What Is A Black Eye?
Black eye is medically known as periorbital hematoma. It is often the result of an injury to the face, which leads to bruising around the eye. This condition is named so because of the color of the bruising. We will now take a look at the causes of this bruising.
What Causes A Black Eye?
Injury: When you injure your face, the tiny blood vessels under your skin tend to burst and leak blood. This causes the bluish-black bruise around your eyes. The injury to your face can result from being hit by any object.
Cosmetic Surgery: In some cases, a black eye can also be caused by a cosmetic surgery or some dental work and might last for several days.
Medical Issues: Black eye is not dangerous and is often a result of bruising. However, in some cases, a black eye can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical complication. For example, bruising around both eyes can be an indication of a skull fracture or some other injury of the head.
Irrespective of how you have injured yourself, the following remedies can help you get rid of that weird-looking black eye faster and may help diminish its appearance.
How To Get Rid Of A Black Eye Naturally
Home Remedies To Treat A Black Eye
1. Cayenne Pepper And Vaseline
1 teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper 5 teaspoons of Vaseline
You must do this twice a day. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper makes this remedy very effective in treating a black eye. Capsaicin possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can relieve the pain and inflammation around the bruised eye (1).
2. Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil (as required) Do this once every night. The very act of massaging, combined with the benefits of coconut oil, is one of the best remedies to treat a black eye. Coconut oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the affected eye. Massaging it can help clear up the blood clots under your eyes (2).
3. Toothpaste
Any white toothpaste You must do this once daily, preferably at night. Toothpastes, especially the mint-flavored ones, are quite effective in soothing bruised skin (including a black eye). The anti-inflammatory agents in toothpaste help your skin recover quickly and fade the bruise.
4. Essential Oils
You may also use essential oils for bruises around the eye. Here is a list of oils you can use and tips to use them properly:
a. Lavender Oil
6 drops of lavender oil 15 mL of any carrier oil
You must do this every night before bedtime. Lavender oil can help you get rid of a black eye, owing to its strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (3).
b. Peppermint Oil
6 drops of lavender oil 15 mL of any carrier oil
You must do this once every night. Peppermint oil possesses excellent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help treat a black eye. It also soothes the swelling and inflammation, if any (4).
5. Cucumber
Refrigerated cucumber slices You must do this 1 to 2 times daily. Cucumber has a high water content, and hence, it can help soothe and cool your bruised eye. It can also help reduce the swelling and pain (5).
6. Green Tea Bags
2 used green tea bags You must do this twice daily. Green tea is packed with antioxidants, thanks to the presence of high levels of tannins. These tannins can help heal a black eye by reducing the pain and swelling (6).
7. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly (as required)
You must do this once daily. Petroleum jelly is soothing, healing, and moisturizing and is thus a great option for treating a black eye.
8. Pineapple
Sliced pineapple pieces You must do this 3 to 4 times daily. Pineapple can be a great answer to how to get rid of a black eye fast. Applying pineapple topically can help in combating a black eye and consuming it can speed your recovery from within. Pineapples are rich in vitamin C and also contain an enzyme called bromelain (7). While vitamin C helps your black eye heal faster, bromelain reduces the pain and inflammation (8).
9. Lemon Juice
1 glass of lemon juice Consume a glass of lemon juice. Do this 5 to 6 times in a day. Lemons are naturally anti-inflammatory and are also great sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C possesses antioxidant properties, which heal a black eye by repairing the damage from within (9).
10. Orange Juice
1 glass of fresh orange juice Drink a glass of orange juice. You must drink a glass of orange juice at least thrice daily. Like lemons, oranges are also great sources of vitamin C. Consuming high amounts of vitamin C can acelerate recovery and help heal your black eye (10).
11. Raw Potato
Sliced raw potato You must do this 3 to 4 times daily. Raw potatoes contain high amounts of certain enzymes that can be used for dissolving blood clots. Additionally, potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve the swelling and inflammation around the affected eye (11).
12. Ice Pack
An ice pack You must do this 2 to 3 times daily. Ice packs are among the most popular remedies for bruises. They can reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling around the affected eye (12). Dr. Ranjodh S Boparai, Ophthalmic Surgeon at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, says, “You want to put an ice pack on the eye as soon as the injury happens. Only leave the ice pack on for 20 minutes. For the first two days of the injury, put ice on the eye every 2-4 hours. After the first two days, you can alternate ice with warm compresses to expedite the healing process.”
