How can you speed up the healing of green bruises. What home remedies are most effective for fading bruises. Which treatments provide the fastest relief for bruise pain and swelling. When should you seek medical attention for a bruise.
Understanding the Bruise Healing Process
Bruises occur when blood vessels beneath the skin rupture due to impact or injury. As the body begins to heal, bruises typically change color over time – often progressing from reddish-purple to bluish-green before fading to yellow. But why do bruises turn green specifically?
The green hue results from the breakdown of hemoglobin in the escaped blood. As red blood cells decompose, they release a compound called biliverdin, which has a green pigment. This stage usually occurs around 5-10 days after the initial injury.
While bruises will heal naturally over time, there are several ways to potentially speed up the process and reduce associated pain or swelling. Let’s explore some of the most effective remedies for getting rid of green bruises.
Cold Therapy: The First Line of Defense
Applying cold therapy immediately after an injury is one of the most crucial steps in minimizing bruise formation and speeding healing. How does ice help with bruises?
- Constricts blood vessels to reduce bleeding into surrounding tissues
- Decreases inflammation and swelling
- Numbs the area to alleviate pain
For optimal results, apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. Be sure not to apply ice directly to the skin to avoid tissue damage.
DIY Cold Compress Options
Don’t have an ice pack on hand? Try these alternatives:
- A bag of frozen vegetables (peas work well)
- Ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag
- A cold, damp washcloth
Heat Therapy: Promoting Circulation and Healing
Once 48-72 hours have passed since the initial injury, heat therapy can be beneficial in promoting healing of green bruises. How does heat help bruises fade?
Applying heat increases blood circulation to the area, which helps to:
- Dissolve and clear away trapped blood
- Reduce muscle tension and stiffness
- Alleviate residual pain
Use a heating pad, warm compress, or take a warm bath for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times daily. Be cautious not to use excessive heat that could cause burns or further tissue damage.
Topical Treatments: Natural Remedies for Bruise Healing
Several natural topical treatments may help speed up the healing process of green bruises. These remedies often contain compounds with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or circulation-boosting properties.
Arnica: Nature’s Bruise Healer
Arnica montana, a flowering herb, has been used for centuries to treat bruises and other minor injuries. How does arnica work on bruises?
- Contains helenalin, which has anti-inflammatory effects
- May improve circulation to the affected area
- Potentially reduces swelling and discoloration
Apply arnica gel or cream to the bruised area 2-3 times daily, avoiding broken skin. A 2010 study found that topical arnica ointment effectively reduced laser-induced bruising, supporting its traditional use.
Vitamin K Cream: Boosting Clotting Factors
Vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting and may help accelerate bruise healing when applied topically. A small 2002 study showed that vitamin K cream reduced the severity of bruising after laser treatments.
Gently massage vitamin K cream into the bruised area twice daily. Look for creams specifically formulated for bruise treatment, which often contain additional beneficial ingredients.
Aloe Vera: Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory
Aloe vera gel is renowned for its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. How can aloe vera help with bruises?
- Contains compounds that reduce inflammation and promote healing
- Provides a cooling sensation that may alleviate pain
- Moisturizes the skin, potentially preventing further damage
Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the bruised area several times a day. Ensure you’re using 100% pure aloe vera without added fragrances or chemicals that could irritate the skin.
Compression and Elevation: Minimizing Swelling and Discoloration
Two simple yet effective techniques for reducing bruise severity are compression and elevation. How do these methods aid in bruise healing?
Compression Benefits
- Limits blood flow to the area, reducing swelling
- Prevents further leakage from damaged blood vessels
- May provide pain relief by stabilizing the affected area
Apply an elastic bandage snugly (but not too tightly) around the bruised area. Remove the bandage periodically to allow for normal circulation.
Elevation Advantages
- Promotes drainage of excess fluid from the bruised area
- Reduces pressure and swelling
- Can alleviate pain and discomfort
Elevate the bruised area above heart level whenever possible, especially when resting or sleeping. Use pillows or cushions to prop up the affected limb comfortably.
