You can also wrap ice in a cloth or paper towel and put it on your swollen eyelid. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. It can cause frostbite and damaged skin tissues. If you know an irritant is causing your swollen eyelid, you may want to add petroleum jelly to the damp cloth before you apply it. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source

Relief from antihistamine eye drops may only last a few hours. When taking these medications, be sure to follow instructions carefully. Most of these eye drops will need to be taken several times a day. Consider eye drops that are preservative-free. Some people are sensitive or even allergic to preservatives found in eye drops. [5] X Research source Your doctor may be able to prescribe a prescription ointment or cream to relieve swelling due to an allergy. For example, desonide 0. 05% cream or alclometasone dipropionate 0. 05% cream may be applied twice daily for 5-10 days, as prescribed by your doctor. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source

Ask your pharmacist if it is okay to use these medications with other drugs. You want to make sure they do not interact with anything else you are taking and cause serious side effects. If over the counter medication doesn’t work to relieve your symptoms, your doctor may suggest prescription-strength allergy medications. Some of the strongest oral antihistamines include Clarinex and Xyzal.

Some common types of eye infections include blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), conjunctivitis (pink eye), and keratitis (infection of the cornea). If your doctor suspects that you have one of these serious eye infections, they may refer you to an optometrist. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any prescription medications.

Always be very gentle when cleaning the eyelid. Rubbing too hard may make the condition worse. You can also use an over-the-counter eyelid cleanser with a cotton swab to gently rub your eyelashes and affected lid. [10] X Research source

Always wash your eyelid again after each time you use the warm compress. Remember to always use a clean cloth. To make a warm compress, fill a bowl with warm water, making sure it is not too hot. You’ll know it’s too hot if it is uncomfortable or painful to the touch. Take a clean washcloth and submerge it completely in the water. Then, wring it out until it is just damp. Fold it, put it over your affected eye, and leave it on for several minutes. When the washcloth gets cold, repeat this process with a new, clean washcloth and bowl of warm water.

If you use ice or frozen peas, make sure you wrap it in a cloth or paper towel. If you apply ice directly on the skin, it can cause frostbite or damaged skin tissues. You can also use a cold spoon to put on the eye. Just put a metal spoon in your refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, and then gently apply the back of the spoon to the bruised eyelid. Never put frozen raw meat on an injury, as this may cause an infection.

Avoid taking Advil if you have a black eye. It is a blood thinner, so it may make bruising worse.

Use the warm compress or washcloth for about 10 minutes, 4 times a day. Make sure the water you use for the warm compress isn’t too hot. This could burn the skin around your eye. You’ll know it’s too hot if it is painful to the touch.

Always make sure your hands are clean before touching the affected area.