Bulimia face is the result of bulimia swelling in the face.
You get bulimia face disorder when you engage in self-inflicted vomiting. You can also have this when you indulge in binge eating or abuse laxatives or diuretics.
In addition, strenuous exercise may also cause this.
Bulimia is also known as bulimia nervosa. Bulimia face is known as chipmunk cheeks.
Medically, it is known as Sialadenosis. The enlargement of your parotid glands causes it.
What Causes Bulimia Face?
The reasons for a bulimia face are unknown (idiopathic), but it has been related to the following:
- Chronic malnutrition
- Eating disorder
- Obesity
- The body’s inability to produce enough insulin
- Alcoholism
- Liver problem
- Acute eating disorders
- Drugs
Exposure to the following drugs has been associated with it:
- Guanacline
- Naproxen
- Isoprenaline
- Iodine
- Thiouracil
- Mercury
- Thiocyanate
- Oxphenbutazone
The Effects of Bulimia Face
Bulimia has affected millions worldwide. It can have long-lasting, widespread effects.
Physical Effects of Bulimia on the Face
Bulimia can severely change the shape of the face, resulting in cheek and jawline puffiness and swelling.
In addition to inflaming and irritating the throat, mouth, and stomach, frequent vomiting and purging can damage dental health by causing enamel erosion, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Other significant results of bulimia face include the following:
- Discoloration of teeth due to stomach acid exposure
- Sensitive teeth
- Electrolyte imbalance in the body
- Deteriorating skin health
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Bulimia’s physical effects on the face can have emotional and psychological effects like guilt, shame, and poor self-perception.
These may be complicated by the presence of the following:
- Poor physical appearance
- Social anxiety
- Isolation
Bulimia Face: Long-Term Side Effects
If left untreated, the physical side effects of bulimia on the face can range in duration and severity from short-term effects to long-term repercussions.
Bulimia face can suffer from the following:
- Bulimia can harm your salivary ducts
- The result can be, but is not limited to, facial asymmetry
- Enamel erosion
- Cavities
- Tooth loss
- Loss of the ability to speak clearly.
Over time, bulimia can damage your overall health by limiting your capacity to eat.
This can lead to undernutrition and impair your body’s capacity to recover.
Because of bulimia, other wounds and injuries in your body may take longer to heal, causing lasting harm.
Can Bulimia Increase the Aging Process
If untreated, your bulimia face will put continuous pressure on your body, which may accelerate your aging process. You may have wrinkles and sagging skin, and your face may age prematurely.
Can Bulimia Cause Acne?
Bulimia can lead to dry skin, which may lead to acne on your face. Dry skin may shelter bacteria and help them penetrate your skin, causing itchiness, infection, and acne.
Besides, your skin may produce more oil called sebum than it needs. That can result in acne.
There is a direct connection between dehydration and the overproduction of sebum.
Treatment Options for Bulimia Face
To treat your bulimia face, you have to treat what is causing it. The treatment must be comprehensive and delicately address your physical and emotional aspects.
The remedies for your bulimia face may include:
- Treating your underlying emotional and psychological issues
- Counseling
- Psychotherapy
- Establishing healthy eating practices through nutritional therapy
- Mental health-related education
- Going to dentists for periodic checkups
Is Bulimia Face Swelling Permanent?
Dealing with a bulimia face can be challenging. But does not have to be. There are therapeutic methods to manage a swelled face. This may include:
- Appropriate skincare
- Hydration
- Rest
- Increasing positivity and self-esteem
- Joining support organizations
- Developing bonds with family members and social network
Conclusion
Your face, as well as your physical and mental health, can be significantly impacted by bulimia.
It’s vital to understand that a bulimia face can be the beginning of something more complicated. If you have a bulimia face, recognize it. Only then will you be able to control it and overcome its effects on your body and mind.
Additional Info
- The University of Iowa Healthcare
- Glamour UK
- The American Psychiatric Association
- Nivea
- Johns Hopkins Health System
- The Psychobiology of Bulimia Nervosa. Edited by: Detlev Ploog, Karl M. Pirke, W. Vandereycken.
- GoodRx Health