or high blood pressure during pregnancy
fluid retention
angioedema, or severe skin swelling
actinomycosis, a type of long-term soft tissue infection
broken nose

A swollen face due to an allergic reaction may be accompanied by other symptoms. These are the symptoms of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction. Proper medical treatment must be administered immediately to prevent the reaction from turning into anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock can be lethal.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock 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

If you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

Symptoms of shock may set in quickly. These symptoms include:

rapid breathing
rapid heart rate
weak pulse
low blood pressure

In severe cases, respiratory or cardiac arrests may occur.

Common causes of an allergic reaction are allergens such as:

insect bites
medications
plants
pollen
venom
shellfish
fish
nuts
animal dander, such as dander from a dog or cat

Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately if you’ve:

eaten foods that you’re allergic to
been exposed to a known allergen
been stung by a venomous insect or reptile

Don’t wait for the symptoms of anaphylaxis to set in. These symptoms may not occur right away, although they do in most cases.

Along with facial swelling, other symptoms may occur, including:

hives or rash
itching
nasal congestion
watery eyes
dizziness
diarrhea
chest discomfort
stomach discomfort
weakness
swelling of surrounding areas

See your healthcare provider immediately if you have facial swelling.

Swelling caused by a bee sting

If a venomous bee sting caused the swelling, remove the stinger immediately. Don’t use tweezers to remove the stinger. Tweezers can pinch the stinger, causing it to release more venom.

Use a playing card instead:

Press down on the skin in front of the stinger
Gently move the card towards the stinger.
Scoop the stinger up from the skin.

Swelling caused by infection

If the swelling was caused by an infection in the eyes, nose, or mouth, you’ll likely be prescribed antibiotics to clear it. If an abscess is present, your healthcare provider may cut open the abscess and drain it. The open area will then be closed in with packing material to keep it from becoming infected and reoccurring.

Soothing a rash

A rash can be soothed with over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream or ointment. Using a cool compress also can soothe the itch.

Other causes, such as fluid retention and underlying medical conditions, will be treated by a healthcare provider accordingly.

Prevent facial swelling by avoiding known allergens. Read ingredient labels and, when dining out, ask your waiter what ingredients are in the dishes you order. If you have a known allergy that can cause anaphylaxis and have been prescribed epinephrine medication such as an EpiPen, be sure to carry it with you. This medication is used to counteract a severe allergic reaction and can prevent facial swelling.

If you had an allergic reaction to medication, avoid taking that medication again. Notify your healthcare provider of any reactions you’ve encountered after taking medication or eating certain foods.

4 causes and remedies at home

Contents

What does swelling mean
Main causes of puffiness of the face in men and women
How to relieve swelling of the face at home
Edema Prevention
Product Overview

What does edema say

Edema on the face is familiar to women of any age. Well, what else to expect with such initial data: stress, a sedentary lifestyle, an unbalanced diet and such fatigue that after work there is no strength even to wash off makeup before going to bed? And sometimes parties happen - with all the ensuing (more precisely, swollen) consequences. nine0003

In general, you understand: our face can tell a lot about our lifestyle.

Edema can tell a lot about your lifestyle. © Getty Images

In fairness, it should be noted that edema is not always an indicator of a violation of the rules of healthy lifestyle. Sometimes these are alarming bells that indicate serious problems in the body.

Swelling around the eyes is the result of a nocturnal lifestyle, alcohol abuse or the absorption of too much liquid in the evening. By the way, smoking is also among the causes of morning swelling. nine0003
Swelling of the face in the evening may signal problems of the cardiovascular system.
If in the morning the edema is concentrated in the area of the cheeks and under the eyes, it is worth paying attention to the work of the kidneys.
Swelling of the face with reddening of the skin and change in breathing indicates an allergic reaction.

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The main causes of swelling of the face in men and women

The principle of edema formation in men and women is the same. Due to certain reasons, extracellular fluid accumulates in the skin, which is not excreted naturally. There are many reasons for this phenomenon. Let's list the main ones.

Allergy

Swelling typical of allergies, not to be mistaken for anything else. The face becomes red or covered with a rash, it becomes difficult to breathe.

The algorithm of actions is as follows: urgently drink an antihistamine, immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance. Otherwise, the situation can be brought to Quincke's edema, and this is already serious. nine0003

Problems with the kidneys

The following scenario is typical for edema that appears when the kidneys do not work properly: they drank a little more water than usual - the lower eyelids and cheekbones became heavier in the morning.

