How long does it take for a black eye to heal. What are the best home remedies for treating a black eye. When should you seek medical attention for a black eye. How can you reduce swelling and pain associated with a black eye.

Understanding Black Eyes: Causes and Symptoms

A black eye, medically known as periorbital hematoma, is a common injury characterized by bruising and swelling around the eye area. It typically occurs due to trauma to the face or head, such as from a punch, fall, or sports injury. In some cases, black eyes can also develop after facial surgery.

The distinctive discoloration associated with a black eye is caused by blood pooling under the skin surrounding the eye. While often alarming in appearance, most black eyes are not serious and will heal on their own within a few weeks. However, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes and potential complications to ensure proper treatment and recovery.

Common Causes of Black Eyes

• Direct blow to the face or eye area
• Sports injuries
• Accidents or falls
• Facial surgery
• Sinus infections (rare)

Typical Symptoms of a Black Eye

• Bruising and discoloration around the eye
• Swelling of the eyelid and surrounding tissues
• Pain and tenderness
• Possible blurred vision or difficulty opening the eye

The Healing Timeline: How Long Does a Black Eye Last?

One of the most common questions people have when dealing with a black eye is how long it will take to heal. The recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors, but there is a general timeline you can expect.

Typically, a black eye will heal within 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, you’ll notice the bruising go through several color changes as it heals. Here’s a breakdown of the typical healing stages:

1. Day 1-2: Swelling and redness appear
2. Day 2-4: The area turns dark blue, purple, or black
3. Day 5-7: The color begins to change to green or yellow
4. Day 7-10: The bruise fades to a light brown or yellow
5. Day 10-14: The bruise continues to fade and should be mostly resolved

It’s important to note that while the visible bruising may disappear within this timeframe, some residual swelling or tenderness may persist for a few additional days.

Effective Home Remedies for Treating a Black Eye

While a black eye will generally heal on its own, there are several home remedies you can use to speed up the healing process, reduce pain and swelling, and minimize discomfort. Here are some of the most effective treatments you can try at home:

1. Ice Therapy

Applying ice is one of the most crucial steps in treating a black eye, especially within the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. Ice helps reduce swelling, minimize bruising, and alleviate pain by constricting blood vessels and slowing blood flow to the affected area.

How to apply ice safely:

• Wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth or use a commercial ice pack
• Apply the ice for 10-20 minutes at a time
• Repeat every 1-2 hours for the first two days
• Never apply ice directly to the skin to avoid frostbite

2. Warm Compress

After the initial swelling has subsided (usually after 48 hours), switching to a warm compress can help promote healing. The warmth increases blood circulation to the area, which can help clear away the trapped blood causing the bruise.

To use a warm compress:

• Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water
• Apply gently to the affected area for 10-15 minutes
• Repeat several times a day

3. Arnica

Arnica is a natural herb that has been used for centuries to treat bruises and reduce inflammation. It’s available in various forms, including creams, gels, and ointments.

To use arnica:

• Apply a thin layer of arnica gel or cream to the bruised area
• Gently massage it in, being careful not to apply pressure to the eye itself
• Repeat 2-3 times daily

4. Vitamin K Cream

Vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting and can help speed up the healing of bruises. Topical vitamin K creams may help reduce the appearance of a black eye.

How to use vitamin K cream:

• Apply a small amount of vitamin K cream to the bruised area
• Gently massage it in, avoiding the eye itself
• Use twice daily until the bruise fades

Pain Management and Additional Care Tips

In addition to the topical treatments mentioned above, there are several other steps you can take to manage pain and promote healing:

1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with a black eye. However, it’s important to avoid aspirin, as it can increase bruising by thinning the blood.

2. Elevate Your Head

When resting or sleeping, try to keep your head elevated above your heart. This can help reduce swelling by promoting fluid drainage from the affected area.

3. Gentle Massage

After the initial swelling has gone down (usually after 2-3 days), you can gently massage the area around the bruise. This can help break up the trapped blood and promote circulation, potentially speeding up the healing process.

4. Protect Your Eye

Avoid putting pressure on the injured area and wear sunglasses to protect your eye from further irritation from sunlight or wind.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Black Eye

While most black eyes are not serious and can be treated at home, there are certain situations where medical attention is necessary. It’s important to be aware of these warning signs to ensure proper care and prevent potential complications.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Vision changes, including blurred or double vision
• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain medication
• Bleeding from the eye or nose
• Loss of consciousness or confusion following the injury
• Inability to move your eye or an irregularly shaped pupil
• Signs of infection, such as fever or pus drainage
• Bruising around both eyes, which could indicate a skull fracture

Additionally, if you’re taking blood-thinning medications or have a bleeding disorder, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider even for minor black eyes, as you may be at higher risk for complications.

