"Bulimia Face" and the Visible Side Effects of Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa as an eating disorder involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging, usually through self-induced vomiting. While we often focus on how it disrupts the body’s nutritional balance and digestive system, bulimia also leaves visible marks on the body, especially on the face, hands, and knuckles. For many, bulimia can cause a range of outward side effects, from swollen cheeks to scarred knuckles. 

For people already feeling vulnerable about their appearance, these outward signs can add another layer of distress to their lives. It's important to recognize these physical side effects not just for how they affect your appearance, but because they’re signs of deeper harm happening within your body.

If you're facing these changes as part of your journey with an eating disorder, whether you're in recovery or trying to lessen the damage now, understanding the available remedies can help you feel more supported. Hopefully, this knowledge will guide you toward full recovery from bulimia, where healing is truly possible.

What is "Bulimia Face?”

We’ll first start with “bulimia face,” or a general term for the swelling effect bulimia can cause to the face, particularly in the cheeks and jawline. This swelling occurs due to repeated vomiting, which irritates the salivary glands. Over time, this irritation can cause a condition called sialadenosis. Sialadenosis is a condition where the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands located in front of the ears, become enlarged. This creates the puffy or bloated facial look that many people with bulimia experience.

When you purge, stomach acid irritates the glands in your throat and mouth, leading to inflammation and swelling. Over time, this irritation causes the glands to enlarge, which can make your face look bigger or puffier. Though the swelling usually isn’t painful, it becomes more noticeable and harder to reduce the more someone purges. This puffiness can affect how a person feels about their appearance, often making them self-conscious and uncomfortable as their face changes.

Remedies for “Bulimia Face” Swelling

To deal with facial swelling, there are a few temporary measures that might help ease the inflammation after a purge episode. However, it's important to note that these remedies will only help in the short term and won’t address the bigger issue of frequent purging.

• Ice Packs: A good general tip for reducing inflammation and easing puffiness is icing any swollen areas. Dunking your face in ice-cold water is also another way to get rid of some inflammation. The cold helps constrict blood vessels and decrease fluid buildup in the swollen glands. 

• Lymphatic Facial Massage: Gentle lymphatic facial massages can help ease swelling by encouraging the movement of lymph fluid out of the affected areas. These massages use light, soothing strokes to help drain excess fluid and can provide some relief from puffiness and discomfort. You could also use a gua-sha tool to perform these facial massages, as these stones have become a popular skincare routine for regular puffiness.

• Drinking Water and Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Staying hydrated and eating anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, turmeric, and ginger, can help manage overall inflammation in the body, including in the face. 

These at-home approaches can help you manage the swelling temporarily, but the only way to fully address and reverse the effects of “bulimia face” is to stop purging and commit to ending bulimia fully. Many see the puffiness in their faces improving and returning to normal only after they find the strength to resist the binge-purge cycle and stop purging completely. The body can bounce back incredibly after harm, but it takes a sustained effort and dedication to recovery to see any lasting results.

What is Russell’s Sign?

Another visible sign of bulimia is the damage to the hands and knuckles, known as Russell's sign. This term describes the cuts, abrasions, and scarring on the knuckles that result from repeatedly scraping the skin against the teeth while vomiting. Over time, these scrapes can become scabs and scars, leaving permanent marks that can be an upsetting reminder of a person’s struggle with bulimia.

Remedies for Russell's Sign

Preventing Russell's sign, just like dealing with "bulimia face," means stopping the purging behavior. While you’re working on recovery though, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the damage to your hands:

• Using Bandages: Wearing gloves or wrapping your fingers in bandages can help protect your skin from the friction against your teeth. While this won't stop stomach acid from causing damage, it can reduce the severity of cuts and abrasions.

• Scar-Reduction Remedies: Using products like Bio-Oil, Vaseline, or scar creams and gels can help improve the appearance of scars and promote healing. These treatments work as a protective barrier on the skin, keeping it moisturized and sealed. Applying these regularly can help reduce the visibility of any skin scarring you see.

Again, the best way to prevent these superficial side effects is through seeking treatment and working towards recovery from bulimia. By tackling the root of the problem, you can help your body heal and start to repair both the visible and internal damage caused by the disorder. The good news is like sialadenosis, many see the appearance of knuckle and finger scars fading over time after stopping purging altogether.

Focus on Bulimia Treatment as a Whole

The most important takeaway from understanding the physical impacts of bulimia is that true healing only comes from recovery. The swelling in the face, the scars on the knuckles, and all the other visible signs of bulimia are symptoms of a deeper problem–the cycle of bingeing and purging. Addressing these symptoms with temporary remedies may provide some relief, but it will not solve the root cause.

Breaking the cycle of bingeing and purging and learning to develop a healthier relationship with food and with oneself is much easier said than done, however. Yet, don’t be afraid to seek help. Fighting an eating disorder isn’t something undertaken easily, and it often requires professional help. 

Working with a therapist can give you practical tools and strategies to break free from the binge-purge cycle and support lasting recovery. Alongside this, a nutritionist can provide personalized advice to help you develop a balanced eating plan. This plan supports both your physical health and emotional well-being, guiding you towards healthier eating habits and helping you restore balance in your body.

If you’re deeply struggling with bulimia, closer medical supervision may be necessary, especially if you’re dealing with significant physical health issues as a result. In these situations, getting the right medical care is critical to addressing any serious health issues and ensuring a safe foundation for recovery.

Ultimately, Recovery is the Only Solution

Recovery from bulimia doesn’t just heal the body–it also brings deep psychological benefits. When you’re no longer consumed by the endless cycle of bingeing and purging, you’re free to shift your focus toward the things that truly bring you joy and fulfillment. You’ll have mental space and freedom to enjoy hobbies, build meaningful relationships, and explore new interests without the constant worry about food and body image. 

Recovering from bulimia can give you a sense of peace and help you feel more comfortable with yourself and your life. As you gain clarity and confidence, you’ll find that it changes not just how you view yourself, but also how you interact with the world, opening up space for a more fulfilling and rewarding life.

Bulimia takes a heavy toll on the body, not just on your face or on your knuckles. While things like ice packs and scar creams may help tackle the outward warning signs, the inner damage caused by bulimia is still wreaking havoc on your body. Recovery not only helps with these visible signs but also leads to a much healthier, more fulfilling life. The journey to bulimia recovery will be filled with ups and downs, but as long as you never give up, true restoration and remission are possible if you keep going.

With Peace,

Whitney Chase

Whitney Chase is the Writer and Content Manager for Sarah Lee of Sarah Lee Recovery. She holds her degree in Psychology from Georgia State and has a strong passion for the mental health field, writing, and advocacy work.

Posted on September 9th, 2024.

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