Hormonal disorders

During menopause, many women notice that they swell more than usual. No wonder: hormonal imbalance sometimes leads to such trouble. But once you find out the cause, this type of edema can be effectively dealt with. nine0003

Sleep disorders

Very often lack of sleep leads to swelling. This is obvious to those who work a lot at the computer at night.

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How to remove facial swelling at home?

The good news is that swelling is the least of the evils that threaten our beauty. If the situation is taken under control, then they can be defeated. Remember what needs to be done.

Change skin care

Choose cosmetics that contain drainage ingredients. For example, caffeine is one of the most famous decongestant ingredients that also brightens the skin.

Facial massage

A good method for removing swelling of the face is lymphatic drainage massage. It is especially relevant if the problem is permanent. Sign up for a course with a good specialist: the face will swell less after the first session.

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Prevention of edema

The best solution to the problem of edema is, of course, prevention.

Daily gymnastics in the morning reduces the risk of edema and even disperses existing ones in just 40-45 minutes of intense exercise.
If you notice a tendency to morning swelling, change the pillow to a higher one so that the head is in a slightly elevated position. nine0003
Review your diet and eliminate potential allergens: milk, nuts, spicy spices. But buckwheat, apples, cucumbers, parsley, eggplant, dried apricots are not only useful, but also help fight puffiness.
Do not drink too much water in the evening.
Do not abuse alcohol. Even low-alcohol drinks lead to fluid retention in the body.

Always wash off makeup before going to bed.

Get at least 8 hours of sleep.
Move more, have active rest.

Return to TOC

Product Overview

Vitamin C Concentrate Moisturizing Sheet Mask, Garnier

Fresh mix mask is prepared immediately before use: the dry sheet base is soaked with a moisturizing concentrate with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. As a result, the skin acquires tone and radiance. nine0003

Youthful Eye Activator Advanced Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl, Lancôme

Helps reduce under-eye puffiness, dark circles and fine lines.

Anti-wrinkle treatment to improve firmness and elasticity of the skin Hyalu B5, La Roche-Posay

B vitamins and hyaluronic acid help to increase the density and elasticity of the skin.

Anti-wrinkle and firming cream for dry skin LiftActiv Supreme, Vichy

Caffeine tones, adenosine says “stop” wrinkles, neohesperidin protects the skin, and rhamnose stimulates collagen production for firmness.

Revitalift Filler Cooling Eye Serum Sheet Mask, L'Oréal Paris

Formulated with pure hyaluronic acid, caffeine, niacinamide and vitamin Cg to reduce wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness and bags under the eyes behind account of the restoring and draining action.

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Swelling of the face.

Reasons why the face is very swollen?

Methods of diagnosis

The doctor will ask the patient to undergo tests, the results of which will help determine the cause of the problem.

nine0179 10 minutes

Basic methods for diagnosing facial edema:
Diagnostic method	Time
Complete blood count
Allergy test	20 minutes
General urine analysis	5 minutes
Urinalysis according to Zimnitsky	5 minutes
Chest x-ray	10 minutes

Professional help

If the cause of edema is disease, then a doctor's consultation is indispensable. Only a specialist can accurately diagnose and prescribe effective treatment.

If your face is swollen, see your doctor first:

Our specialists

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At the appointment, the doctor will examine, auscultate the lungs and heart. To draw up a medical history, the doctor will need to know:

How long ago did you notice swelling on your face?
Is there swelling on other parts of the body? On foot?
In which part of the day is the swelling more?
What medications do you take? nine0006
Do you have any chronic diseases?
Has the temperature increased?
What have you been sick for the last year?

After that, you will definitely be directed to undergo additional diagnostics.

To remove edema, it is very important to differentiate the cause of their appearance.

Prevention of puffiness

If the swelling is not associated with diseases, then they do not need treatment. A person just needs to follow some rules for the prevention of puffiness in order to prevent its occurrence: nine0003

Do not drink much liquid at night;
Avoid alcoholic beverages;
Reduce the amount of salt you eat;
Get enough sleep;
Avoid overwork and stress.

The right pillow will also help reduce facial puffiness. It should not be too soft or hard. The head in a dream should be slightly higher than the body. These simple rules will help to cope with severe swelling of the face. nine0003

Tips for severe swelling of the face

There are many ways to deal with this phenomenon. If the face is very swollen due to allergies, then medications will come to the rescue. Puffiness can also be eliminated with cooling masks. Such procedures narrow the capillaries, which contributes to the rapid removal of edema. To do this, you can use special silicone masks or a simple towel soaked in cold water.

Ice also helps to relieve facial swelling.

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