Swelling of the Face Following Sun and Sea Exposure
Hi everyone, I’m a 30-year-old female. Recently, after spending time in the sun and swimming in the ocean, I noticed that my forehead had become puffy. I visited the emergency department yesterday, where I was administered two IVs, one with cortisone. While the swelling on my forehead subsided, I just realized that the area between my eyes and nose is beginning to swell as well. Now it appears as though my eyes are spaced farther apart than usual. Five years ago, I had a similar incident, and during that time, the IV treatment I received effectively resolved the issue. I initially thought this recent treatment had the same effect, but now the swelling seems to be returning. Is this a normal reaction? Additionally, I should mention that the swelling appeared after I consumed something salty. Should I consider going back to the emergency room?
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 8:02:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing significant facial swelling after sun exposure and swimming, which can sometimes happen due to various factors such as sunburn, allergic reactions, or fluid retention. Let's break this down and focus on what you can do next.
Main Points:
- Facial swelling after sun and sea exposure can be due to sunburn, allergic reactions, or even salty food intake.
- Your recent treatment with cortisone alleviated some swelling, but new swelling suggests ongoing irritation or another reaction.
- Persistent or worsening swelling warrants further evaluation.
Explanation: Facial swelling can be a reaction to heat and UV exposure from the sun or allergens found in the ocean (like salt and microorganisms). The initial improvement from the cortisone means it helped reduce inflammation, but the return of swelling could indicate a few things: perhaps a lingering allergic response, ongoing irritation from sun exposure, or water retention due to salty foods. Given that this isn't a one-time occurrence, monitoring is essential.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the swelling and any other symptoms you may have (like itching, rash, or difficulty breathing). Note when swelling worsens or improves.
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Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the swollen areas for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This can reduce swelling and provide relief.
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Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help your body flush out excess salt and reduce any potential fluid retention from the salty food you consumed.
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Avoid Further Irritants: Stay out of the sun and avoid any other potential allergens or irritants, such as certain skin products, until you know what’s causing the swelling.
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Consider Seeking Care: If the swelling continues, increases, or you develop new symptoms (like trouble breathing or a rash), it would be wise to revisit the emergency room or an urgent care facility for further evaluation.
Remember, it's important to listen to your body. If something feels off or the situation escalates, don't hesitate to seek immediate medical help. You're taking the right steps by being proactive about your health!
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