Fact Checked
A bruise is also called contusion or hematoma caused by bumping into something that is hard enough that can crush the blood vessels found under the skin without breaking the skin. The vessels starts to leak causing a red or purple blotch can be seen on the skin. As they start to heal, the skin becomes greenish-yellow and can last for weeks or 12 days, but sometimes they linger longer.
Causes
- Bruises can develop after performing exercises
- Sport injuries
- Banging or bumping on something that is hard
- Fragile skin
Apply an ice pack or cold compress over the affected area immediately after the injury in order to help lessen the swelling and promote fast healing of the area and also helps in preventing the condition from getting worse.
Symptoms
- There is pain and swelling of the affected area
- Presence of marks on the skin such as blue, purple, black or green
Treatment of bruises
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress over the affected area immediately after the injury in order to help lessen the swelling and promote fast healing of the area and also helps in preventing the condition from getting worse. Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes or a bag of frozen vegetables. Cover it in a clean towel or any piece of cloth and place it over the affected area for at least 15 minutes every hour.
- After 24 hours apply a warm compress to help the blood vessels open up and increase the circulation of blood in the area. Another way is soaking a cotton ball or small cloth in lukewarm water and place it on the bruise and slowly massage the area around the bruise in order to help minimize the pain and swelling.
- Elevate the affected area above the level of the heart in order to prevent pooling of blood in the bruised area and helps lessen the discoloration of the skin. If bruising occurs on the leg, sit on a coach and rest the leg on top of pillows. Make sure it is above the level of the heart. If the bruise happens on the arms, lay the arms in pillows so that the arms are at level with the heart or above. If the bruise occurs on the torso, you can apply cold compress on the affected area.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen in order to help lessen pain.
Additional measures
- Take plenty of rest in order to help in the fast healing of the affected area. Watch a movie, play a game and read books or magazines and anything that does need require physical activity. Sleep early in order to help the body repair itself.
- If the individual develops a bruise without a significant along with the development of fever with signs of infections such as pus, redness and drainage as well as severe pressure felt around the bruised area, seek medical help immediately.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/bruise
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruise
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/bruises-article#1