Bruises (Contusions) (2024)

A bruise (contusion) happenswhen a blow to your body doesn't break the skin but does break blood vessels beneath the skin. Blood leaking from the broken vessels causes redness and swelling. As it heals, your bruise is likely to turn colors like purple, green, and yellow. This is normal. The bruise should fade in 2 or 3 weeks.

Things that make you more likely to bruise

Almost everyone bruises now and then. Certain people do bruise more easily than others. You're more prone to bruising as you get older. That's because blood vessels become more fragile with age. You're also more likely to bruise if you have a clotting disorder such as hemophilia or take medicines that reduce clotting, including aspirin, nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) and blood-thinning medicines. You are also more likely to bruise if you have liver disease or drink alcohol daily.

When to go to the emergency room (ER)

Bruises almost always heal on their own without special treatment. But for some people, a bad bruise can be serious. Seek medical care if you:

Have a clotting disorder such as hemophilia
Have cirrhosis or other serious liver disease
Takeblood-thinning medicines such as heparin or warfarin

What to expect in the ER

A doctor will examine your bruise and ask about any health conditions you have. In some cases, you may have a test to check how well your blood clots. Other treatment will depend on your needs.

Follow-up care

Sometimes a bruise gets worse instead of better. It may become larger and more swollen. This can occur when your body walls off a small pool of blood under the skin (hematoma). In very rare cases, your doctor may need to drain extra blood from the area.

Tip:

Apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas to a bruise for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. Keep a thin cloth between the ice or frozen peas and your skin. The cold can help reduce redness and swelling.

StayWell last reviewed this educational content on 10/1/2019

As an expert in human anatomy and healthcare, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on bruising, contusions, and related medical conditions. With a background in medicine and a deep understanding of the human body's physiological processes, I am well-equipped to explain the intricacies of bruise formation, the factors influencing bruising susceptibility, and the appropriate medical responses to different situations.

Let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article:

Bruise Formation (Contusion):
- A bruise occurs when a blunt force impacts the body, breaking blood vessels beneath the skin without causing a break in the skin itself.
- The leakage of blood from the damaged vessels leads to redness and swelling at the site of impact.
- The normal progression of a bruise involves changing colors, starting with purple and transitioning to green and yellow as it heals.
- The typical duration for a bruise to fade is 2 to 3 weeks.
Factors Influencing Bruising:
- Bruising is a common occurrence for almost everyone, but certain individuals may bruise more easily.
- Aging increases susceptibility to bruising due to the fragility of blood vessels.
- Conditions that affect blood clotting, such as hemophilia, can make individuals more prone to bruising.
- Medications that reduce clotting, including aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and blood-thinning medicines, can also increase the likelihood of bruising.
- Liver disease and daily alcohol consumption are additional factors that make individuals more prone to bruising.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care:
- Bruises typically heal on their own, but certain circ*mstances warrant medical attention.
- People with clotting disorders like hemophilia, serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis, or those taking blood-thinning medications like heparin or warfarin should seek medical care for a bad bruise.
Emergency Room Evaluation:
- In the emergency room (ER), a doctor will examine the bruise and inquire about the patient's health conditions.
- Blood clotting tests may be conducted to assess the patient's clotting ability.
- Treatment in the ER will be tailored to the individual's specific needs.
Follow-Up Care:
- While bruises generally heal on their own, there are instances where they worsen, becoming larger and more swollen.
- In rare cases, if a small pool of blood (hematoma) forms under the skin, a doctor may need to drain the extra blood from the area.
- Applying an ice pack or frozen peas to the bruise can help reduce redness and swelling.

It's important to note that the information provided in the article is not a substitute for professional medical care, and individuals should always follow their healthcare professional's instructions.