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Swollen below eyes: My fiancee had a spa treatment done yesterday where the put pads under her eyes that had collagen cream or some kind of collagen ointment. She then went to a tanning bed. Three hours later she returned home, applied some face cream that she normally applies every night and her lower eyelids, and the area between her upper cheek and eyes began to swell up and look bumpy. She woke up this morning and it had gotten even worse with redness surrounding the swollen area. She applied an ice pack for 20 min and took a benedryl which reduced the redness and swelling by 60%. We have now boarded a plane on our way to our wedding in California which takes place in two days. What is the best course of action to minimize or fix this issue? Thank you!
Gender: FemaleAge: 30 Already Tried: Applied an ice pack for 20 min and took one benadryl. Swelling was reduced by 60%. However, two hours later the problem is beginning to get worse again.
Greetings.
This is very likely to be allergic reaction to the collagen cream used on the pads. An oral steroid like prednisone with prescription anti-allergic cyproheptadine or fexofenadine would be ideal to reduce the swelling fast. If you are unable to get the time to see a doctor and get a script, continue with the benadryl twice a day and ice compresses thrice a day (each time 10 minutes). If this is not very effective you may apply 0.5% hydrocortisone cream on the swelling which is available without prescription.
Please feel free for your follow up questions.
Dr. Arun
Thank you doctor! How quickly do you think she would clear up with an oral steroid? Additionally, the major issue she's having with the benedryl is that it makes her very tired. She wants to make sure that she is not lethargic on or before our wedding day. Are there any side effects like that with the oral steroid? THANK YOU!!!!
Hello,
You are most welcome.
Oral steroids should take care of the swelling in 1-2 days, are usually effective within 12-24 hours, though it is safer to take it continuously for 3-5 days to be sure that there would not be any recurrence.
It is pleasure and privilege assisting you.
Best wishes for your marriage and have a great time.
Doctor (MD)
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), Fellowship in Sports Medicine
Thanks again! Are their any side effects to the oral steroids such as sleepiness?
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