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![The potential reasons why your face looks swollen](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_66aa1843024d8.jpg)
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Insect Bites
- Venom or saliva from insect bites can cause localized swelling and inflammation. This is due to the body's immune system response to the foreign substances introduced by the bite.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Insect Bites
- As well as hives or swelling of the cheeks, lips, or eyes, an insect bite may cause tingling mouth and in more severe cases, nausea and vomiting.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Allergies
- Raise your hand if you dread allergy season! Exposure to allergens like pollen, year-round allergens such as pet dander, or certain foods can trigger facial swelling.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Allergies
- When the body is allergic to something it releases histamines. The histamines can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in facial tissues.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Dental issues
- Infections or abscesses in the teeth or gums can cause swelling in the face, particularly around the jaw and cheeks, as the body responds to the infection.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Dental issues
- The first signs of tooth abscess include heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, and swelling of the gum where that tooth is in the mouth.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Sinusitis
- Sinusitis is an uncomfortable condition where the inside of the sinuses becomes inflamed, leading to an over-production of mucus.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Sinusitis
- Inflammation of the sinuses can lead to swelling around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead, often accompanied by pain and pressure.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Cellulitis
- Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. It can lead to redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area, including the face.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Cellulitis
- Cellulitis is a deep infection. It usually affects the hands and legs, but it can also develop around the eyes and mouth. It requires medical treatment to prevent complications.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Hormonal changes
- Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those during pregnancy or menstrual cycles, can cause fluid retention and swelling in the face.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Thyroid problems
- Thyroid hormones control many of the body's key functions, including temperature, breathing, and heart rate. Thyroid issues cause a range of symptoms, whether there is too little (hypo) or too much (hyper) thyroid hormone being produced.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Thyroid problems
- Hypothyroidism can cause facial swelling as a result of reduced metabolism and fluid retention in the body's tissues. In contrast, hyperthyroidism, when excessive amounts of thyroid hormone are produced, can cause swelling, bulging eyes, and flushing.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Cushing's syndrome
- Although it's a fairly rare disorder, Cushing's syndrome is caused by a problem with the body's production of cortisol.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Cushing's syndrome
- Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, leading to characteristic facial swelling known as "moon face," along with other symptoms like weight gain and high blood pressure.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Conjunctivitis
- Inflammation of the conjunctiva, giving the white of the eye a pink appearance, happens due to a common condition called conjunctivitis.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Conjunctivitis
- Conjunctivitis is caused by increase swelling and blood flow to the slera (white) of the eye, but this can also cause secondary swelling around the eyes and eyelids.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Kidney Problems
- Kidney diseases can lead to fluid retention and swelling in various parts of the body, including the face, due to the kidneys' reduced ability to filter and eliminate fluids.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Alcohol consumption
- Excessive alcohol intake can lead to dehydration and subsequent fluid retention, causing puffiness and swelling in the face.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Facial injury
- Physical injury to the face, such as a blow or fall, can cause swelling due to inflammation and fluid accumulation. It's a normal part of the healing process.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Dermatitis
- Skin inflammation caused by allergic reactions, irritants, or autoimmune conditions can result in facial swelling, redness, and itching.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Sleep apnea
- Sleep apnea is a disorder where sufferers stop and start breathing while sleeping. It can cause a number of health problems including high blood pressure and heart trouble.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Sleep apnea
- This sleep disorder can cause fluid retention and swelling in the face, particularly around the eyes, due to repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Nutritional deficiencies
- Lack of essential nutrients, such as protein, can lead to fluid imbalance and swelling in the face as the body struggles to maintain proper fluid distribution.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Lymphedema
- Blockage in the lymphatic system can cause fluid buildup and swelling in various body parts, including the face, due to impaired lymph drainage.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Mumps
- Swelling of parotid glands, i.e. the glands that produce saliva, located on either side of the face just below the ears, is one of the first symptoms of mumps.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Mumps
- This infection of the salivary glands leads to swelling in the cheeks and jaw area. It can cause pain, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Nephrotic Syndrome
- This kidney disorder causes the body to excrete too much protein in the urine, leading to fluid retention and swelling, particularly noticeable in the face and around the eyes.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Medication Side Effects
- Some types of medications, in particular corticosteroids, blood pressure drugs, and NSAIDs, can cause facial swelling as a side effect.
