R R

What Should I Avoid If I Have Bell'S Palsy??

Bell's palsy is a condition causing sudden, temporary paralysis or severe weakness of the muscles on one side of the face due to inflammation and compression of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). While the condition typically resolves on its own, its most significant risk lies in the damage that can occur to the affected eye. People with Bell's palsy should primarily avoid anything that compromises the health and moisture of the eye, as the inability to blink or fully close the eyelid (lagophthalmos) leaves the cornea vulnerable to injury and infection. Beyond eye safety, avoiding actions that cause undue physical strain or stress to the face can also support recovery.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Should I Avoid If I Have Bell'S Palsy??

Bell's palsy is a condition causing sudden, temporary paralysis or severe weakness of the muscles on one side of the face due to inflammation and compression of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). While the condition typically resolves on its own, its most significant risk lies in the damage that can occur to the affected eye. People with Bell's palsy should primarily avoid anything that compromises the health and moisture of the eye, as the inability to blink or fully close the eyelid (lagophthalmos) leaves the cornea vulnerable to injury and infection. Beyond eye safety, avoiding actions that cause undue physical strain or stress to the face can also support recovery.

read more about Bell's Palsy ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

What Environmental Factors Should Be Avoided?

The most significant things to avoid are harsh environments that promote the rapid evaporation of tears and increase exposure to airborne particles. Due to lagophthalmos, the eye is unprotected and prone to extreme dryness and foreign body irritation. Individuals should strictly avoid direct exposure to high winds, dry air, and air conditioning vents that blow directly onto the face.When outdoors, especially in dry or windy weather, wearing wraparound glasses or goggles is strongly recommended to create a protective barrier against wind, dust, and debris. Activities that involve prolonged exposure to sun or high UV light should be minimized, and when done, the eye must be protected with appropriate eyewear, as corneal dryness makes the eye susceptible to photokeratitis (corneal sunburn).

What Activities And Pressures Should Be Avoided?

Individuals should avoid activities and pressures that could exacerbate nerve inflammation or introduce mechanical stress. Although the evidence is not conclusive, some healthcare providers suggest minimizing intense physical or emotional stress during the acute phase, as stress can be a factor in viral reactivation that triggers the palsy.

While gentle facial massage or physical therapy is often recommended to maintain muscle tone and symmetry, individuals should avoid aggressive manipulation or forceful facial exercises that can overstimulate the paralyzed muscles or cause excessive facial movement. Patience is necessary, and recovery should be supported by gentle, prescribed exercises rather than forceful attempts to move the face.

What Medications Should Be Avoided Or Carefully Managed?

While patients are usually prescribed corticosteroids to treat the inflammation, individuals with Bell's palsy should be cautious regarding any existing or new medication that could compromise the eye. Specifically, over-the-counter or prescription medications that are known to cause or worsen dry eye symptoms should be reviewed with a physician. Examples include certain antihistamines, decongestants, and some psychiatric medications.

If the cause of the facial paralysis is determined to be something other than Bell's palsy (such as Ramsay Hunt syndrome), the treatment course is different. Patients should avoid self-medicating with over-the-counter remedies without medical consultation, as it's necessary to promptly start the correct prescription medication (corticosteroids and/or antivirals) within the first 72 hours for the best chance of full recovery.

What To Remember About Bell'S Palsy Avoidances

The most significant things to avoid with Bell's palsy are anything that dries out or irritates the exposed eye, including wind, dust, and contact lenses.

Patients should avoid forceful facial movements and receive prompt medical evaluation to avoid delays in starting the appropriate medication (corticosteroids) within the initial period.

References

Mayo Clinic. "Bell's palsy - Diagnosis and treatment." https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370030

Cleveland Clinic. "Bell's Palsy: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment." https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5457-bells-palsy

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). "What Is Bell's Palsy?" https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/bells-palsy

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). "Bell's Palsy." https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/bells-palsy

John Hopkins Medicine. "Bell's Palsy." https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bells-palsy

Frequently Asked Questons

What Should I Avoid When Eating And Drinking?

Bell's palsy often affects the ability to close the mouth and the ability to chew efficiently on the affected side.

To avoid choking or biting the inner cheek and tongue, patients should avoid very tough, chewy, or hard-to-manage foods. Drinking should be done with care, and individuals might need to avoid drinking without a straw or use small sips, as the affected lip and corner of the mouth might not be able to seal properly, leading to leakage.

Should I Avoid Sleeping On The Affected Side?

While not strictly necessary to avoid, sleeping on the affected side might increase the risk of facial swelling or accidentally irritating the exposed eye. Many doctors recommend using a moisture chamber or eye patch regardless of sleeping position to provide eye protection.

Should I Avoid Driving With Bell'S Palsy?

You should avoid driving if your vision is significantly impaired, particularly if you have severe dry eye, blurred vision, or double vision. If the eyelid droop or inability to blink affects your ability to safely see, you should refrain from driving.

Is It Safe To Wear Contact Lenses With Bell'S Palsy?

No. It's generally advised to avoid wearing contact lenses in the affected eye until the palsy has resolved and the eye can fully close. The severe dryness and constant exposure significantly increase the risk of serious corneal infection and injury.

 

References:

Bell's palsy advice sheet. Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. https://www.nuh.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n3108.pdf&ver=4070. Published June 2025

Exposure Keratopathy. EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology). https://eyewiki.org/Exposure_Keratopathy. Last edited on October 28, 2025

Facial Nerve Palsy. EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology). https://eyewiki.org/Facial_Nerve_Palsy. Last edited on September 16, 2025

Bell's palsy - Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370034. Updated on March 15, 2024

Bell Palsy. Merck Manual Professional Edition. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/cranial-nerve-disorders/bell-palsy. Modified on August 2025