How to administer beginning aid for a bruiseBy Mayo Clinic Staff
A bruise forms when a blow breaks lineage vessels near your skin ‘s coat, allowing a small total of blood to leak into the tissues under your skin. The trap blood may cause a bruise that at first looks like a black-and-blue crisscross and then changes color as it heals.

You can enhance bruise healing with a few simple techniques. Remember RICE, for respite, frost, compress and promote :

  • Rest the bruised area, if possible.
  • Ice the bruise with an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Leave it in place for 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat several times a day for a day or two as needed.
  • Compress the bruised area if it is swelling, using an elastic bandage. Don’t make it too tight.
  • Elevate the injured area.

If your skin is n’t broken, you do n’t need a bandage. Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed .

Consult your doctor if you:

  • Notice very painful swelling in the bruised area
  • Are still experiencing pain three days after a seemingly minor injury
  • Have frequent, large or painful bruises, particularly if your bruises appear on your trunk, back or face, or seem to develop for no known reasons
  • Have easy bruising and a history of significant bleeding, such as during a surgical procedure
  • Notice a lump (hematoma) form over the bruise
  • Are experiencing abnormal bleeding elsewhere, such as from your nose or gums
  • Suddenly begin bruising, but have no history of bruising
  • Have a family history of easy bruising or bleeding

These signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious problem, such as a blood-clotting trouble or akin disease .

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Read more: Wikipedia

  1. Muscle contusion (bruise). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00341. Accessed Sept. 14, 2017.
  2. Approach to sports injuries. Merck Manual Professional Version. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/sports-injury/approach-to-sports-injuries. Accessed Sept. 14, 2017.
  3. Buttaravoli P, et al. Contusion (bruise). In: Minor Emergencies. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 14, 2017.
  4. Kraut EH. Easy bruising. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 14, 2017.

See also

  1. Easy bruising