First aid for a black eye
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First aid for a black eye
A black eye is a type of bruise. Simple bruises are treated with ice and by elevating the head. The bruise should be gone in 2 to 3 weeks.
- Apply ice or cold packs for 15 minutes 3 or 4 times a day during the first 48 hours to help reduce swelling. Place a cloth between the ice and the skin. The sooner you apply a cold pack, the less swelling will occur.
- Do not use chemical cooling packs. If the pack leaks, the chemicals could cause more eye damage. Do not use a raw piece of meat on a black eye.
- Keep the head raised to help reduce swelling.
- Be sure to look at the eyeball for possible injury.
- After the swelling is gone, warm compresses may relieve pain.
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Credits
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology |
| Last Updated | December 6, 2007 |
| Last updated: | December 06, 2007 |
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| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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