Prevention Strategies: Reducing the Risk of Black Eyes

While it’s not always possible to prevent accidents, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting a black eye:

1. Wear Protective Gear

When participating in sports or activities with a high risk of facial injury, always wear appropriate protective equipment such as helmets, face shields, or protective eyewear.

2. Practice Safety at Home

Many black eyes occur due to household accidents. Take precautions such as:

• Removing tripping hazards
• Using non-slip mats in bathrooms
• Ensuring proper lighting in all areas of your home

3. Be Cautious During Physical Activities

When engaging in activities that could potentially lead to facial injuries, such as contact sports or DIY projects, be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

4. Address Vision Problems

If you have poor vision or balance issues, address these problems with your healthcare provider to reduce the risk of falls that could lead to facial injuries.

Long-Term Effects and Complications of Black Eyes

While most black eyes heal without any long-term consequences, in some cases, complications can arise. It’s important to be aware of potential long-term effects and when to seek further medical attention.

Potential Complications

• Orbital Blowout Fracture: A break in the bone surrounding the eye
• Hyphema: Bleeding inside the front part of the eye
• Retinal Detachment: Separation of the retina from the back of the eye
• Traumatic Iritis: Inflammation of the colored part of the eye

If you experience persistent symptoms or notice any changes in your vision even after the initial healing period, it’s crucial to consult with an ophthalmologist for a thorough examination.

Myths and Misconceptions About Black Eye Treatment

There are several common myths surrounding the treatment of black eyes that it’s important to dispel:

Myth 1: Raw meat helps heal a black eye

Contrary to popular belief, placing raw meat on a black eye is not an effective treatment. In fact, it can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Stick to clean ice packs or cold compresses instead.

Myth 2: You should immediately apply heat to a black eye

While heat can be beneficial in the later stages of healing, applying heat immediately after the injury can increase swelling and bruising. Always start with cold therapy for the first 48 hours.

Myth 3: Black eyes always indicate a serious injury

While it’s important to be cautious, most black eyes are not indicative of severe trauma and will heal on their own with proper care.

Myth 4: Makeup can be used immediately to cover a black eye

It’s best to avoid applying makeup to a fresh black eye, as this can irritate the skin and potentially introduce bacteria. Wait until the initial swelling has subsided and any cuts have healed before attempting to conceal the bruise with makeup.

By understanding these myths and focusing on proven home remedies and medical advice when necessary, you can ensure the best possible healing process for a black eye. Remember, while most black eyes heal without complications, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention if you have any concerns about your injury or recovery.

Black eye – NHS

A black eye is bruising and swelling around your eye, usually caused by a blow to the area, such as a punch or fall. It should get better within 2 to 3 weeks.

How to ease a black eye yourself

Do

• gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth) to the area around your eye for about 10 to 20 minutes at a time, and repeat regularly during the first 1 to 2 days

• take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain

• after the first 2 days, gently apply a warm (not hot) heat pack or cloth to the area around your eye regularly during the day

Don’t

• do not take aspirin, unless prescribed by a doctor, as this can make the bruising worse

• do not press or rub the area around your eye

• do not put ice directly on your skin

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:

• you have severe pain or swelling
• you have a headache that does not go away, or blurry vision
• the area around your eye is warm or leaking pus
• your temperature is very high, or you feel hot and shivery
• you’re taking blood-thinning medicine (such as warfarin)
• you have a bleeding disorder (such as haemophilia)

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• the black eye does not go away within 3 weeks

Urgent advice: Go to A&E if:

• there’s blood visible in your eye
• you have an irregularly shaped pupil (the black dot at the centre of the eye)
• you had a blow to the head and have bruising around both eyes
• you have problems with your vision, such as double vision, loss of vision, seeing flashing light, halos or shadows, or pain when looking at a bright light
• you cannot move your eye

Page last reviewed: 26 October 2020
Next review due: 26 October 2023

Home Remedies for Black Eyes, Plus How Long They Take to Heal

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You can help heal a black eye at home with certain remedies, including ice. But if you experience concerning symptoms, such as vision changes, you may need medical attention.

