Zoomer | June 11th, 2009
A bruise is a common skin injury that results in a discoloration of the skin, occurring most often from a bump or fall. When small blood vessels under the surface of the skin tear or rupture, bruises (also known as contusions) develop. The black-and-blue color is caused by blood from damaged blood vessels deep beneath the skin that collects near the surface of the skin. Bruises usually heal within 2 to 4 weeks. As they heal they often turn colors, including purplish black, reddish blue, or yellowish green.
Unexplained bruising?
Unexplained bruising that occurs suddenly, blood spots under the skin or a sudden increase in the frequency of bruising may be due to a variety of causes, including:
• Malnutrition, such as deficiencies of vitamins B12, C, or K, or folic acid.
• Certain medications, such as aspirin or blood thinners (anticoagulants).
• Infection that causes the buildup of toxin in the blood or tissues (sepsis).
• A bleeding or clotting disorder, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand’s disease.
Bruise healing tips
If your bruise does not require an evaluation by a health professional, you may be able to use home treatment to help relieve pain, swelling, discoloration and stiffness.
• Follow the R.I.C.E. principle: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
• Apply topical creams with select natural ingredients or vitamins (details below).
• Massage gently : Rub the bruise to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. But do not massage the bruised area if it causes pain.
• Don’t smoke: The use of tobacco products slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair.
Natural ingredient and vitamin solutions
WebMD® recommends Arnica and Witch Hazel as topical ingredients for home treatment of bruises. Here’s how they work:
• The leaves of the arnica plant contain sesquiterpene lactones, which may assist in healing of bruises by decreasing swelling, speeding blood reabsorption and decreasing pain.
• The leaves of the witch hazel plant have tannins that give it its astringent properties. It eases bruising by tightening stretched veins and restoring blood vessel tone.
Vitamins C and K can also be helpful to manage bruising. Vitamin C helps to strengthen the collagen (skin tissue) around your blood vessels and help battle bruises. Vitamin K has long been used to promote blood clotting and prevent bleeding, it has also been shown to help diminish bruising.
While topical Vitamin K cream requires a prescription in Canada, bruise cream made with both Arnica and Witch Hazel can be found in the first aid isle of many pharmacies and natural health stores.
When to see your doctor
To rule out a more serious medical condition, check with your doctor if:
• Bruises appear without trauma.
• A bruise lasts longer than 3-4 weeks.
• Signs of infection develop.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent, or if new symptoms develop.
Interesting bruise facts
• A leg bruise usually takes longer to heal than a bruise on the face or arms.
• Women bruise more easily than men (especially on the buttocks, thighs, and upper arms).
• Older adults often bruise more easily from minor injuries because their skin is less flexible and thinner leading to blood vessels breaking more easily.
• Bruising easily sometimes runs in families.
For more information about bruising or to learn more about a bruise cream, visit www.zaxhealth.com.
Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Jennifer Holmes
