13 Home Remedies For Black Eye, Causes, And Prevention Tips

A black eye develops when you hit your face against an object, resulting in blood clotting under the skin near your eye and causing discoloration. While in most cases, a black eye isn’t serious, sometimes it may be an indication of a severe injury and may require medical intervention. In this article, we explore the different home remedies that can be considered quick fixes and solutions to help you get rid of your black eye.

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

1. Cayenne Pepper And Vaseline
2. Coconut Oil
3. Toothpaste
4. Essential Oils
5. Cucumber
6. Green Tea Bags
7. Petroleum Jelly
8. Pineapple Juice
9. Lemon Juice
10. Orange Juice
11. Raw Potato
12. Ice Pack
13. Warm Compress

Home Remedies To Treat A Black Eye

1. Cayenne Pepper And Vaseline

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper
• 5 teaspoons of Vaseline

What You Have To Do

1. Mix one part of powdered cayenne pepper with five parts of Vaseline.
2. Apply this mixture evenly around the affected eye.
3. Leave it on for an hour or two and then wash it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this twice a day.

Why This Works

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).

Did You Know?

The International Herb Association named chili peppers, like cayenne, their herb of the year for 2016 based on their medicinal, culinary, and decor benefits.

2. Coconut Oil

You Will Need

Virgin coconut oil (as required)

What You Have To Do

1. Apply an even layer of coconut oil around your eyes and massage gently.
2. Leave it on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once every night.

Why This Works

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

You Will Need

Any white toothpaste

What You Have To Do

1. Apply a thin layer of any mint-flavored white toothpaste around the affected area.
2. Leave it on for a couple of hours or overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily, preferably at night.

Why This Works

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

You Will Need

• 6 drops of lavender oil
• 15 mL of any carrier oil

What You Have To Do

1. Mix six drops of lavender oil with 15 mL of any carrier oil.
2. Apply this mixture evenly around your eyes and massage gently.
3. Leave this on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this every night before bedtime.

Why This Works

Lavender oil can help you get rid of a black eye, owing to its strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties

(3).

b. Peppermint Oil

You Will Need

• 6 drops of lavender oil
• 15 mL of any carrier oil

What You Have To Do

1. Add six drops of peppermint oil to 15 mL of any carrier oil and mix well.
2. Massage this mixture gently around your eyes and leave it on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once every night.

Why This Works

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

You Will Need

Refrigerated cucumber slices

What You Have To Do

1. Cut a cucumber into thin and circular slices.
2. Chill the slices for an hour.
3. Place a slice on each eye.
4. Replace the cucumber slices 2 to 3 times.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

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

You Will Need

2 used green tea bags

What You Have To Do

1. Place a used warm tea bag on each eye.
2. Keep them on for 15 to 20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this twice daily.

Why This Works

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).

Trivia

Green tea is said to have been discovered in 2737 BC by Chinese emperor Shen Nung. As the tale goes, he was relaxing outdoors when the leaves of a nearby tree fell into his pot of boiling water. Not noticing the difference, he sipped the concoction and was enamored by its taste.

7. Petroleum Jelly

You Will Need

Petroleum jelly (as required)

What You Have To Do

1. Apply an even layer of petroleum jelly around your eyes.
2. Massage for some time and leave it on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily.

Why This Works

Petroleum jelly is soothing, healing, and moisturizing and is thus a great option for treating a black eye.

8. Pineapple

You Will Need

Sliced pineapple pieces

What You Have To Do

1. Place a sliced pineapple piece on each eye and keep them on for 10 minutes.
2. You can also consume pineapple juice for added benefits.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this 3 to 4 times daily.

Why This Works

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

You Will Need

1 glass of lemon juice

What You Have To Do

Consume a glass of lemon juice.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 5 to 6 times in a day.

Why This Works

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

You Will Need

1 glass of fresh orange juice

What You Have To Do

Drink a glass of orange juice.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink a glass of orange juice at least thrice daily.

Why This Works

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

You Will Need

Sliced raw potato

What You Have To Do

1. Place a slice of raw potato on the affected eye.
2. Leave it on for 20 minutes and remove.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this 3 to 4 times daily.

Why This Works

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

You Will Need

An ice pack

What You Have To Do

1. Apply an ice pack to your affected eye.
2. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Remove.
3. Repeat thrice.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

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

You Will Need

A warm compress

What You Have To Do

1. Apply a warm compress to the black eye.
2. Keep it on for 5 to 10 minutes and remove.
3. Repeat twice.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 to 3 times daily for faster recovery.

Why This Works

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).

Infographic: When To Go To A Doctor If You Have A Black Eye

If you have a black eye, there are some situations where you should consult a doctor before attempting to treat it on your own. You should not apply any cream, ointment, lotion, or other over-the-counter medicine or take any painkillers without consulting a doctor first. Check out the below infographic to learn when you should consult your doctor if you have a black eye.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

M. Narendran MuthukrishnanMBBS, ICO, FRCS, FMRF, AM (Mal)

   

Dr. Narendran Muthukrishnan is a consultant vitreoretinal surgeon with 18 years of experience. He trained from Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, and is actively involved with charity services and eye screening camps. He specializes in medical and surgical vitreoretinal conditions.

Read full bio of M. Narendran Muthukrishnan

• 
  Dr. Ranjodh S BoparaiMD Dr. Ranjodh S Boparai, MD, is an ophthalmic surgeon at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He has 5 years of experience and aims to spread awareness about the importance of eyecare. He has authored 50+ publications on biomedical research, received 20+ awards and scholarships, and granted 10+ research fellowships.
  
  Dr. Ranjodh S Boparai, MD, is an ophthalmic surgeon at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He has 5 years of experience and aims to spread awareness about the importance of eyecare. He has authored 50+ publications on biomedical research, received 20+ awards and scholarships, and granted 10+ research fellowships.

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

Read full bio of Shaheen Naser

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

Read full bio of Dipti Sharma