13. Warm Compress
A warm compress Do this 2 to 3 times daily for faster recovery. A warm compress is a great option to relieve pain as well as improve blood circulation. It also helps in getting rid of the blood clots under your eye (13). Marie Wilson, a blogger and martial artist, shares her tips for dealing with black eyes, a common concern in martial arts and sports like Thai Boxing and BJJ. She emphasizes the importance of immediate icing to reduce swelling and highlights the use of Arnica cream, warm compresses, and gentle massage to aid the healing process. She writes, “Just remember not to put the ice directly on the eye. Its sensitive skin and you don’t want ice burn. Wrap it in a cloth or something first…Again like any bruise you need to break it down so after the first 24hrs or so you can use a warm damp flannel and apply it to the bruising – do this for around 10 minutes (i).” Although using home remedies can help ease pain and reduce swelling, it is important to know how the healing process works to monitor the normal course of a black eye’s recovery. Keep reading.
Healing Process
Depending on the extent of the injury, a black eye usually takes one to two weeks to heal. The discoloration undergoes numerous phases throughout this time. The region looks red or reddish at first because blood accumulates beneath the skin. It may turn dark purple or blue in a few days. The bruise will eventually turn green and yellow as it heals, then gradually return to your natural skin tone. Each stage indicates the body’s natural process of breaking down the blood and repairing the affected tissue. There are a few things you can avoid doing to ensure the healing time doesn’t extend. Scroll down to know what are those.
What Not To Do
Dr. Boparai says, “Unfortunately, it is not possible to get rid of a black eye overnight. In general, it can take up to 2-4 weeks for the swelling and bruising to go away completely. If you have experienced a black eye, it is important to get an eye exam to make sure there are no other ocular injuries.” He advises, “When you have a black eye, it is important not to do anything that could make the injury worse. Refrain from strenuous activity, lifting heavy objects, putting pressure on the eye, rubbing the eye, and blowing your nose. You may also want to avoid getting any water in the eye.” He continues, “Avoid any creams used to reduce bruising. Many of these creams are not safe for the sensitive skin and structures of the eye. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help reduce inflammation and pain. Rest is important for both the eyes and the body.”
When To Seek Medical Attention
It is essential to get medical help if you have extreme pain, ongoing swelling, or blurred vision following a black eye. Additional symptoms to be concerned about are pain in the eye, blood in the nose or eyes, headaches that get worse, and you don’t see it healing in any way after a few days. These can indicate a more serious injury that has to be evaluated by an expert, like a fracture or internal eye damage. But isn’t prevention always better than the cure?
Prevention Tips
Make sure that the rugs and carpets in your home are well placed, without wrinkles, to avoid tripping on them. If you indulge in activities like martial arts, boxing, or any other contact sports, wear protective gear. Always wear a helmet when you are cycling or riding a bike. Always wear a seatbelt while traveling in a car. Wear goggles for protection if you happen to be involved in activities like gardening or woodwork.
Treatments For A Black Eye
If a black eye does not improve or is due to a severe injury or medical issue, you might need medical help. This includes treatments such as:
Stitches: If you have a deep bleeding gash, you might need stitches to stop the bleeding and help it heal properly. Hyaluronidase Injection: It helps reduce swelling (edema) and bruising (hematomas) by making it easier for the body to absorb them through the tiny vessels (14). This alternative to surgery helps relieve pain, swelling, and blackness caused by hematomas. Arterial Embolization: This involves the insertion of an embolic agent, such as a gelatin sponge, into an artery to block blood flow to help treat bleeding and the appearance of a black eye (15).
How long does a black eye take to heal? A black eye usually heals within two weeks without any medical attention. If treated, it heals in a few days. Can a black eye affect your vision? A black eye usually does not affect your vision. However, if your vision is blurred or your eyeballs hurt, it could be due to an underlying medical complication. In such situations, it is best to see your doctor to identify the cause of your disturbed vision. Can I exercise with a black eye? It is not recommended to exercise or do any heavy lifting within the first 48 hours of getting a black eye to prevent the risk of further bleeding under the skin. Is ibuprofen good for a black eye? Yes, as it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen can reduce the swelling associated with a black eye and alleviate pain. However, it is advisable to use acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen as the latter may increase bleeding. Is aloe vera good for a black eye? Aloe vera is usually not recommended as the first line of treatment for a black eye. However, it may be used as a natural remedy to reduce bruising once the black eye begins to heal.
Illustration: Home Remedies For Black Eye Causes And Prevention Tips
Learn how to get rid of a black eye quickly and effectively. Click on this video to follow these simple steps to help reduce swelling and discoloration easily. i. Black Eyes – Tips and Tricks https://bjjminion.com/2015/09/19/black-eyes-tips-and-tricks/
