May 9, 2019 | Everybody has had at least one at some time in his or her life. They can range from small and inconsequential to relatively large and painful. And they can show up in every color in the rainbow. A bruise is an area of skin discoloration that occurs when small blood vessels break and leak their contents into the soft tissue beneath the skin. Also called a contusion, a bruise happens when the blood is trapped under the skin, forming a red or purplish mark that’s tender to the touch. Bruises usually fade away within a week or two and will change color as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood. At first, it may appear reddish as the blood appears under the skin but within a day or two, the hemoglobin in the blood changes and the bruise turns blueish-purple or even black. Within five to 10 days, it will turn green or yellowish and then, after 10 to 14 days, yellowish or brown before eventually fading away, becoming nothing more than just a bad memory.

May 9, 2019 | Bruises are a part of life for most people, caused by accidentally encountering something hard like a bedpost or door. Bruises are often caused by falls, sports injuries, car accidents or blows received from other people or objects. Because the skin is not broken in a bruise, there is no risk of infection. Bruises can occur in some people who exercise vigorously, such as athletes and weight lifters. These bruises result from microscopic tears in blood vessels under the skin. Unexplained bruises that occur easily or for no apparent reason may indicate a bleeding disorder, especially if the bruising is accompanied by frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums. Bruises in elderly people frequently occur because their skin has become thinner with age. The tissues that support the underlying blood vessels have become more fragile. Bruises are also more common in those taking medications like aspirin, Coumadin or Plavix to thin the blood.

May 9, 2019 | There are three types of bruises. A subcutaneous bruise occurs beneath the skin while an intramuscular bruise can develop with the belly of the underlying muscle. And then there’s a periosteal bruise, or bone bruise. A bone bruise is a traumatic injury to a bone that is less severe than a bone fracture. Bone bruises are often severe and very painful and can be caused by any kind of injury or accident. Such bruises usually have pain and tenderness in the injured area and swelling in the area and soft tissues around it. Unlike a fracture, a bone bruise doesn’t show up on an X-ray but an X-ray may be necessary to rule out a fracture. Treating a bone bruise calls for resting the bone or joint and applying ice to the area several times a day. Raising the injury above the level of the heart will reduce swelling. Certain medications may be recommended to reduce the pain and swelling while a brace or other device may be necessary to limit movement.

May 9, 2019 | If you’ve suffered a sharp, painful blow that causes a bruise, it’s important to treat the bruise immediately, while it’s still in its reddish stage. Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables to the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process. Do not apply ice directly to the skin as this can cause frostbite and damage to the delicate tissues of the skin. To reduce swelling and bruising, elevate the bruised area above the level of your heart. In other words, if the bruise is on your shin, lie down on a couch or bed and prop up your leg. This will help prevent blood from pooling in the area because more of the blood will flow back toward your heart. If you keep standing, more blood will flow to your bruised shin and the bruise will be larger. If needed, take acetaminophen to help reduce any pain. Consult with your health-care provider if there are signs of infection like a fever or streaks of redness or pus around the bruise.

May 9, 2019 | A black eye is caused by bleeding under the skin around the eye. Most injuries that cause a black eye aren’t serious. But a black eye may indicate a more serious injury, such as an internal injury to the eye or a fracture of the thin bones around the eye. You may have a skull fracture if you have double vision, bruising around both eyes, commonly called raccoon eyes, or bleeding from the nose. To care for this kind or bruising, apply a cold compress soon after the injury. Using gentle pressure, place a cold pack or a cloth filled with ice to the area around your eye. Take care not to press on the eye itself. Apply cold as soon as possible after the injury to reduce swelling. Repeat several times a day for a day or two. And look for blood. If you see it in the white or colored parts of the eye, seek urgent care by an eye specialist. Seek medical care immediately if you have vision problems, severe pain, bruising around both eyes, or bleeding in an eye or from the nose.