This means that the blood accumulates at the lowest point of the body, provoking a swelling of the dead tissue; the upper located part of the body discolors, leaving the dead body's lividity.

Histamine released by these cells causes small blood vessels to dilate, giving rise to the well-known symptoms such as itching and swelling in the mouth, skin rash, itchy or runny nose or diarrhoea.

The high water content helps to hydrate tender skin in the eye region, while the chill of a refrigerated cucumber helps contract blood vessels in the area–both effects combine to reduce swelling.