Bruises can occur easily from everyday bumps and knocks. While rarely serious, these darkened skin areas caused by bleeding under the skin may benefit from some simple first aid while healing. By understanding bruise causes and applying appropriate early home treatment, we can help facilitate recovery.
How Bruises Form After Injuries
Bruising develops when physical trauma causes tiny blood vessels under the skin called capillaries to rupture. Blood leaks into surrounding tissues, causing pain and the reddish-purple skin discoloration we associate with bruises. Areas like the arms and legs with minimal fat under the skin show bruises more readily than other spots around the body.
Self-Care First Aid Guidance for Bruises
Here’s what you can do!
- Rest the Injured Area Avoid using or putting weight on newly bruised body parts whenever possible. This prevents further bruisingand bleeding under the skin. Take particular care with extensive leg or foot bruising after falls or trauma.
- Apply Cold Compresses Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and place gently on the bruised area for 10-20 minutes several times a day. The cold reduces bleeding and pain messages transmitted by nerves. Do not apply ice directly to bare skin. Instant Cold Packs are often included in first aid kits.
- Compress with Elastic Bandage Firmly wrapping an elastic bandage around an arm or leg bruise limits swelling formation. Do not pull excessively tight or leave bandages on for prolonged periods without rechecking for normal circulation indicated by pink fingers or toes. Remove compression wrappers at night or if tingling or increased pain develops.
- Elevate the Injured Area Position bruised extremities like arms and ankles above the level of the heart whenever possible. This utilizes gravity to reduce blood flow and hemorrhaging impacts minimizing bruise spread.
Seek Medical Care for Severe Bruising
While most minor bruises heal fully within 2-4 weeks, some warrant evaluation and care beyond basic first aid:
- Unexplained or expanding bruising in infants
- Bruises accompanied by significant swelling or lumps
- Groin, neck, head or torso bruising after trauma
- Bruises hindering use of joints or normal function
- Extensive multi-area bruising in non-mobile individuals
- At times internal bleeding can give a bruise like appearance.
Addressing bruise concerns promptly assists recovery and reduces risks if underlying internal bleeding or fractures occur. Knowing when to access emergency care amplifies the healing benefits of home first aid for troublesome bruises resulting from injuries.