Bruises: Care Instructions (2024)

FAQs

Bruises: Care Instructions? ›

You may want to massage the sore spot when you're resting, but it's a bad idea. That can make the injured spot worse. You may break more blood vessels under the skin and make the bruised area larger.

You may want to massage the sore spot when you're resting, but it's a bad idea. That can make the injured spot worse. You may break more blood vessels under the skin and make the bruised area larger.

Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. If you can, prop up the bruised area on pillows as much as possible for the next few days. Try to keep the bruise above the level of your heart.

Some severe bruising and hematomas can last a month or longer. However, there are some tips to help bruises dissolve quickly, including: Get proper rest and elevate the injured area to prevent swelling and help reduce pain. Apply ice: Apply ice for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury.

Reduce the appearance of bruises

Toothpaste has the ability to break up clots and increase blood flow to the area, thereby working its magic to remove the discolouration. Make sure you don't apply it too often, as it can irritate the area, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Swelling around the bruised skin. Loss of function in the affected area (joint, limb or muscle) Increased size or density. Lump under the bruise.

What are some home remedies to get rid of bruises? ›

Gently wash the area with mild soap and water to keep out germs and remove debris. To help the injured skin heal, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. Petroleum jelly prevents the wound from drying out and forming a scab; wounds with scabs take longer to heal.

Protect the area and avoid any activity that is painful or may have caused the injury. Continued activity could cause further damage. Use ice for the first 48-72 hours after an injury.

After the First 48 Hours. It is generally not recommended to ice an acute or recent injury after the first 48 hours.

Apple cider vinegar is reported to increase blood flow to an injury, thus breaking up blood clots in bruised areas. It is usually diluted with warm water and applied as a compress. Epsom salt baths relax muscles and can help reduce pain and swelling associated with bruises.

As the body heals, bruises change color, shape, and size. These changes occur as the blood's hemoglobin loses oxygen, and is broken down by your body. Bruising can take weeks to fade away, and the amount of time is different for each person. Bruised areas can swell and get worse in the first few days.

Bruises usually fade away in about 2 weeks. Over that time, the bruise changes color as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood. The color of the bruise gives an idea of how old it is: When a bruise first happens, it's looks reddish as the blood appears under the skin.

Bruises hurt, but most are not serious and will go away on their own within 2 to 4 weeks. Sometimes, gravity causes them to spread down the body. A leg bruise usually will take longer to heal than a bruise on the face or arms. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.