Therapy

When treating a haematoma (bruise) on the eye, as with all bruises, particularly rapid cooling is necessary immediately after the bruise has been caused. For this purpose, a so-called cooling iron is common for boxers, which already has the adapted form to the bone shape around the eyes. Alternatively, ice cubes or cooling packs wrapped in a towel can help to cool the blue eye sufficiently.

It is important here to ensure that the ice does not come into direct contact with the skin, as this can lead to frostbite. The duration of the cooling process should be at least 30 minutes. Simultaneously spreading the ice on the tissue promotes a contraction (contraction) of the blood vessels due to the resulting stretching of the tissue.

This reduces further bleeding into the tissue. There are different heparin ointments. Heparin is a substance produced naturally in the body that enhances the effect of another substance called antithrombin.

Antithrombin inhibits blood clotting and thus dilutes the blood. The blood cells in the tissue can thus be transported away more quickly. This is helpful in the treatment of a haematoma.

Hirudoid ointment contains the active ingredient chondroitin polysulfate. This compound is similar in structure to heparin, a substance produced naturally in the body that inhibits blood clotting and thus liquefies the blood. This ensures that a bruise does not occur in the first place or disappears more quickly.

Arnica is a medicinal plant whose active ingredient prevents the formation of substances that trigger inflammation, so-called cytokines. It therefore helps well against inflammation and swelling. These often occur in connection with a blue eye.

Heparin ointment
Hirudoid ointment
Arnica ointment

From action movies you know many wounded heroes who put a cold raw steak on their blue eye. The achieved cooling is quite reasonable, but raw meat can contain putrefactive bacteria, which can lead to an infection of the eye and in the worst case even to loss of sight. There are, however, some effective household remedies that can speed up the healing process without any danger.

Professional boxers use a so-called chill iron, which is placed on the violet to reduce the swelling. Even if you do not have a chill iron at hand, you should always make sure that the affected area is cooled immediately after the injury. This can be done, for example, with ice packs, ice cubes or frozen vegetables wrapped in a clean cloth and ideally left on all day.

Since a black eye is nothing more than a bruise like the rest of the body, the vessels contract due to the cold and less blood escapes, which explains the decongestant effect. In the days that follow, it is advisable to use a warm compress, which can simply consist of a clean sheet soaked in warm water. The heat increases the blood flow and thus promotes the healing process.

Arnica is a tried and tested medicinal plant that has a decongesting and soothing effect. It can be applied as an ointment (arnica ointment) or tincture several times a day to the affected area or taken as globules. A further trick is to position the head high, especially at night, by means of several pillows so that the accumulating water can drain off more easily according to the law of gravity and the swelling subsides.