Bruising how long to heal

Do not apply a cold pack directly to the skin, as this can cause further injury. When a person applies ice to a new bruise, it helps to slow bleeding down and lessen the swelling. This can reduce the overall size of the bruise, as it prevents blood from leaking further and reduces inflammation.

Many people use arnica, quercetin, vitamin B-3, or vitamin K creams to help speed up bruise healing times. People can also use over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen Tylenol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation around the bruise.

Avoid aspirin , as it can increase bleeding. Avoiding NSAIDs may also be necessary when bruising occurs after surgery or with extensive bruises, as these drugs risk worsening the bleeding. The use of a soft elastic wrap, during waking hours, for the first 1—2 days can help decrease bruising and discomfort after an injury. The wrap should be firm but not tight. Numbness, tingling or increased discomfort means the wrap should be loosened or removed.

Elevating the bruised area has a similar effect to icing the bruise. It helps prevent the bruise from getting bigger. The individual should raise the affected area to a comfortable position. A person should seek medical attention any time they have the following symptoms or issues associated with bruising:.

Those taking prescription blood thinners, such as warfarin Coumadin , should notify their doctor if they experience any falls or signficant injuries. A doctor can help determine if there is a more severe condition or cause of the bruising that the person does not know about themselves. Bruising takes on many colors as the body works to heal an injury.

It is normal for a bruise to change color over time. Our compassionate and qualified medical team is available seven days a week, from 10 AM to 8 PM. Give us a call at , book an appointment online, or simply stop in for immediate care for patients of all ages. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.

How to Get Rid of Bruises Dr. What Is a Bruise? 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 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 days, the bruise will turn a greenish or yellowish color as it begins to fade. After 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.

Speeding Up the Healing Process to Reduce Pain and Visibility Bruises can be challenging to treat because the damage is beneath your skin. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:. Enter T in the search box to learn more about "Bruises: Care Instructions".

Author: Healthwise Staff. Blahd Jr. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Over that time, the bruise changes color as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood. The color of the bruise can give you an idea how old it is:. Anyone can get a bruise. Some people bruise easily, while others don't. Bruising depends on several things, such as:. Also, blood vessels tend to become fragile as people get older, which is why elderly people tend to bruise more easily.

Apply a cold compress to the bruise to help slow down the blood that's flowing to the area, which decreases the amount of blood that ends up leaking into the tissues. It also helps keep the inflammation and swelling down. All you have to do is apply cold to the bruise for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for a day or two after the bruise appears.

You don't need to buy a special cold pack, although they're great to keep on hand in the freezer. Just get some ice, put it in a plastic bag, and wrap the bag in a cloth or a towel and place it on the bruise don't apply the ice directly to the skin.