Swollen or puffy cheeks can happen for many reasons which may count from health issues to lifestyle. Let us look into why they happen and if they happen are they serious and other such important information related to puffy cheeks.
What Are Puffy Cheeks?
Swelling takes place when the regions of the body expand, often because of fluid buildup or inflammation, as such, a puffy cheek is also the effect of one of these causes. Remember that there is a difference between a puffy face and a puffy cheek, a puffy face consists of complete swelling of the face including swollen face and eyes.
Swollen or puffy cheeks can make the face strikingly puffy or round. The swelling of a cheek or the cheeks can happen with pain or without pain or may come with symptoms such as itching, tingling and tenderness. A person with puffy cheeks may have the feeling that there is swelling inside the mouth.
Usually, a swollen cheek, if it is the cause of a minor problem, will go away on its own. However, if the puffy cheek is due to some serious underlying issue it may take a longer time for it to disappear. Also, remember that a puffy cheek can be the sign of some serious symptom such as cancer. A puffy cheek can be on one cheek or both the cheeks. Sometimes one can also notice swelling on part of the cheek say, for instance, swelling on the upper cheekbone.
Symptoms Of Puffy Cheeks
Cheek swelling of cheek puffiness can accompany many symptoms and differ based on the underlying disorder, disease or condition.
Skin symptoms that one can notice with puffy cheek include;
- Hives
- Itchy, dry or oily skin
- Bleeding or bruising
- Lump(s) on the face
- Red or pink bumps on the face
- Rashes
- Warmth or redness
Other symptoms one can notice include;
Cheek swelling may consist of the symptoms linked to other body parts such as;
- Itchy eyes
- Fever
- Pain in other face parts or teeth
- Sneezing
There may also be some serious symptoms that may be life-threatening such as;
- High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Breathing or respiratory issues like breath shortness, wheezing, choking, breathing difficulty and so on.
- Sudden swelling of tongue, lips or complete face.
Causes Of Puffy Cheeks
Cheek swelling or cheek puffiness is majorly due to dermatological (skin) issues like an excessive accumulation of oil that can cause acne, a cyst, skin infections, skin growths such as keloids and so on. Few other major issues include surgery, injuries or tooth abscess.
In a few instances, cheek swelling can be a sign of serious allergic reactions that must be immediately checked under an able person, usually a doctor. It can also be due to viral infection or mumps.
Dermatological causes of a puffy cheek;
- Boils
- Cellulitis
- Ingrown hairs
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Keloids
- Sebaceous cyst
- Seborrhea
Other causes of puffy cheeks;
Cheeks swelling can even happen due to acute fluid accumulation and other tissue modifications caused by;
- Allergic reactions
- Burns
- Cancer of the skin, oral cavity or salivary glands
- Hereditary angioedema
- Infection or inflammation of the salivary glands
- Lymphadenopathy
- Medication side effects
- Malnutrition
- Mumps
- Impediment of the salivary gland ducts by stones
- Recent surgery
- Recent injury to the face or trauma
- Tooth abscess
- Weight gain
- Obesity
Life-threatening or serious causes include;
In a few instances, a puffy cheek is a serious issue and maybe the result of some serious condition such as Anaphylaxis (a harsh allergic reaction) or Angioedema (a severe swelling below the skin that can cause difficulty of breathing).
How To Get Rid Of Puffy Cheeks?
Puffiness of cheeks won’t reduce unless the underlying cause is addressed however, one may try a few home remedies before going out to a doctor to lessen puffy cheeks.
Cold compress is one way to lessen puffy cheeks. Applying a cold pack for 10 minutes will lessen the symptom.
Elevating the head will lower or lessen the flow of blood to the swollen area, here, it is cheek and as such puffy cheeks will reduce. Elevate the head by putting extra pillows under your head.
Do not take too much salt, eating more salt will swell the cheeks.
Massage your cheeks now and then, massage will move excessive fluids from the cheeks.
When To See A Doctor?
It depends on the cause that has set in a puffy cheek. In general, first and foremost try out home remedies and over the counter medicines to fight puffy cheeks still if you see no change meet your doctor. Also, meet your doctor if the puffy cheek is seen with these symptoms.
- Severe pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- High blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Heavy stomach pain
A puffy cheek is the cause of many reasons first try to know the cause of yours before going for the treatment.
Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. His writings particularly focus on health, medicine, diet & lifestyle. For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. His write-ups aim at educating people not by just giving facts but by infusing human touch.
Why Indian Doctors Are Chosen By The UK NHS?
Norovirus – Symptoms, Treatment & Precautions
Understanding Normal Resting Heart Rate in Men and Women
5 Things to Learn about a Dentist before Choosing Them