Nutritional Support: Boosting Healing from Within
While topical treatments can be effective, supporting your body’s natural healing processes through nutrition is equally important. Certain nutrients play key roles in bruise healing and prevention.
Vitamin C: Collagen Production and Antioxidant Support
Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, which helps strengthen blood vessel walls and promotes skin healing. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, reducing inflammation. How can you incorporate more vitamin C into your diet?
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli and Brussels sprouts
- Leafy greens like kale and spinach
Consider taking a vitamin C supplement if you struggle to get enough through diet alone. Topical vitamin C serums may also be beneficial when applied directly to the bruised area.
Bromelain: Enzyme Power from Pineapples
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, has potent anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce bruising and swelling. How can bromelain assist in bruise healing?
- Breaks down proteins involved in the inflammatory response
- May improve circulation to the affected area
- Potentially speeds up the removal of damaged tissue
Eating fresh pineapple or drinking pineapple juice can provide some bromelain, but supplements are often more concentrated. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Bruises
While most bruises are harmless and will heal on their own, certain situations may warrant medical attention. When should you be concerned about a bruise?
- The bruise is extremely large or painful
- Bruises appear frequently without known cause
- The bruise doesn’t start to fade after two weeks
- You develop a fever or signs of infection around the bruise
- The bruise is near your eye or affects your vision
- You’re taking blood thinners and develop large or frequent bruises
If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about your bruising, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
Prevention: Minimizing Future Bruising
While it’s impossible to prevent all bruises, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of frequent or severe bruising. How can you reduce your likelihood of developing bruises?
- Wear protective gear during sports and physical activities
- Ensure your home is free of tripping hazards
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and K
- Stay hydrated to keep your skin and blood vessels healthy
- Exercise regularly to improve circulation and strengthen blood vessels
- Be mindful of medications that may increase bruising (e.g., blood thinners, certain supplements)
By implementing these preventive measures and using the remedies discussed earlier, you can effectively manage and reduce the impact of bruises on your daily life.
Remember, while green bruises may be unsightly, they are typically a normal part of the healing process. With patience and proper care, most bruises will fade within a few weeks, revealing healthy, unmarked skin beneath.
How to Get Rid of Bruises: 10 Remedies
How to Get Rid of Bruises: 10 Remedies
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You may be able to get rid of bruises faster by using ice, heat, or certain topical treatments and remedies.
Bruises are the result of some type of trauma or injury to the skin that causes blood vessels to burst. Bruises usually go away on their own, but you can take steps to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility.
The following treatments can be done at home:
1. Ice therapy
Apply ice immediately after the injury to reduce blood flow around the area. Cooling the blood vessels can reduce the amount of blood that leaks into the surrounding tissue. This can prevent the bruise from being as apparent and reduce swelling.
You can use a reusable ice pack, a bag of ice, or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth or towel. Ice the bruise for 10 minutes at a time. Wait 20 minutes before reapplying.
2. Heat
You can apply heat to boost circulation and increase blood flow. This will help to clear away the trapped blood after the bruise has already formed. Applying heat can also help to loosen tense muscles and relieve pain. You can use a heating pad or a hot water bottle. Soaking in a hot bath is another option.
3. Compression
Wrap the bruised area in an elastic bandage. This will squeeze the tissues and help prevent blood vessels from leaking. Using compression can lessen the severity of the bruise and help to reduce pain and swelling.
4. Elevation
Elevate the bruised area so that it’s above the heart. This helps to relieve pain and drain fluid away from the bruised area. Elevation can also reduce pressure and compression. This gives you the perfect chance to rest and relax, which can also help the healing process.
5. Arnica
Arnica is a homeopathic herb that is said to reduce inflammation and swelling, thus making it an ideal treatment for bruising. A 2010 study found that topical arnica ointment effectively reduced laser-induced bruising. You can use an arnica ointment or gel on the bruise a few times per day.