A black eye is a bruise around the eye. It happens when blood pools under the skin in the eye area. Most black eyes occur when something hits the face or head, but they can also develop after facial surgery.

In general, a black eye isn’t serious. However, it could be a sign of a more severe injury, like a skull fracture. It’s crucial to see your doctor if you have vision changes or ongoing pain.

If your black eye was caused by a minor injury, you can treat it with various home remedies. In this article, we’ll explore home remedies for black eyes and the stages of healing.

There are many black eye home remedies, we’ve included some recommended home treatments below. Seek medical attention if these home remedies don’t help.

Ice

Apply ice within the first 24 to 48 hours of your injury. This will slow down blood flow to the area, which reduces how much blood pools under your skin. Ice also decreases swelling and pain.

Here’s how to safely use ice:

1. Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap it with a clean towel. Never put ice directly on your skin.
2. Apply the ice for 10 to 20 minutes. Avoid pressing on your eye.
3. Repeat several times a day for 1 to 2 days.

If you don’t have ice cubes, use an ice pack or cold compress.

Avoid using raw meat, like steak, or any other food. Even if the food is frozen or cold, it can get bacteria in your eye and cause an infection.

Warm compress

After the swelling has gone down in a few days, apply a warm compress. This helps healing and pain by increasing blood flow to the eye area.

To use this remedy, you’ll need a small towel and large bowl.

1. Fold up the towel and place it in the bowl.
2. Fill the bowl with hot, but not boiling, water.
3. Wring out the towel. Fold it into a square.
4. Apply the compress to your eye area for 20 minutes.

Gentle massage

You can also massage your eye area once the swelling has subsided. Like a warm compress, this will support healing by promoting blood flow.

If massaging causes pain, or if you still have swelling, avoid this remedy.

Arnica

Arnica, or mountain tobacco, comes from the plant Arnica montana. It’s believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, arnica creams and gels are traditionally used to treat bruises.

Shop for arnica cream online.

Use caution when applying arnica near your eyes

There isn’t enough evidence to prove whether arnica is effective for treating black eyes. More research is needed. In addition, while arnica is safe on the skin, it could cause serious injury if it gets in your eye. Be careful when applying it near your eyes.

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Comfrey

Comfrey, scientifically known as Symphytum officinale, is another natural remedy. It’s conventionally used to treat injuries like strains, sprains, and bruises.

Like arnica, there isn’t sufficient research on comfrey and bruises. If you’d like to try comfrey cream for a black eye, use caution and follow the directions and make sure it doesn’t get into your eye.

Shop for comfrey cream online.

Vitamin C

Though there isn’t hard evidence, many people claim vitamin C cream can heal a black eye. This might be due to the link between vitamin C deficiency and easy bruising.

More studies are necessary to prove that topical vitamin C can treat a black eye.

Shop for vitamin C cream online.

In a general, a black eye takes about 2 weeks to heal.

It might take more or less time depending on:

• the severity of your injury
• your age
• your overall health
• how you care for your black eye

Here’s what you can do to speed up recovery:

• Elevate your head. When you’re not sleeping, keep your head elevated. This will help blood flow to your heart instead of pooling in your eye area.
• Avoid pressure. When using ice or warm compress, don’t press on your black eye. Be extra gentle when massaging it.
• Rest. Take a break from sports and other activities that pose a risk for eye injuries.

During the healing process, the color of your black eye will change. This means your body is reabsorbing the blood under your skin.

Here’s what the healing stages look like:

• At time of injury. Your eye area will look red as blood pools under your skin.
• Days 1 to 2. The hemoglobin in your blood breaks down, which makes your skin look bluish purple-black. You’ll have a lot of swelling.
• Days 2 to 10. As your body clears old blood, your black eye will gradually turn yellow-greenish. The swelling will get better.
• Days 10 to 14. Your black eye will look yellowish or light brown.
• After day 14. Your black eye will completely fade away.

If your black eye doesn’t heal after 2 weeks, visit your doctor.

You should also see your doctor if you have:

• discoloration that gets worse
• increasing swelling in the eye area
• eye pain or redness
• inability to move your eye
• vision changes, including blurring and double vision
• cheek or teeth numbness
• dizziness
• loss of consciousness
• vomiting
• bleeding from ears or nose
• constant headache
• severe pain

These symptoms might indicate a more serious injury. See your doctor as soon as possible.

