Master the Winning Move: How to Treat a Black Eye Like a Champion and Bounce Back Stronger!

Ever wonder why, back in the day, a good old T-bone steak was the prized weapon against the dreaded black eye? It might seem quirky now, but before ice packs became household staples, chilled meat was the go-to savior to cool swelling and soothe those painful shiners. As someone who’s spent years mastering the art of fitness and the science behind recovery, I find it fascinating how our approach to healing has evolved, blending wisdom from the past with modern know-how. Black eyes might look dramatic, but they often hide simple truths about trauma and resilience — and knowing how to handle them quickly can make all the difference. Ready to get your geek on about self-care and manly competence? Let’s dive into the ins and outs of black eye treatment to keep you sharp and ready for whatever life throws your way. LEARN MORE

An important part of manhood has always been about having the competence to be effective in the world — having the breadth of skills, the savoir-faire, to handle any situation you find yourself in. With that in mind, each Sunday we’ll be republishing one of the illustrated guides from our archives, so you can hone your manly know-how week by week.

If you were a kid in the 1950s and you got socked during a playground fight, chances are the remedy for your ensuing black eye would involve a nice T-bone steak. Before ice packs were widely available, chilled meat was the go-to household remedy for treating a black eye because it offered a way to cool the area and decrease swelling without applying raw ice. Nowadays, we’ve got more tools and a bit more knowledge at our disposal when it comes to the treatment of shiners.

Black eyes happen when there is trauma to the area. The color comes from bleeding that occurs under the skin near the eye. In most cases, black eyes aren’t serious. But, they can signal a more significant injury. If you have double vision, blood showing in the white part of your eyeball, vomiting, or dizziness, you should see a doctor right away. Black eyes can be signs of more severe injuries, like skull fractures. But, for commonplace black eyes, here’s what to do to get them healed up as quickly as possible.

Like this illustrated guide? Then you’re going to love our book The Illustrated Art of Manliness! Pick up a copy on Amazon.