Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Treating a bruise
• Method 2 of 3: Try home remedies
• Method 3 of 3: Get medical attention
• Warnings

A bruise, also called bruising, is caused by broken blood vessels under the skin's surface. You usually get a bruise from falling, bumping into something, or hitting an object like a ball against you. A bruise will fade over time, but there are some things you can do to help the healing process.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Treating a bruise

1. Put ice on the bruise. Placing an ice pack on the bruise will reduce swelling and help the area heal faster. Wrap an ice pack, resealable plastic bag filled with ice shavings, or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and place the ice on the bruise for up to 10-20 minutes. Do this several times for the first two days.
   • At sporting goods stores, you can purchase flexible ice packs filled with gel specifically designed for treating injuries. Athletes usually have some at home to treat bruises.
2. Hold the spot up. With a little help from gravity, reduce the amount of blood flowing to the bruise to prevent a build-up of blood and reduce the discoloration of the area. Hold the body part with the bruise a few inches above your heart.
   • For example, if the bruise is on your leg, sit on the couch and put your leg on some pillows.
   • If you have a bruise on your arm, rest your arm on an armrest or some pillows so that it is as high as your heart or higher.
   • If you have a bruise on your upper body, you're out of luck. In this case, focus on treating the area with ice.
3. Bandage the bruise with a pressure bandage. A pressure bandage reduces blood flow to the affected area so that blood does not accumulate near the bruise. The dressing also helps to reduce swelling and pain. Don't bandage the bruise too tightly. Simply wrap an elastic bandage around the part of the body with the bruise.
   • Only use the pressure bandage on the first two days.
4. Rest, if possible. Using your muscles increases the blood flow to the bruise, which does not help the bruise to heal. Stop what you're doing and get some rest to prevent further injury and allow your bruise to heal.
   • Sit on the couch. Watch a movie, play a game, read a book, or just do something that doesn't require too much exercise.
   • Go to sleep early. Your body needs sleep to repair itself, so go to sleep immediately when you are tired.
5. Take paracetamol if necessary. If the bruise is particularly painful, take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve the pain. Follow the directions on the package regarding the dose and never take more than the maximum dose.
   • Don't use aspirin and ibuprofen, as they thin your blood and can make your bruise worse.
6. Treat the area with moist heat after 24 hours. After about 24 hours, moist heat treatment can help the bruise heal. Use a reusable heating pad or warm washcloth instead of something like an electric blanket, as moist heat is better for injuries than dry heat.
   • Place the heating pad on the bruise for a few minutes at a time. Do this several times a day for 1-2 days.
7. Don't eat foods that can slow your bruising to heal. Some foods and supplements, such as St. John's wort, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin E, ginkgo, ginseng, alcohol and garlic can all help your bruise last longer. So don't eat these foods while your bruise is healing.

Method 2 of 3: Try home remedies

1. Massage the area around the bruise. Do not massage the skin around the bruise, but massage the area at a distance of 1-2 centimeters from the visible outer edge of the bruise. Bruises are often bigger than they appear. Massaging the bruise can irritate it and make it worse.
   • Do this several times a day, starting the day after you get the bruise. This helps the normal lymphatic process in your body make the bruise go away.
   • Remember that applying pressure shouldn't hurt. If the bruise is too painful to touch, do not massage the area.
2. Spend 10-15 minutes in the sun every day. Ultraviolet light breaks down bilirubin, the hemoglobin breakdown product that gives your bruise its yellowish color. If possible, expose your bruise to the sun to speed up the isomerization of the remaining bilirubin.
   • About 10-15 minutes of direct sunlight a day should be enough to make your bruise go away without burning your skin. When you go outside, apply sunscreen to the other areas of bare skin.
3. Increase your vitamin C intake. Vitamin C provides a greater amount of collagen to the blood vessels, which can help get rid of bruises. Eat foods like oranges and dark green leafy vegetables to make sure you get enough vitamin C.
4. Use arnica ointment or gel daily. Arnica, also called arnica, is a herb that has long been recommended for the treatment of bruises. It contains a substance that reduces inflammation and swelling. Buy an ointment containing arnica from the drug store and apply the ointment to the bruise once or twice a day.
   • Do not apply Arnica ointment to a cut or open wound.
5. Eat pineapple or papaya. Pineapples and papayas contain bromelain, a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins that retain moisture in your tissues after injury. Eat pineapple or papaya once a day to speed up the healing process.
6. Apply a cream with vitamin K to your bruise. Vitamin K can stop bleeding because this substance makes your blood clot. Go to the drugstore and buy a cream containing vitamin K. Apply the cream according to the directions on the package to get rid of your bruise.

Method 3 of 3: Get medical attention

1. Call 112 if you feel strong pressure around the bruise. You may have compartment syndrome if you experience pressure, severe pain, tenderness, muscle tension, tingling, burning, weakness, or numbness around the bruise. Call 112 so that you are taken directly to the hospital.
   • Compartment syndrome occurs with swelling and bleeding in a muscle compartment. The pressure in the muscle compartment reduces blood flow to the site, which can damage nerves and muscles.
2. Get medical help if you have a lump on your bruise. You may have a hematoma if there is a lump on the bruise. See your doctor as soon as possible as you may need treatment to drain blood from the area.
   • A hematoma occurs when blood collects under the surface of the skin, causing the area to swell.
3. If you think you have a fever or an infection, see your doctor. If the skin is broken and the skin around the bruise is red, warm and pus is coming out, you may have an infection. If you have a fever, you may also have an infection. If you notice these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Warnings

• Seek advice from your doctor before starting or stopping any new medications.
• Find out if you are not allergic to anything before trying any of the above methods.
• If you bruise suddenly and don't seem to be causing it, see your doctor for advice.
• Home remedies to treat bruises have not been medically tested and, like other home remedies, may present unknown risks.