Bulimia, Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles under Eyes
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Kate
Posted on: June 13, 2006

I have had bulimia for the past 3-4 years, with many attempts to stop but none professionally. I am a single, in my early 20’s and currently unemployed. It has really taken its toll on me physically and appearance wise. I won’t exactly know until I see a doctor how it has affected my health.

My skin has become very marked and blemished with a lot of irritated skin in different parts. Aside from that I have always had red/purple dark circles under my eyes but about 8 months ago they started getting puffy and swollen underneath and have since then gotten considerably worse. I also am a smoker and drink coffee which I know doesn’t help. The combination of the swelling and discoloration makes it really difficult to cover up.

I was wondering if you had any suggestions or remedies you could recommend. I am certainly not in the position to be seeking out a bletharoplasty as I am already in debt but it has certainly crossed my mind to do it anyhow just to be rid of them as it really takes it toll on my confidence and I rarely want to leave the house. If you have information on surgery as well I’d appreciate it.

I have tried a lot of creams/puffiness minimizer gels but nothing has helped. I would really appreciate any feedback or suggestions you have for me.

Bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by excessive eating followed by self-induced vomiting, and/or other means of purging such as overuse of laxatives or diuretics, These can cause severe physical disturbances, The physical disturbances are reversible when the eating disorder is solved before organ damage is caused. It is extremely important to get professional help as soon as possible to avoid severe illness.

First, you should have a medical health check up to determine whether there is a physical cause for bulimia. Intestinal problems can cause repeated vomiting. Secondly, get a recommendation from your doctor or a friend for a good psychologist, who may be able to uncover emotional factors contributing to bulimia. Depression is often involved, and anti-depressants (I suggest using natural antidepressants so that you can avoid the addiction to and the many side effects of anti-depressant drugs) are often effective in treating bulimia. Thirdly, I recommend consulting with a natural health practitioner (a naturopath or medical/clinical herbalist) who can help by suggesting natural remedies, rather than drugs for any factors contributing to your bulimia. This will cost you some money, but will solve the problem.

Bletharoplasty is cosmetic eyelid surgery. All surgeries come with risk. Surgery does not solve the problem of bulimia. You can spend thousands of dollars on surgery, and you will still have the same problem that is causing your eye puffiness as well as more serious internal damage.

For information on bulimia, puffy eyes and dark circles under the eyes, please see our website at www.richters.com. Choose "Q&A" from the main menu, then enter "bulimia" or "eyes" for the search, then look for the items: "Bulimia and Hair Loss," "Dark Circles under Eyes" and "Puffy Eyes".

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