Key takeaways

  • Various factors, such as allergic reactions, infections, or injuries, can cause facial swelling. It can affect different areas of the face, including the eyes, cheeks, and throat.
  • Certain symptoms associated with facial swelling, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or dizziness, require immediate medical attention, as they may indicate a severe health condition.
  • Treatments for facial swelling vary depending on the cause, ranging from antibiotics for infections to emergency care for severe allergic reactions or other medical emergencies.

You may occasionally wake up with a swollen, puffy face due to pressure on your face while sleeping. Facial swelling may also arise from injury or an underlying health condition that can require immediate treatment.

Facial swelling may affect any part of your face, including the:

  • ears
  • neck
  • throat
  • eyes
  • cheeks
  • forehead

Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes of facial swelling.

Allergic conjunctivitis is eye inflammation due to an infection or 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. It tends to affect both eyes.

Preeclampsia involves sudden high blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy. It usually affects people after 20 weeks of being pregnant, but may occur earlier or after birth.

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

If you’re pregnant and experience any of these symptoms, get immediate medical attention. Without treatment, 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:

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

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

»More on this:How to use an EpiPen

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

  • face
  • mouth
  • lips
  • neck
  • throat
  • gut

When it involves the throat, it can be life threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Angioedema usually occurs due to 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
  • stomach
  • 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 can be due to dental infections, injuries, or having an intrauterine device (IUD).

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

A broken nose is usually due to trauma or impact on the face.

An external eyelid stye is a swollen, painful lump that grows on the outside of the eyelid. It usually affects one eye, but can occur on both simultaneously.

Bacteria or a blockage in the eyelid’s oil glands can cause a stye.

As well as a lump, people may experience:

  • 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 involves inflammation or infection of the nasal passages and sinuses. It may occur due to viruses, bacteria, or allergies.

Symptoms like swelling, pain, and tenderness may affect the areas around your sinuses, including your cheeks, forehead and eyes.

Other symptoms may include:

Sinusitis usually gets better on its own within 1 month. If it persists, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor.

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 due to 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 due to an 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. They will then close the area with packing material to prevent infection and recurrence.

Soothing a rash

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

Other causes, such as edema and underlying medical conditions, will require treatment from a doctor accordingly.

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.

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

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 include sunken eyelids and hollow cheeks.

Treatment for a puffy face will depend on the underlying cause. For instance, antibiotics may be necessary to treat swelling due to an infection. Emergency medical treatment may be necessary 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.