Facial injury swelling: what to know

A blow, fall, sports injury, bite, or dental trauma can damage skin, muscle, blood vessels, or bone. Bruising and swelling may become more visible as inflammation develops. A broken nose, cheekbone, jaw, or eye socket can cause tenderness, altered facial shape, loose teeth, numbness, or difficulty opening the mouth. Swelling around the eye deserves particular attention because an eye injury may not be obvious from the skin alone. The timing, force, and exact location of the injury help guide examination.

For a minor injury, rest and use a cold pack wrapped in cloth for short periods, allowing the skin to warm between applications. Keep your head raised when resting and avoid pressing on the swollen area. If there is a cut, rinse it gently and cover it with clean material. Do not try to straighten the nose or jaw. Arrange medical advice for persistent pain, increasing swelling, a bite, a deep wound, or an injury involving the eye or teeth.

Get emergency help after a head or facial injury if there is loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness, a seizure, severe headache, or clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears. Seek urgent care for vision loss or double vision, unequal pupils, painful eye movement, inability to open the mouth, a crooked jaw, heavy bleeding, or trouble breathing or swallowing. Rapid facial or tongue swelling without a clear injury can also be an allergic emergency.

Ask whether the injury may have fractured bone, affected the eye, loosened a tooth, or caused a concussion. Ask how to protect the area, which pain medicines suit you, and which changes should prompt an immediate return.