Sources: (Mayo Clinic) (Web MD) (Healthline) (MedlinePlus) (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: A guide to Chinese face mapping
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Insect Bites
- Venom or saliva from insect bites can cause localized swelling and inflammation. This is due to the body's immune system response to the foreign substances introduced by the bite.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Insect Bites
- As well as hives or swelling of the cheeks, lips, or eyes, an insect bite may cause tingling mouth and in more severe cases, nausea and vomiting.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Allergies
- Raise your hand if you dread allergy season! Exposure to allergens like pollen, year-round allergens such as pet dander, or certain foods can trigger facial swelling.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Allergies
- When the body is allergic to something it releases histamines. The histamines can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in facial tissues.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Dental issues
- Infections or abscesses in the teeth or gums can cause swelling in the face, particularly around the jaw and cheeks, as the body responds to the infection.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Dental issues
- The first signs of tooth abscess include heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, and swelling of the gum where that tooth is in the mouth.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Sinusitis
- Sinusitis is an uncomfortable condition where the inside of the sinuses becomes inflamed, leading to an over-production of mucus.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Sinusitis
- Inflammation of the sinuses can lead to swelling around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead, often accompanied by pain and pressure.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Cellulitis
- Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. It can lead to redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area, including the face.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Cellulitis
- Cellulitis is a deep infection. It usually affects the hands and legs, but it can also develop around the eyes and mouth. It requires medical treatment to prevent complications.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Hormonal changes
- Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those during pregnancy or menstrual cycles, can cause fluid retention and swelling in the face.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Thyroid problems
- Thyroid hormones control many of the body's key functions, including temperature, breathing, and heart rate. Thyroid issues cause a range of symptoms, whether there is too little (hypo) or too much (hyper) thyroid hormone being produced.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Thyroid problems
- Hypothyroidism can cause facial swelling as a result of reduced metabolism and fluid retention in the body's tissues. In contrast, hyperthyroidism, when excessive amounts of thyroid hormone are produced, can cause swelling, bulging eyes, and flushing.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Cushing's syndrome
- Although it's a fairly rare disorder, Cushing's syndrome is caused by a problem with the body's production of cortisol.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Cushing's syndrome
- Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, leading to characteristic facial swelling known as "moon face," along with other symptoms like weight gain and high blood pressure.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Conjunctivitis
- Inflammation of the conjunctiva, giving the white of the eye a pink appearance, happens due to a common condition called conjunctivitis.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Conjunctivitis
- Conjunctivitis is caused by increase swelling and blood flow to the slera (white) of the eye, but this can also cause secondary swelling around the eyes and eyelids.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Kidney Problems
- Kidney diseases can lead to fluid retention and swelling in various parts of the body, including the face, due to the kidneys' reduced ability to filter and eliminate fluids.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Alcohol consumption
- Excessive alcohol intake can lead to dehydration and subsequent fluid retention, causing puffiness and swelling in the face.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Facial injury
- Physical injury to the face, such as a blow or fall, can cause swelling due to inflammation and fluid accumulation. It's a normal part of the healing process.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Dermatitis
- Skin inflammation caused by allergic reactions, irritants, or autoimmune conditions can result in facial swelling, redness, and itching.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Sleep apnea
- Sleep apnea is a disorder where sufferers stop and start breathing while sleeping. It can cause a number of health problems including high blood pressure and heart trouble.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Sleep apnea
- This sleep disorder can cause fluid retention and swelling in the face, particularly around the eyes, due to repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Nutritional deficiencies
- Lack of essential nutrients, such as protein, can lead to fluid imbalance and swelling in the face as the body struggles to maintain proper fluid distribution.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Lymphedema
- Blockage in the lymphatic system can cause fluid buildup and swelling in various body parts, including the face, due to impaired lymph drainage.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Mumps
- Swelling of parotid glands, i.e. the glands that produce saliva, located on either side of the face just below the ears, is one of the first symptoms of mumps.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Mumps
- This infection of the salivary glands leads to swelling in the cheeks and jaw area. It can cause pain, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Nephrotic Syndrome
- This kidney disorder causes the body to excrete too much protein in the urine, leading to fluid retention and swelling, particularly noticeable in the face and around the eyes.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Medication Side Effects
- Some types of medications, in particular corticosteroids, blood pressure drugs, and NSAIDs, can cause facial swelling as a side effect.
Sources: (Mayo Clinic) (Web MD) (Healthline) (MedlinePlus) (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: A guide to Chinese face mapping
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
The potential reasons why your face looks swollen
The truth about a puffy appearance
© Shutterstock
It's not out of the ordinary to have a puffy face from time to time. But if it seems as though you wake up every single morning with a fuller face, there might be an underlying cause or issue. Sometimes it's obvious—perhaps you've been stung by an insect, or you have a toothache—whereas, in other instances, the cause can be a bit more mysterious.
Curious? Click on the gallery to discover the potential reasons why your face looks swollen.
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