Swollen face

Ever looked in the mirror and been surprised by what you see—specifically, that your face looks puffy? It’s totally natural to feel anxious when you notice that your face looks different, but try to stay calm. Facial swelling can be triggered by many factors, from allergic reactions to water retention (aka bloating), where fluid pools in your tissues. (Remember that super-salty meal you had last night? That could be the culprit next morning!) It can sometimes be a sign of a serious condition such as multiple myeloma, Lyme, or an autoimmune disease, but that’s certainly not always the case. It can also be a side effect of lots of meds, and a puffy face is not uncommon if you're dealing with an injury, a condition that causes inflammation, or even a reaction to an environmental toxin. Don’t stress yourself out by looking in the mirror over and over! If you suspect an allergic reaction and your throat also feels tight or scratchy, it’s important to seek out medical help right away. If the swelling isn’t linked to an allergic reaction, drink lots of water, lay off the salt, and if you're in the mood, try putting cool cucumber slices on your eyelids and cheeks. Some say this trick makes puffiness disappear! Be sure to talk to your practitioner, too, about any underlying condition you have that might be contributing to your swollen face. Maybe a change in your treatment could help make your face go back to looking more like you.