Bruising
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What you should know about bruising treatments
Bruising occurs when small blood vessels under the skin burst due to an impact, compression, or over-rotation. The leaked blood pools near the surface, causing discoloration.
Most bruises heal within 1 to 2 weeks. The color of the bruise will change as it heals, starting red, then turning black, blue, or purple, and eventually fading to green, yellow, or light brown.
You should consult a healthcare provider if you have frequent, unexplained bruises, very large or painful bruises, bruises that don’t heal after two weeks, or if bruising occurs without any obvious injury.
Most bruises heal on their own, but you can reduce pain and swelling by applying a cold compress, elevating the affected area, and taking over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen if necessary.
Bruises typically change color as they heal:
Light brown: Fading phase
Red: Fresh bruise
Black/Blue/Purple: 1–2 days old
Green/Yellow: 5–10 days old
Yes, blood thinners, aspirin, and some anti-inflammatory medications can increase the likelihood of bruising by reducing your blood’s ability to clot.
Factors such as age, certain medications, skin tone, and underlying health conditions like blood disorders can make some people more prone to bruising.
While you can’t completely prevent bruising, you can reduce your risk by wearing protective gear during activities, keeping your living space safe, and avoiding medications that thin your blood without consulting your doctor.
Additional information
What is a Bruise?
Understanding Bruising
Bruises are a common part of life, despite their unsightly appearance and occasional discomfort. They occur when an injury damages blood vessels without breaking the skin, causing blood to leak and collect beneath the surface. While most bruises heal on their own, unexplained bruising without a clear cause may indicate an issue with your blood clotting and should be checked by a doctor.
Why Do Bruises Occur?
- Injury without Skin Break: Bruising happens when an impact or compression causes small blood vessels to rupture, and the leaked blood gathers near the skin.
- Athletic Activity: Activities like grappling can frequently lead to bruising from repeated impacts.
- Visible Appearance: The bruise may initially appear red, purple, blue, or black, and gradually change color as the body reabsorbs the blood.
The Color of a Bruise
- New Bruises: Start off red due to oxygen-rich blood.
- Changing Colors: As the bruise ages, it shifts to blue or purple, then green or yellow, and finally fades to light brown.
- Severity Indicator: The darker the bruise, the more severe the injury, as more blood vessels have burst. Swelling can also contribute to discomfort and affect movement.
When is Bruising a Concern?
- Unexplained Bruising: Bruising without an obvious cause may signal problems with your clotting mechanisms.
- Serious Conditions: Conditions like liver disease can impair clotting factor production, while leukemia may reduce platelet counts, making bruising more likely. Blood thinners can also increase the risk and severity of bruising.
- Impact on Function: Severe bruising may affect muscle function and joint movement due to swelling.
Diagnosing Bruising
- Visual Inspection: A bruise is typically diagnosed by its appearance. However, if you can’t identify a clear cause, further tests may be necessary.
- Additional Tests: In cases of unexplained bruising, your doctor may order blood tests or imaging studies to assess clotting function and rule out underlying conditions.
Treating Bruises
- Self-Care: Most bruises require little treatment. Rest, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Severe Cases: If a bruise is very painful or extensive, consult your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
Preventing Bruising
- Safety Measures: Minimize risks by keeping your environment free of hazards to avoid accidental injuries.
- Care During Activities: Be cautious during physical activities, such as sports or grappling, where impacts are common.
- Hygiene and Health: Maintaining overall health and managing conditions like liver disease or diabetes can help prevent excessive bruising.
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Superintendant Pharmacist, Independent Prescriber
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