6. Vitamin K cream
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps with blood clotting. Vitamin K cream was shown to reduce the severity of bruising after laser treatment in a small 2002 study. To use this treatment, gently rub vitamin K cream onto the bruise at least two times per day.
7. Aloe vera
Aloe vera has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation. You can apply it topically to the affected area. Make sure to use a gel that is pure aloe vera. Read the label carefully to check for additives.
8. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to promote wound healing. You can also find gels, creams, or serums that contain vitamin C. You can apply these topically. You can also take it as a supplement. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as well.
9. Pineapple
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in pineapple. Bromelain can help to reduce the severity of the bruise and reduce inflammation. You can eat pineapple or take bromelain supplements. You can also apply it topically as a cream.
10. Comfrey
Comfrey is a plant that is often used to treat skin ailments and inflammation. Comfrey cream has been shown to have healing powers that can be used to treat bruises.
You can apply the cream to your bruise a few times a day. You can also make a compress using dried comfrey leaves. Steep the leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes. Then strain out the liquid and wrap the leaves in a towel or cloth. Apply it to the bruised area.
Bruises may take a few weeks to heal. Take care to rest your body to allow for maximum healing. Using some of the home remedies described here can help to speed up the healing process. Keep an eye on your progression. Keep in mind that bruises can be the result of a severe sprain or fracture. Call your doctor if:
- the injury seemed minor, but you’re still experiencing pain after three days
- you develop a lump over your bruise
- you seem to be bruising for no reason
- you notice blood in your urine or stool
These are symptoms of a more serious injury.
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Last medically reviewed on June 1, 2017
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Leu S, et al. (2010). Accelerated resolution of laser-induced bruising with topical 20% arnica: a rater-blinded randomized controlled trial [Abstract]. DOI:
10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.09813.x - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). Bruise: first aid.
mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-bruise/basics/art-20056663 - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Sprain: first aid.
mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-sprain/basics/art-20056622 - Nutrition and pain: specific nutrients and botanicals. (2016).
mayoclinic.org/nutrition-and-pain/art-20208638?pg=2 - Rathnavelu V, et al. (2016). Potential role of bromelain in clinical and therapeutic applications. DOI: 10.3892/br.2016.720
- Self-care approaches to treating pain. (2016).
mayoclinic.org/self-care-approaches-to-treating-pain/art-20208634 - Shah NS, et al. (2002). The effects of topical vitamin K on bruising after laser treatment [Abstract].
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12140470 - Shenefelt PD. (2011). Herbal medicine: biomolecular and clinical aspects (2nd edition).
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92761/ - Staiger C. (2012). Comfrey: a clinical overview.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3491633/ - Telang PS. (2013). Vitamin C in dermatology.
idoj.in/text.asp?2013/4/2/143/110593 - Vitamin K [Fact sheet]. (2016).
ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Feb 6, 2023
Written By
Emily Cronkleton
Edited By
Stassi Myer – CE
Jun 1, 2017
Medically Reviewed By
Elaine K. Luo, MD
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Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D. — By Emily Cronkleton — Updated on February 6, 2023
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How to Get Rid of Bruises
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How to Get Rid of Bruises
Make Bruises Go Away
In the hustle and bustle of today’s fast-paced society, it’s inevitable to bump into things. Have you ever banged your knee on the door jam taking a corner too fast? Maybe you’ve tripped over a pair of shoes during a midnight bathroom trip or knocked your arm on the side of your car door trying to grab the groceries. Bumps, falls, and knocks happen to the best of us, and many times they lead to unsightly bruises.
Bruising is a normal response to any injury. Even the smallest impact can leave behind a horrible looking bruise. While bruises usually go away on their own, there are several steps you can take to lessen the pain and reduce visibility. Let’s take a closer look at how to get rid of bruises and when to see a doctor.
What Is a Bruise?
