- Cold compresses started right away can ease swelling and discomfort, especially during the first 24 to 48 hours, then warm compresses may help as the bruise starts turning yellow.
- Gentle lymphatic-style massage and soothing options like chamomile compresses or aloe gel may help with puffiness and skin irritation while the bruise fades.
- Red flags require urgent care, including worsening swelling or bruising, severe headache or dizziness, blurred or double vision, repeated vomiting, clear fluid from the nose or ears, or bruising behind the ears.
How to get rid of a black eye usually involves simple at-home care, like using cold and warm compresses, gentle massage, or topical products. These steps can help reduce swelling and make the bruise fade faster.
A black eye (periorbital hematoma) usually occurs after a blow or injury to the face, such as during contact sports. It can also develop following nose surgery or certain cosmetic procedures.
These tips can be done at home when the area is only swollen, sore, and bruised. However, if the area is bleeding, contaminated with dirt or other substances, or you suspect a fracture, go to the emergency room right away.
Main tips
Some ways to get rid of a black eye include:
1. Applying cold compresses
Applying cold compresses to the bruised area can help reduce pain and swelling.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, applying a cold compress to a black eye soon after the injury can help reduce swelling and discomfort, especially during the first 24 to 48 hours.
To make a cold compress, fill a plastic bag with ice or chill a gel pack in the freezer. Wrap it in a clean, dry cloth, then gently apply it to the bruised area around the eye.
Use the cold compress for up to 15 minutes at a time. You can repeat this several times a day, spacing sessions about 1 hour apart.
Do not press the compress onto the eye, and do not place ice directly on the skin, since this can cause a cold burn.
2. Applying warm compresses
After 48 hours, the area is usually less swollen and less painful, and the bruise often looks more yellow. This change usually signals that the injury is improving.
At this point, warm compresses may be more helpful. Place a warm compress over the affected eye and leave it there until it cools down, then replace it with another warm one.
Use warm compresses for about 20 minutes total, twice a day.
3. Performing manual lymphatic drainage
A manual lymphatic drainage massage may help reduce swelling and bruising by promoting lymphatic flow, often within minutes if done correctly.
Place your fingers along the side of your face and use gentle circular motions to guide from the outer eye corner toward the back of the ears.
Alternatively, for the upper eyelid, place fingers gently on the area and make small circular motions to direct fluid toward the ears.
4. Applying an ointment for bruising
Consult a pharmacist or clinician to determine which products are safe and appropriate for use near the eye. Exercise extra caution when applying anything close to the eyelids.
Never apply ointment inside the eye; if accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water and contact an eye doctor for guidance.
5. Using a chamomile tea compress
Chamomile tea can be used as a compress over a black eye. It may help soothe discomfort and reduce swelling due to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
To make a chamomile compress, add 20 to 30 g of dried or fresh chamomile flowers to 500 mL of boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes.
Then strain and let it cool naturally, or refrigerate the tea for 10 to 20 minutes. Soak gauze in the tea and apply it over the closed eye for 15 to 30 minutes, at least twice a day.
Another option is to brew chamomile tea using a tea bag, then apply the cooled tea bag over the affected eye after it has chilled in the refrigerator.
6. Applying aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel, extracted from the aloe vera plant, may help reduce inflammation and improve skin appearance after an injury around the eye. It offers another option for helping a black eye fade faster.
To use it, wash the aloe leaf, cut it open, and scoop out the clear gel into a clean, dry container.
Then moisten gauze with the gel and apply it to the bruised area about 3 times a day.
Do not use the outer skin of the aloe leaf, which can have toxic effects. Use only the clear gel from inside the leaf.
Before using aloe gel, do a patch test by applying a small amount to the back of your hand. If your skin becomes red or irritated, do not use it.
7. Applying arnica ointment
Arnica ointment is often used for bruises caused by bumps or trauma, with the goal of helping the bruise fade faster. It can be purchased over the counter at retail pharmacies and drug stores or prepared at home.
Also recommended: Home Remedies for Bruises: 7 Natural & Healing Remedies tuasaude.com/en/home-remedies-for-bruisesRed flags
Reasons to seek emergency medical attention include:
- Worsening bruising around the eye or increasing swelling;
- Severe headache or dizziness;
- Blurred or double vision;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Bleeding or clear fluid coming from the nose and/or ears;
- Bruising behind the ears.
These symptoms may be signs of fractures at the base of the skull, which require urgent evaluation and treatment in a hospital.
According to the CDC, danger signs after a bump or blow to the head can include repeated nausea or vomiting, a worsening headache that does not go away, and double vision, which warrant emergency evaluation.