Generally, ice is considered the best treatment for black eyes. Once the swelling goes down, you can use a warm compress and gentle massage.

Your black eye should heal after 2 weeks. If these home remedies for black eyes don’t work, or if you have vision changes, seek medical help.

How to remove a bruise under the eyes and how to treat a bruise. The best means, advice.

From Amy Hellem; reviewed by Shane Kannarr, OD

The term “black eye” means a change in color around the eye after injury to the eye or surrounding tissues.

Technically, a black eye is caused by damage to the blood vessels under the surface of the skin. Like other bruises, a black eye is usually accompanied by swelling.

As with other bruises on the body, a black eye usually results from blunt force trauma—a non-penetrating injury caused by a blow. But there may be other reasons as well.

What is a black eye?

The clinical term for bruising under the eye is periorbital hematoma. Although the medical term is harder to pronounce, it more accurately describes the condition: a collection of blood (hematoma) in the tissues that surround the eye (in the periorbital region).

Bruising may appear under or around the eye.

A blunt force trauma to the eye socket or its surrounding area damages the small blood vessels under the skin, from which blood begins to flow, forming a bruise under the eye.

Since the skin around the eyes is relatively thin and translucent, even a slight accumulation of blood results in a very noticeable discoloration. In addition, since the tissue in this area is relatively loose, the blood leaking from the blood vessels easily accumulates around the eye, forming a swollen bruise under the eye.

Why does a bruise appear under the eye?

Bruises under the eyes are usually the result of an injury in which an object hits the area around the eye.

Such injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, such as playing sports or simply bumping into something.

Other common causes include cosmetic eye surgery, sinus infections, and sinus surgery. A bruise under the eye can even occur against the background of dental actions or a tooth infection.

A serious condition that can develop with periorbital hematoma is bleeding inside the eye, in the space between the posterior surface of the cornea and the anterior surface of the iris. It’s called a hyphema. Hyphema is a medical emergency because, if left untreated, it can lead to rapid increased intraocular pressure and loss of vision from glaucoma .

Often, a bruise under the eye is accompanied by reddening of the “white shell” of the eye (sclera). This is called subconjunctival hemorrhage . Subconjunctival hemorrhages often look frightening, but are usually not serious and usually go away without treatment within a few weeks.

Black eye treatment

In most cases, a black eye, like any other bruise, is not a cause for extreme concern.

However, before starting self-treatment, it is recommended that the bruise under the eye is first examined by an ophthalmologist.

To evaluate the severity of a bruise under the eye, check for the following symptoms, and if any of them are present, seek medical attention immediately:

• Blood inside the eye (hyphema)

• Bleeding from the ear or nose

9 0047

Dizziness , fainting or loss of consciousness

• Change in vision, in particular blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision

• Flashing or floating eyes

• Vomiting

• Inability to move the eye behavioral changes or lethargy

• Severe pain

• Bruising around both eyes

• Persistent headache

• Signs of infection, such as warmth, redness, pus, or fever

• Severe swelling or swelling that is not associated with injury

To treat a minor bruise under the eye at home, apply a cold compress as soon as possible after injury. Using a bag of frozen green peas is more effective than ice cubes because it conforms to the shape of the face easily.

Another option is to chill a metal spoon in the refrigerator and then gently apply the back of the spoon to different parts of the bruise.

Never apply raw meat to a bruise under the eye, as this greatly increases the risk of infection.

Cold compresses can be applied every hour for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. This helps constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.

An over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol can be taken to relieve minor pain. (Don’t take aspirin, which thins the blood and can make a black eye look worse.)

If you have a severe black eye, your ophthalmologist will give you additional treatment advice.

How to get rid of a black eye

A black eye usually goes away within a couple of weeks. During the healing period, it is important to protect the eye from further damage; do not engage in activities that can cause additional injury.

You will probably notice a change in the color of the bruise as it heals. Shades of purple, blue, and even green or yellow often appear.

Although there is no miracle cure for a black eye, following these tips can speed up the healing process to make your eye look and feel better:

A mild black eye may first look red and then darken and the swelling may increase over time. As the bruise begins to heal, it may turn purple, blue, green, or even yellow.

• Start by applying cold. As soon as possible after injury, and then frequently during the first 24 hours, apply a bag of frozen green peas, a chilled spoon, or some other method to cool the temperature around the eye.