You’ve most likely been bruised a few times in your life. Whether it’s from learning how to walk, gym class, playing a sport, or just being clumsy, bruises are common in every phase of life. That’s because they occur from tiny blood vessels beneath the skin that can be easily damaged by even the smallest injury.
When you sustain an injury, those tiny blood vessels burst and bleed. When there’s no visible cut or break in the skin, the blood remains trapped beneath the skin’s surface, causing a bruise.
As your injury heals, the blood is eventually reabsorbed by the body. In the meantime, you’re left with a gray, bluish, or purple patch where the injury occurred. Over its life-cycle, your bruise may change different colors as it heals. Bruises can also be very tender to the touch.
What Causes a Bruise? Are There Different Types of Bruises?
Almost all bruises are a result of physical injury. The most common causes of bruises are:
- Sports injuries
- Concussions
- Head injuries
- Muscle sprains
- Blunt Force Trauma
- Certain medications, especially blood thinners
- Supplements
- Rigorous exercise
- Bleeding disorders
- Vitamin deficiencies
Certain medical conditions, such as leukemia, hemophilia, iron-deficiency anemia, and liver disease
Bruises are divided into three different types. This includes:
- Subcutaneous bruises– bruises that appear just beneath the skin.
- Intramuscular bruises– bruises that occur in underlying muscles
- Periosteal bruises– bruises that occur on the bones.
- Most bruises disappear entirely after a couple of weeks. Still, some will take longer to heal based on the severity of the damage.
- Most bruises go through four stages of discoloration during the healing process.
- A red or purple bump usually appears immediately where the injury occurred.
- After a few days, the bruise will appear blue or black.
- After 5-10 days, the bruise will turn a greenish or yellowish color as it begins to fade.
- After 10-14 days, the bruise appears light brown and color and gets lighter each day until it fades completely.
How to Get Rid of Bruises
The only way to get rid of bruises is to speed up the healing process to lessen the pain and reduce visibility. Apply ice immediately after the injury. Apply heat to bruises that have already formed to clear up the trapped blood. Compression, elevation, and a bruise-healing diet can also help speed up the healing process.
Speeding Up the Healing Process to Reduce Pain and Visibility
Bruises can be challenging to treat because the damage is beneath your skin. The most effective way to heal a bruise is to take care of your body and give it time. However, there are things you can do at home to speed up the healing process, minimize the appearance of bruises, and even diminish the severity of your injury at the onset.
Should You Ice a Bruise?
Absolutely. An ice pack, bag of ice, or anything frozen placed on an injury when it occurs helps reduce the amount of blood that leaks from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. Putting ice on a fresh bruise can prevent severe discoloration.
You can also apply ice to already formed bruises in 10-minute on, 20-minute off increments to help speed up the healing process.
Rest
When you sustain an injury, you should stop what you’re doing and take some time to assess the damage. This is particularly true when it comes to bruises. If you bang your knee in the middle of a workout, get off your feet and rest. This will slow down blood flow to your bruise, making it less prevalent than it would be if you continue your workout.
Don’t massage or rub the injury because you can break more blood vessels in the process. Instead, give yourself time for the pain and swelling to subside and apply ice immediately and as needed.
Apply Heat
Once the bruise has already formed, you can apply heat to help clear up the trapped blood under your skin. Applying heat will also boost circulation and increase blood flow.
Use a heating pad, a hot water bottle, or soak in a warm bath. This will also help loosen tight muscles and relieve any pain associated with your injury.
Elevate Your Injury
Elevate the bruised injury above the level of your heart. Thanks to gravity, this helps relieve pain and drain fluid away from the bruise. When the sore spot is below the level of your heart, it’s easier for your blood to pool, leading to the appearance of more significant bruises.
Elevation reduces pressure and compression. It also increases blood flow back to your heart and away from your injury.
Use Compression
If possible, wrap the bruised area with an elastic bandage. This will squeeze the tissues around your injury, preventing the blood vessels from leaking any more.
