Eyebrow irritation caused by tweezing can cause brow pain.
A swollen eyebrow can be caused by an infection, irritation from tweezing, or ingrown eyebrow hairs. Also, a new or infected eyebrow piercing can cause swelling. If your eyebrow piercing causes pain, swelling, bleeding, or drainage, you should call a healthcare professional because these symptoms could indicate an infection. When an infection is present, the medical professional may remove the piercing and recommend an oral or topical antibiotic. To further relieve symptoms, the piercing may need to be closed completely.
Ingrown hairs cause pain and irritation.
Other causes of puffy eyebrows include an allergic reaction to cosmetics or facial products and injury or trauma to the area. Sometimes when using a new cosmetic, such as an eyebrow pencil or eye shadow, the individual may experience puffiness. Ice application is often helpful in decreasing swelling, but if ice is not effective, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can be used. However, a medical professional should be consulted before taking anti-inflammatory medications.
Some people may experience puffiness after using unknown brands of eyebrow pencil and other makeup.
Waxing or other means of hair removal can irritate the eyebrows, and it is not uncommon for these treatments to cause allergic reactions that can cause facial swelling and puffy eyes. If this occurs, a medical professional should be consulted for evaluation and treatment. A skin condition called dermatitis can also cause chronic swelling of the eyebrows, as well as itchy, scaly skin. Topical steroids are sometimes helpful in relieving these symptoms.
A swollen eyebrow can be caused by a new or infected eyebrow piercing.
When there is an infection, one of the eyebrows can swell. Ingrown hairs and pimples can sometimes cause a bacterial infection, and when this happens, an oral or topical antibiotic may be prescribed. Also, the person with the swollen eyebrow should avoid touching or scratching the area and avoid using cosmetics, face washes, and depilatories.
Antifungal creams often help clear up fungal infections of the eyebrows.
Fungal infections can also cause swelling and itching, redness, and raised patches of salmon-colored plaques. They can also cause eyebrow hair loss and scarring. This is usually treated with a topical antifungal cream, but occasionally an oral antifungal medication will need to be prescribed. However, oral antifungal medications can cause nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