• Switch to heat. After a day or two of applying cool packs, try gently applying warm (not hot) compresses to the bruise. This will increase blood flow to the injured area, promoting healing.

• Vitamin C. Although vitamin C is more likely to reduce the risk of bruising (by strengthening the blood vessels so they are less damaged by blunt trauma), it can also speed up the healing of a bruise.

• Blueberry extract. Blueberry is a berry related to blueberries and cranberries; it contains powerful antioxidants that help reduce and eliminate bruising by increasing the effectiveness of vitamin C and strengthening capillaries.

In most cases, within a week you will see a noticeable improvement in the appearance of your bruise.

How to prevent bruising under the eyes

To reduce the risk of bruising under the eye, always wear safety goggles, sports goggles, or even protective headgear with a face shield when participating in potentially hazardous activities, including sports.

Wearing seat belts is also important, mandatory and greatly reduces the risk of bruising in minor traffic accidents.

In addition, there are some things you can do at home to prevent getting a black eye. For example, do not leave any objects on the stairs, as this can easily lead to falls and eye injury. In addition, there is always the possibility of tripping on the carpets on the floor, so make sure that they do not ride up and that all wrinkles are smoothed out.

Page published on Friday, November 13, 2020

How to remove a bruise under the eye

Scars adorn men – a common expression that refers to bruises, especially in the eye area, with a big stretch, the desire to get rid of such decoration is understandable.

Hematomas on the skin do not adorn anyone. They not only do not look aesthetically pleasing, but cause discomfort, pain. If a bruise appears on an area that cannot be hidden under clothing, you want to deal with the problem as quickly as possible. In such situations, pharmaceutical preparations and time-tested alternative medicines that relieve periorbital hematoma will help speed up healing.

Black eye: causes

Risk factors include various surgical interventions, among which the following can be noted:

• eye cosmetic surgery,
• participation in a brawl,
• fall during sports training.

Injury can be obtained as a result of manipulations by a dental surgeon and similar actions.
The blood vessels located in the subcutaneous tissue and in the skin are extremely thin. With bruises, bumps, falls, their walls are torn. Leaked blood fills the subcutaneous tissue, cavities, surrounding tissues. As a result of mechanical influences, a spot of a purple-bluish hue is formed, gradually changing its color.

The hematoma will take up to two weeks to heal. If you act quickly, it is really possible to remove the bruise under the eye in three to four days. In some cases, it is accompanied by reddening of the sclera: subconjunctival hemorrhage, which disappears after a few weeks on its own.

How to remove a bruise on the face in a short time?

In comparison with other parts of the body, a bruise under the eye forms much faster. The reason is that the periorbital region is permeated with a huge number of blood vessels, surrounded by loose subcutaneous tissue. She quickly absorbs blood, swells.

Emergency care after injury comes down to cooling the injury site with a compress, ice, frozen foods. Use cold, narrowing blood vessels, reducing swelling, should be as early as possible.

During the first day, compresses are applied every hour for 15-20 minutes. This will eliminate the swelling, reduce the size, remove the bruise. Pain is easily relieved by taking paracetamol. The next day after the injury, doctors recommend switching to warm (not hot!) Compresses to stimulate blood flow in the tissues.

There are no miraculous recipes to instantly remove a bruise under the eye. However, by following these tips, you can significantly speed up the healing process:

Light massage near the lower, upper eyelids. It should be done within a few days of the injury. Massage activates the lymphatic system, speeds up healing.

• Introduction to the diet of pineapple, citrus fruits. Tropical fruits contain a spectrum of enzymes that reduce inflammation.

• Course intake of vitamin C. It accelerates healing, removes hematomas due to the strengthening of the walls of blood vessels.
• The use of blueberries, blueberries. Berries contain a powerful antioxidant that reduces bruising by enhancing the effectiveness of vitamin C.

• Askorutin. The medicine helps to strengthen the vascular wall, it is worth taking only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Badyaga and Bruise-off gels with a matting effect will be a good help for rapid tissue regeneration, for strengthening the walls of capillaries, resorption of hematomas, but these products should also be recommended by a qualified physician.

Is it worth resorting to alternative medicine methods

For those who prefer natural remedies, herbalists usually recommend medicinal baths, dressings, herbal poultices. It is generally accepted that the following express methods have a good effect in this situation:

• a compress of raw (grated) potatoes;
• gruel from leaves, parsley branches;
• you can remove the bruise with agave juice.