When your injury occurs, adding compression can lessen the severity of your bruise, reduce pain, and alleviate inflammation.
Follow a Bruise-Healing Diet
It’s no secret that the food you eat has a significant impact on your health. The same is true when it comes to healing injuries and bruises.
There are two ways that the foods we eat can help with bruising:
- Some foods strengthen the blood vessels in your body, which may minimize bruising altogether.
- Other foods keep your body’s tissues and skin healthy and flexible. This can help prevent and heal bruises.
- To aid in minimizing, preventing and healing bruises, incorporate the following foods into your diet regularly:
- Pineapple gives your body a natural dose of bromelain. This has been known to help heal bruises faster, reduce the severity of bruises, and combat inflammation.
- Fruits with natural quercetin, such as apples, citrus, red onion, leafy green vegetables, and dark-colored berries, help strengthen the blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
- Lean protein also helps strengthen the blood vessels. Stick to protein sources that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol, such as fish, poultry, tofu, and other lean meat.
- Foods with vitamin K help prevent deficiency and reduce the presence of bruising. Excellent sources of vitamin K include kale, spinach, broccoli, lettuce, soybeans, Brussel sprouts, blueberries, and strawberries.
- Foods rich in Zinc help the body heal and strengthen the body tissues. Good sources include crab, lobster, pumpkin seeds, legumes, and spinach.
- As always, following a healthy diet can keep your body functioning at its best.
When to Visit an Urgent Care Nearby
While bruises are common and not usually a cause for concern, there are some cases where you should see a doctor or visit an urgent care nearby.
Visit an urgent care or doctor for bruises:
- Accompanied by extreme pain and severe inflammation
- That occur under a fingernail or toenail and are accompanied by severe pain
- That do not improve within two weeks or won’t go away
- Occurring frequently or excessively
- Significant appearing in patients who take blood-thinning medications
- Appearing for no reason or not associated with a known injury
- That appears suddenly after starting a new medicine or supplement
- Appearing in strange places, like the back or abdomen
- On the head that are accompanied by:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blacking out
- Loss of memory
- On the face, especially above or under the eye, that is accompanied by:
- Loss of vision
- Vision changes
- Headache
You should also go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility if you think you have a broken bone along with your bruising.
University Urgent Care is here to provide medical care to anyone on or near the TCU campus in Fort Worth, Texas. If you’ve sustained an injury that caused bruising, we’ll be happy to assess your situation and provide the best treatment option to help heal your injury correctly.
Our compassionate and qualified medical team is available seven days a week, from 10 AM to 8 PM. Give us a call at (817) 439-9539, book an appointment online, or simply stop in for immediate care for patients of all ages.
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Hitting a coffee table, slipping on ice… We all know how bruises form and bruises are formed. What causes bruises and how to eliminate them faster?
A bruise is an injury to the small blood vessels under the skin. If the skin itself is not damaged, blood accumulates under it and begins to clot, appearing as colored spots. Along with bruises, bruises of soft tissues, muscles and bones are possible. The more serious the injury, the more bruising at the site of injury. Bruises are usually more swollen and painful to the touch than minor bruises on the skin.
You may not know, but bruises have their own classification. Two main types can be distinguished:
- Ecchymosis. Such a bruise is formed when blood from ruptured blood vessels seeps into the upper layers of the skin. A bruise under the eye is a typical example.
- Hematomas. They develop when blood thickens and forms a lump under the skin. The site of injury may be swollen and painful. Head injuries often cause hematomas because the scalp contains many blood vessels that are prone to rupture. A typical example is a bump on the forehead.
By the way, any injury to the head or near the eye can be serious and should be seen by a doctor.
A bruise is usually the result of an external force, such as being struck by something, but there are other causes, including certain medical conditions, such as kidney or liver damage. Bruising can be caused by medical procedures or medications, including the anticoagulant warfarin. Bruising also contributes to the thinning of the skin associated with aging.
