Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is a Bruise? How Long Do Bruises Last? The color of the bruise can give you an idea how old it is: When you first get a bruise, it's kind of reddish as the blood appears under the skin. Within 1 or 2 days, the hemoglobin an iron-containing substance that carries oxygen in the blood changes and your bruise turns bluish-purple or even blackish.
After 5 to 10 days, the bruise turns greenish or yellowish. Then, after 10 or 14 days, it turns yellowish-brown or light brown. Finally, after about 2 weeks, your bruise fades away.
Who Gets Bruises? Bruising depends on several things, such as: how tough the skin tissue is whether someone has certain diseases or conditions whether a person's taking certain medications Also, blood vessels tend to become fragile as people get older, which is why elderly people tend to bruise more easily. Take acetaminophen for pain, if needed. When Should I Call the Doctor? Minor bruises are easily treated, but it's probably best to talk to a doctor if: A bruise isn't improving after 2 weeks.
If the bruise causes severe pain or if there is another sign that blood circulation has changed in the region, such as swelling of the affected limb or severe redness, you should also go to the hospital to rule out other more serious problems such as thrombosis.
The main causes of bruising are traumas to the affected area, which can occur while practicing sport, due to falling, accidents involving heavy objects or car accidents, for example. However, a bruise may arise due to any number of reasons, such as an injection, when blood is drawn for testing, after the use of suction cups when you use alternative therapies, being very common after aesthetic procedures such as liposuction and cryolipolysis.
Usually these bruises are not severe and disappear on their own, but the use of ice and warm compresses can help eliminate them more quickly. In addition, bruising may also occur as a result of a coagulation disorder, so depending on its extent and severity you should seek medical help because it may indicate severe bleeding. Health , Nutrition and Welfare in a simple and accessible language. Useful information on remedies, diseases, examinations and treatments of traditional and alternative medicine.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, heat can also help clear up a bruise. Marino says heat works by increasing blood flow to the bruised area, which can help your body break up and reabsorb the trapped blood. According to Mariano, it's best to avoid heat at first. Instead, you should opt for remedies like ice to decrease inflammation.
But after 48 hours, you can apply a heating pad or warm towel to the bruised area for about 10 to 15 minutes. Marino says it should be warm, but not to the point where it is uncomfortable to have on your skin. You can repeat this several times throughout the day. When you put pressure on an injured area, it can decrease swelling and prevent the injured blood vessels from leaking, which reduces the severity of the bruise , Marino says.
Use an elastic bandage to firmly wrap the bruised region. The bandage should be tight, but not so tight that it causes discomfort, says Marino. Compression should be used in the first hours as that is when it is most beneficial in decreasing swelling and pain, Marino says, and it's best to combine elevation and compression when possible. If you can manage to elevate your bruise, gravity will pull the blood down, away from the wound, which can reduce the amount of blood that leaks out thereby minimizing any swelling and black-and-blue splotching.
Marino says it's best to elevate the injured area above the level of your heart when possible. For example, if your ankle is bruised, try lying flat on your back with your foot propped up on a few pillows to use gravity to your advantage. However, depending on the body part, this method may not always be possible.
For centuries, a herb called arnica has been used for medicinal purposes, says Marino. In his own practice Marino says his patients have reported that arnica has helped bruising clear up faster.
Apply a thin layer of arnica cream or gel to the bruised area.
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