A black eye, medically known as a periorbital hematoma, is a common injury where blunt force trauma causes tiny blood vessels under the skin to rupture and leak blood into the surrounding tissues. Older media and folklore often depict the use of a raw steak as a remedy for the resulting swelling and discoloration. This peculiar practice is an outdated cultural reference that attempts to address the immediate symptoms of the bruise.
Deconstructing the Myth: Why Steak Was Used
The original rationale behind placing a raw steak on a black eye was based on two practical factors: temperature and form. The cold temperature of refrigerated or frozen meat provided immediate relief from pain and helped to constrict blood vessels, which slows the internal bleeding that causes swelling and bruising. This cold application mimicked the beneficial effect of a modern ice pack. A second reason for the method’s popularity was the steak’s unique physical properties. A slab of raw meat is relatively malleable and could conform more easily to the rounded contours of the eye socket compared to a rigid block of ice or a hard frozen object.
Historically, before commercial gel packs or bags of frozen vegetables were widely available, a cold piece of meat was often the most accessible item that could serve as a makeshift, conforming cold compress.
However, this practice is now considered unsafe. Raw meat, including steak, can harbor dangerous bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella on its surface. Placing raw meat directly next to the eye, a sensitive mucous membrane, creates a significant risk of introducing a serious bacterial infection. This risk far outweighs any minor, temporary cooling benefit. The perceived healing power of enzymes in the raw meat is also a myth without any scientific basis.
Proper Treatment for Bruises and Black Eyes
The correct, modern protocol for managing a black eye focuses on reducing swelling and minimizing pain without introducing infection risks. This involves the application of a clean, cold compress as soon as possible after the injury occurs. A commercial ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables, like peas, wrapped in a thin, clean cloth is preferable because the small pieces conform well to the facial structure.
The cold compress should be applied gently for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, followed by a break. This process can be repeated every hour or two during the first 24 to 48 hours to manage bleeding and swelling effectively. After the first two days, switching to a warm (not hot) compress helps promote blood flow to the area, aiding in the reabsorption of pooled blood and speeding up the bruise’s resolution.
Warning Signs for Medical Attention
While most black eyes are minor, a periorbital hematoma can sometimes mask a more serious underlying injury. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience vision changes, such as double vision, blurred vision, or partial vision loss. Persistent, severe pain, an inability to move the eye, or the presence of blood in the white part of the eye (hyphema) are also serious indications that require professional evaluation. Bruising around both eyes, sometimes called “raccoon eyes,” can signal a skull fracture and necessitates emergency care.