Pretty much everyone has experience the embarrassment of a black eye once in their life time, whether it be from being clumsy, sporting injury or from an alcohol fuelled altercation. Unfortunately for some, the main cause of a black eye seems to be due to a blow to the face.

Walking around with a black eye can be embarrassing for even the most confident person, it’s a war wound everyone would prefer people not to see. The fact that you can’t find really hide it, unless you plan on wearing a burqa, means that most people want to know ‘how to get rid of a black eye’ and fast! Preventing them from becoming a recluse until the swelling and bruising has gone down. A black eye is one thing you don’t want your boss and colleagues to see – you don’t want them getting the wrong impression of you.

The first obviously piece of advice would be to not let it happen in the first place – easier said than done for the clumsy individual who is used to the embarrassment of a black eye. If you get into an argument while out on the town, make sure you walk away before things get heated, before you walk away with another blow to the face and a black! – you know this isn’t a good look!

Don’t Touch!

If your black eye is painful then make sure you are taking paracetamol or ibuprofen every 4 hours as if the black eye is painful then you are more likely to touch it and cause more damage to the area – make the pain go away to help you forget that its even there. If your black eye is really severe and painful then we recommend to seek medical treatment as this could be an indication of severe internal damage, your eye is an organ you really don’t want to lose!

Home Remedies & Techniques To Treat a Black Eye

The following remedies can help to heal a black eye quickly, but if you are experiencing dizziness, nausea, vomiting or blurred vision then medical treatment is probably needed, so consult your doctor immediately.

7 Home Remedies To Quickly Treat A Black Eye:

1. Ice Pack

The first thing you need to do to treat a black eye is to compress an ice pack to the affected area as soon as you can after its happened. This will help to decrease the swelling and redness, as the ice works by compressing your blood vessels to prevent internal bleeding, fluid build up and thus bruising, helping to increase the healing process.

1. Wrap ice within a cloth or muslin cloth, if you don’t have ice available then a packet of frozen peas are often a good alternative.
2. Hold it to the affected area for 10-15 minute and then remove for a further 15 mintues.
3. Repeat this process for up to 48 hours.

2. Compress With Heat

48 hours after the incident that left you with a black eye occurred, you need to start using heat compressions to treat the black eye. The purpose of this is to increase blood flow to the area which will accelerate the healing process.

1. Fill a hot water bottle with warm, not boiling water.
2. Apply to the affected area until the water bottle becomes cool.
3. Repeat this process several times a day until your normal complexion has returned.

*If you don’t have a hot water bottle then a hot flannel or cloth can be a great alternative. 

3. Calendula/Marigold

Calendula, which is also known as Marigold, is commonly used to promote wound healing and prevent inflammation. It is a great little home remedy to use to reduce inflammation and promote healing associated with back eyes.

1. Add the separated petals from a fresh Calendula plant to a cup of warm water.
2. Allow to brew for 15 minutes and then place in the fridge for 45 minutes.
3. Soak a cloth/flannel into the Calendula enfaced water and apply to the eye area for 5 minutes.
4. Repeat 4-5 times a day.

4. Pineapple & Papaya

Pineapple and Papaya are both fruits which are rich in antioxidants, which help to promote wound healing and restore discolouration of skin, thus ideal for treating a black eye. There are several ways these fruits can be great for treating a black eye but we recommend the below methods.

• Mash together the flesh of the two fruits to form a paste and apply to the affected area.
• Incorporate these fruits into your diet: Mix fruits with milk to form a smoothie, drink the fruit juices of these fruits or simply eat the fruits as part of a snack.

5. Natural Oils

Natural oils such as olive oil, coconut oil and castor oil have great wound healing properties. Massaging into the affected area can have a great affect on wound healing and reduce inflammation, increasing the healing process of a black eye.

Tip: be gentle when applying to a black eye as the pressure can be damaging and result in more bruising, if you start to feel pain then be more gentle.

6. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has a name for being a great wound healing agent, perfect for treating a black eye at home. Below are some great ways to reek the benefits

• Soak a cotton patch in Witch Hazel and apply to the affect area for 30 minutes, this has a great soothing property as well as healing.
• Mix Witch Hazel, water and chamomile oil. Soak a cotton patch into the solution and apply to face like above.

7. Potatoes

Potatoes can reduce swelling and pain associated with black eyes. Below are some great ways to reap the benefits:

• Peel and cut the raw potato into thick slices and refrigerate for 30 minutes, then place onto the affected area for 30-45 minutes.
• Squeeze out the juice from a potato, soak a cotton patch with the juice of the potato and apply to the affected area for 30-45 minutes.