Most bruises are minor and heal within a couple of weeks. Do not be intimidated by the many shades of bruising that may appear during its transformation. This is part of the healing process – the body breaks down the blood into its constituents. Here’s what to expect:
- after an injury, a bruise is usually red or purple;
- within a few days, this area may turn black, blue or purple;
- after 5-10 days the bruise is likely to become yellowish or greenish;
- after 10-14 days, it will reach the final stage of healing – the bruise usually turns brown and brightens until it completely disappears.
But two weeks is a long time! Especially if there is a bruise on the face. To speed up healing, minimize swelling, discoloration and pain, you need to do a few simple manipulations immediately after the injury:
1. Apply a cold compress to the injury site, for example, any frozen product wrapped in a towel, but no more than 20 minutes (a cold compress left for a long time can cause frostbite). Then take it off and put it back on after 30 minutes. Do this as often as possible for two days.
2. After two days, apply a heating pad or warm compress to the bruised area. For leg or arm injuries, raise the limb above the level of the heart so that blood and fluids do not accumulate in the injured area.
3. Use over-the-counter pain relievers.
4. Lightly massage the affected area to improve blood flow.
These steps will help reduce the bruise, but it will still show up. How long it takes to heal depends entirely on the sensitivity of your skin. But there are home remedies that are safe to treat and can help get rid of bruises faster.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce pain. Aloe vera gel applied to the site of the bruise speeds up the healing process. It also helps reduce blood clotting.
Pineapple
This fruit contains bromelain, which is a mixture of enzymes and has anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain helps heal bruising and swelling when applied to the skin. Eating fresh pineapple also helps to get rid of the bruise faster. But if you are allergic to pineapple, you should not use this option.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with swelling. Mix it with water in a ratio of 2:1, soak a clean cloth in the solution and apply it to the bruise for 10-15 minutes.
Lavender oil
This oil is suitable for all skin types and can be safely used directly on the affected area. Take cold water and add 2-3 drops of lavender oil to it. Dampen a clean cloth with water and wipe the bruised area.
Bruise Diet
Some foods also affect how long bruises take to heal. They will help strengthen blood vessels and reduce the severity of bruising. If you are injured, include in your diet:
- citrus fruits – oranges, tangerines and lemons;
- foods rich in vitamin K – spinach, broccoli, lettuce, soybeans, strawberries and blueberries;
- fruits with natural quercetin – apples, onions, cherries and leafy green vegetables;
- lean protein – fish, poultry, tofu, and lean meats.
Popular Questions and Answers
We asked a hematologist Ksenia Bocharova, a hematologist, about the treatment of bruises.
How long can a bruise last?
A bruise is a type of hematoma. In the first hours, we see nothing but a slight swelling and slight redness at the site of injury. The bruise itself begins to develop after a day. On average, any bruise appears and disappears in about two weeks.
Why is a bruise dangerous?
The bruise itself is not dangerous. And it can’t be treated at all. If the bruise is on the face, it can simply be masked, for example, with foundation.
When should you see a doctor about a bruise?
If a person immediately develops bruises at the slightest touch to hard objects (wardrobe, chair), you need to see a doctor. Most likely we are talking about some kind of hematological disease – thrombophilia, thrombocytopathy, pathology of the vascular wall. Such symptoms should not be ignored.
Bruising may occur after taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. They increase the tendency to bruise, especially when overdosed. In this case, it is also worth visiting a doctor and discussing treatment with him.
It is important that the doctor see a patient who bruises spontaneously. For example, he lies, sits, does nothing, and then once – a hemorrhage appears before his eyes. These can be cases of a rare pathology, for example, hemophilia, when, with the slightest injury, large bruises, large bruises appear on the body, tense and painful, which compress the surrounding tissues.
Is it possible to get rid of a bruise using traditional methods?
Yes, there are folk remedies that speed up the development of a bruise, and there are three of them in color:
● purple-blue;
● blue-red;
● yellow-green.
