My son has a black eye. What will help to take the swelling down?

Symptoms of black eye can vary considerably depending on the cause and the severity. Usually, there is pain and swelling, and the skin around the eye will turn violet, yellow, green or black in colour. Often the eye may become so swollen that it is impossible to open the eyelid. Headache and pain are normal reactions.

It usually takes a few days for the swelling to decrease. As long as there has not been any serious accident, a black eye rarely develops into anything more serious. It is important, however, to visit your doctor as sometimes complications may arise. These include: double vision, loss of sight, loss of consciousness, inability to move the eye, blood or clear fluid from the nose or ears, blood on the surface of the eye itself or a persistent headache, nausea and dizziness.

The best remedy for a black eye is ice and rest. Avoid putting ice directly on the injury. Cover the ice with a cloth. Ice helps to decrease swelling by constricting blood vessels. It also reduces fluid accumulation and helps reduce inflammation and pain.

Some naturopaths will recommend eating plenty of pineapples and papayas. An enzyme found in the fruit aids in healing process. Both fruits also contain vitamin C, which is essential for speedy recovery. Eating plenty of broccoli, peppers and sweet potatoes over the next few days will also help. It is also possible to get papaya capsules and bromelain from the health food shop.

Homeopathic arnica is a useful remedy. Use 30x potency tablets of Arnica Montana. Take four tablets immediately, letting them dissolve under the tongue, then four more every hour while awake the first day. The second day, cut back to four tablets every two hours, then four tablets four times a day and continue treatment for four to five days. Be sure not to handle the tablets themselves. Instead, shake them into the bottle cap and then toss them under your tongue.

It is essential that your son remains calm and relaxed. Avoid sudden movements and any kind of activity that may put further stress on the eye. The skin around the eye is extremely sensitive. It will take a few days before things begin to return to normal.

Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. If you would like a question covered, contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091- 568804.

Dr H Bhatti is the President of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and can be contacted at his clinics at Kiltartan House, Forster Street, Galway on 091-568804 or at The Village Nursing Care Centre, Ballygarriff, Craughwell on 091-777700.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment