Black Eye in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

A black eye is bruising and swelling around the eye or the eyelids. The swelling from a black eye may get worse over the next couple of days. After that, the swelling should steadily improve until it is gone.

The bruise around your child's eye will change colors as it heals. The skin may turn from black and blue to green, yellow, and brown before it returns to its normal color. It may take 1 to 3 weeks to return to normal.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice pack and your child's skin.
• Protect your child's eye from further injury. Until the eye is healed, avoid activities where it could get hit.
• Ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). No one younger than 20 should take aspirin. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness. Do not give naproxen (Aleve) to a child younger than 12 unless your doctor says it's okay. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.