Hot water is generally not recommended for a new black eye.
Initial Treatment for a Black Eye
When you first get a black eye, it's important to focus on reducing swelling. According to the provided reference:
- Cold Compresses: Apply cold as soon as possible after the injury to reduce swelling. Repeat several times a day for a day or two. This will help minimize the bruise.
When Hot Water Might Be Helpful
The reference indicates that warm or hot compresses may be helpful after a few days when the swelling has gone down.
Here's a breakdown of when to use cold versus warm compresses:
| Treatment | When to Use | Why it Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Compresses | Immediately after the injury (1-2 days) | Reduces swelling and inflammation by constricting blood vessels. |
| Warm Compresses | After the swelling has decreased (after 2 days) | May help improve blood flow to the area and help with clearing the remaining discoloration. |
Practical Advice
- Early Action: Use cold compresses, like an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, as soon as possible after the injury.
- Transition: Once the swelling has significantly reduced, typically after a couple of days, you can consider transitioning to warm compresses.
- Duration: Continue to apply warm compresses for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day, until the bruising begins to fade.
In summary, while hot water isn't ideal immediately after a black eye, it might offer some relief and assist in healing once the swelling has decreased. Remember, immediately after getting a black eye, apply cold compresses to minimize swelling before thinking about warm applications.
