Black eyes usually look worse than they should be, but that doesn't lessen the pain and embarrassment we experience when we have them. Treatment as soon as possible can reduce pain, swelling, and even the duration of discoloration in the eye bruise. Keep reading to find out how to treat a black eye, and how to cover it up if you're feeling less confident.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Treating Injury Immediately
Step 1. Use an ice cube or a cold compress as soon as possible
Ice cubes and cold compresses are the most effective treatments for black eyes, and you should start them as soon as possible. Cold temperatures will reduce swelling and pain. The discoloration caused by a black eye is the result of blood pooling under the surface of the skin, and cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, which reduces or slows bleeding.
- Use gentle pressure to press the bag of crushed ice, frozen vegetables, or other bag of ice against your eye.
- Make sure you wrap the ice cubes in a clean, dry cloth. Applying ice cubes directly to the skin can cause sores.
- Put an ice pack on your eye for 20 minutes every hour before you go to bed. So you will wear it for 20 minutes and take it off for 40 minutes, for at least the first day of treatment.
- Do not use steak or raw meat on your eyes. If there are bacteria on the meat, they can easily cause infection in open wounds or enter through the mucous membranes of your eyes.
Step 2. Avoid unnecessary pressure on your eyes
Do not try to open your eyes while they are still swollen. Do not poke or squeeze the injured area or press the cold bag against your eye with excessive force.
- If you wear glasses, you may need to take them off until the swelling has reduced. Your glasses can put pressure on the area around your nose and eyes.
- Do not participate in sports activities that could add to your injury. Wait for the swelling to subside before returning to the field.
Step 3. Use over-the-counter pain relievers
Acetaminophen can be an effective drug in reducing pain. Aspirin can also reduce your pain, but this drug thins the blood and affects your blood's ability to clot.
Step 4. Watch for signs of a more serious injury
Usually a black eye is a simple wound caused by a blow to the head, nose, eye, or surgical procedure on the face. However, in some other cases, eye bruising can be part of a bigger problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or go to the ER for immediate treatment:
- Blood in the whites of the eyes or iris. You should see an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) as soon as possible.
- Double or blurred vision.
- Severe pain.
- Sores around the eyes.
- Bleeding from the nose or eyes.
- You can't move your eyes.
- Your eye discharges or the shape of your eyeball is deformed.
- An object has pierced or entered your eyeball.
- If you take blood-thinning medications or have hemophilia, go to the ER.
Method 2 of 3: Continuing Treatment
Step 1. Apply a warm moisturizer after the swelling has stopped
A warm cloth or compress that is gently pressed against the wound can stimulate blood circulation under the surface of the skin around your eyes. This can encourage blood that has accumulated under the surface of your eye to reabsorb and can reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Repeat this activity several times a day for a few days after the injury
Step 2. Always keep your head elevated
When you lie down, make sure your head is higher than the rest of your body. This position promotes drying and can help reduce swelling.
Sleep with your head resting on two pillows for a higher position
Step 3. Clean the injured area
Use a mild soap on the skin and water to carefully clean any cuts or small cuts around your eyes. This will help prevent bacterial infections, which could allow your black eye to become a serious medical condition.
- Once the area around your injury has been cleaned, pat it dry with a clean towel and try to keep your injury clean and dry.
- Signs of infection include fever, reddened skin, or pus.
Method 3 of 3: Hiding Your Black Eyes
Step 1. Wait for the swelling to subside
Makeup won't help if your eyes are still puffy, and using it can worsen and slow down your eye treatment. Be patient and give the injury a few days to heal.
If you have cuts or scrapes around your eyes, don't risk an infection by trying to cover them with makeup. You have to let your black eye get better first
Step 2. Use a primer to maintain your makeup
Primer will make your makeup last longer and can prevent it from getting into the wrinkles and creases around your eyes.
Use a primer whenever there is a change in color and when you plan to apply makeup. Apply carefully with your ring finger, which is your weakest finger, so there is little chance of irritation
Step 3. Erase the color on your black eye
Your eyes can be red, black, purple, brown, green, or yellow depending on which stage of your treatment. This shade will show through even with concealer and can ruin the illusion of your makeup, so you'll need to neutralize it by using the opposite color, or a color that's opposite on the color wheel. You can use a color-matching concealer or you can improvise with blush or eyeshadow.
- If your wound is green, use red, or vice versa.
- If your wound is blue, use an orange or salmon red.
- If your wound is yellow, try purple, or vice versa.
Step 4. Apply your concealer over the adjusted areas
Use your ring finger to gently pat the concealer around your eyes, covering the color-adjusted area as well as any nearby areas so the color blends in with your skin. Let the concealer dry and apply another layer if necessary.
- When the concealer is dry, apply foundation and other makeup as usual, taking care to blend the tips of your concealer with the foundation.
- If you're not using a primer, you can use a little translucent powder for the concealer.
Step 5. Take attention away from your eyes
Eyeliner or mascara should be avoided until your eyes heal, as they draw attention to your eyes. In addition, the drag and pressure on your eyelids can make the swelling worse.
- Use a bright, eye-catching lipstick so others focus on your lips, not your eyes.
- Try a new hairstyle or take the risk of making a new one. To steal the show from the attention-grabbing, try changing your hair color or wearing clothes with bold prints. If you've ever wanted to do something crazy to your appearance, this is it!