Of the medicines available at the pharmacy, these are ointments containing heparin. They accelerate the development of a bruise, and these three stages will not pass in two weeks, but a little faster.
Is it possible to get rid of a bruise in one day?
Three stages have not been canceled, and the bruise will go through them anyway. And, unfortunately, it is impossible to get rid of a bruise in one day, you can only speed up the process a little so that the stages change each other faster, the bruise turns yellow-green and disappears.
Is it possible to remove bruises in one day – a hematologist explains the procedure
- Health
If we fall, hit sharp corners or drop something heavy on the leg, bruises and bruises can result. They look creepy and ruin the look. Can they be removed quickly?
February 25, 20236
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Bruises can appear on any part of the body and on the face. Usually they are the result of mechanical trauma – impact, fall, strong compression. If the formation of a bruise was preceded by an injury, you just have to make sure that there are no more serious injuries. But if bruises and bruises appear from scratch, it is worth visiting a doctor and taking blood tests for clotting.
In addition to being painful if it is an injury, the appearance of bruised skin is not the most aesthetic. Of course, over time, it passes, but is it possible to speed up this process? Doctor Peter talked about this with Galina Kuznetsova, a hematologist and therapist at the CMD Center for Molecular Diagnostics in St. Petersburg.
What is a bruise?
The word “bruise” is the popular name for a subcutaneous hematoma. With this problem, for various reasons, there is a violation of the integrity of the vascular wall, blood enters the tissues, impregnates them . Then the hematoma gradually resolves and the symptoms regress – the bruise “blooms”, turning from purple-blue into greenish, yellowish and brownish.
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In the first hours after injury
Outwardly, the stages of hematoma resorption differ from each other. At the time of hematoma formation, the skin color is purple-red, swelling and pain appear in this area. The color is due to erythrocytes – red blood cells that contain hemoglobin – a red pigment. Crimson color usually lasts for several hours .
At this stage, help lies in the local cooling of the hematoma area, pressing the tissues for a few minutes. An elevated position for the legs or arms will be useful. Rubbing, warming compresses, massage will bring harm at this moment.
Any cold object can be used for cooling, but if using frozen food or ice, be careful not to get frostbite. Ice is usually put in a bag and wrapped in a towel. The duration of use is 10-20 minutes, the procedure can be repeated for several hours.
When the bruise “blooms”
Then there is a successive “blooming” of the hematoma – the sequential transformation of hemoglobin in the tissues. After a few hours, the bruise turns blue-violet . At this point, the cooling value is stored, thermal procedures are not shown. A few days later, the shade of the bruise becomes green, the swelling subsides, then it turns yellow, and the hematoma is completely resolved by the 5-7th day.
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There is no single answer to the question of how to treat a bruise. Let’s figure it out. Different situations require a different approach. To begin with, an important point is the answer to the question of pathological bruises or physiological. For example, with a family history of bleeding, the appearance of spontaneous or unusual hematomas, you do not need to self-medicate, contact a general practitioner or hematologist, hematomas in this case can be a symptom of serious illness.
Paraorbital hematoma (symmetrical bruising around the eyes) after a head injury is a reason for urgent hospitalization. The appearance of contact hematomas after taking painkillers can be a symptom of hidden problems with the hemostasis system – blood clotting – this is also a reason to consult a doctor.
After trauma or injections
On the other hand, bruising after injection procedures, for example, is not considered a pathology, and the process of resorption of the hematoma can be accelerated by several days. Let’s look at the drugs that can be used.
Ointments and gels based on heparin : heparin ointment, hepatrombin, lyoton have an anti-inflammatory effect, improve hematoma resorption due to the anticoagulant effect. Do not apply to damaged skin and in the earliest period of hematoma.
Troxevasin ointment , troxerutin – reduce swelling and accelerate the regression of hematoma.
Badyaga – ointment and cream based on freshwater sponge and silicon oxide – increase blood circulation and promote resorption of the hematoma.