Bruises, also called bruises, occur when blood vessels rupture beneath the skin's surface. Typically, they are caused by falls or by hitting or hitting objects, such as a football. Even if they disappear over time, you can take steps to speed up the healing process.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating Bruises
Step 1. Cool the area
By putting on something cold, you will reduce the swelling and the bruise can heal faster. Wrap an ice pack, a resealable plastic bag filled with ice cubes, or a package of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply it to the bruise for 10-20 minutes. Repeat this several times in the first 2 days.
At a sporting goods store, you can buy a bag containing cooling gel, specially designed for bruises. Usually, athletes always have one on hand to relieve this type of injury
Step 2. Lift the affected area
Reduce the blood supply to the bruise site by harnessing the force of gravity. This will prevent blood from pooling and make the bruise less noticeable. Try to lift the area above the level of the heart.
- For example, if the bruise is on your leg, lie down on the sofa and place it on a few pillows.
- If, on the other hand, it is on your arm, try placing it on an armrest or some pillow, in order to keep it at heart level or above.
- If the bruise is on the torso, there isn't much you can do besides ice packs.
Step 3. Wrap the bruise with a tight bandage
The compression bandage reduces the blood supply to the affected area, preventing it from accumulating where the bruise forms. In addition, it allows you to relieve swelling and pain. However, don't over tighten it; just wrap an elastic bandage around the area.
Keep the bandage on for the first 1-2 days only
Step 4. Rest if you can
Moving the muscles causes more blood to flow to the bruise site, hindering healing. Take a day off and rest, both to prevent further accidents and to recover completely.
- Stay on the sofa. Watch a movie, play games, read a book, or do something that doesn't force you to move too much.
- Go to bed early. Your body needs sleep to regenerate, so go to bed as soon as you feel tired.
Step 5. Take acetaminophen if needed
If the bruise is causing you a lot of pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve it. Read the package leaflet for posology and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Avoid aspirin because it is an anticoagulant and may promote blood flow to the bruised area, making the situation worse
Step 6. Apply moist heat after 24 hours
Generally, using humid heat after the first 24 hours helps relieve bruises. Instead of an electric blanket, use a hot water bottle or a damp towel because moist heat is more effective on bruises than dry heat.
Repeat this for a couple of minutes at a time over the course of 1-2 days
Step 7. Avoid foods that can prolong the hematoma
Certain foods and supplements, including St. John's wort, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin E, ginkgo, ginseng, alcohol, and garlic, can hinder bruising. Stay away from these foods as you recover.
Part 2 of 3: Try Home Remedies
Step 1. Massage the surrounding area
Do not touch the surface around the bruise. Massage at a distance of 1-2 cm from the spot formed by the hematoma, because the lesion tends to be more extensive than it seems. Otherwise, there is a risk of it becoming irritated and worse.
- Repeat this several times a day starting the day after the bruise appears. This way, you will help the lymphatic system heal the affected area.
- Keep in mind that the pressure from the massages shouldn't be painful. If you feel it as soon as you touch yourself, forget it.
Step 2. Spend 10-15 minutes in the sun every day
Ultraviolet light destroys bilirubin, which arises from the breakdown of hemoglobin, on which the yellowish color of hematomas depends. If you can, expose the bruise to the sun to speed up the isomerization of residual bilirubin.
Try to expose yourself to direct sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes a day. They should be enough to reduce the bruise and avert the risk of sunburn. Apply sunscreen to the rest of your body if you're in a bathing suit
Step 3. Increase your vitamin C intake
Vitamin C increases the amount of collagen around blood vessels, thereby helping to heal bruises. Eat oranges and dark green leafy vegetables to increase your intake.
Step 4. Apply arnica gel or ointment every day
Arnica is a plant that has always been recommended in the treatment of bruises, because it contains a substance that relieves swelling and inflammation. Go to the pharmacy and buy an arnica-based ointment. Rub it into the bruise a couple of times a day.
Do not apply it to open cuts and wounds
Step 5. Eat pineapple or papaya
Bromelain, a digestive enzyme found in pineapple and papaya, breaks down the proteins that trap fluids that form in muscle tissues following trauma. Eat this fruit once a day to speed up the healing process.
Step 6. Use Vitamin K Cream on the affected area
Vitamin K helps stop bleeding by stimulating blood clotting. Go to the pharmacy and buy a vitamin K cream. Apply it following the directions on the package to get rid of the bruise.
Part 3 of 3: Getting Medical Care
Step 1. Call emergency services if you feel strong pressure around the bruise
If you feel pressure, severe pain, tenderness, muscle tension, tingling, burning, weakness, or numbness at the site of the hematoma, these symptoms could indicate compartment syndrome. Call the emergency room to immediately admit you to the hospital.
Compartment syndrome is a condition that occurs in the event of edema and / or hemorrhage within a so-called muscle compartment. Raised blood pressure impairs normal blood flow to the injured area, damaging nerves and muscles
Step 2. See your doctor if you notice the bruise has swollen
If a bump forms on the bruise, it is probably due to the hematoma. See your doctor as soon as possible, as blood may need to be drained in the affected area.
Hematoma forms when blood builds up under the surface of the skin, causing swelling
Step 3. See your doctor if you think you have a fever or an infection
If you have gotten a wound and the surrounding area is red, hot, or purulent, an infection may have developed. Fever could also indicate an infectious process. If you notice these symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your doctor.
Warnings
- Check with your doctor before you start taking any new medications or stop any you are taking.
- Before trying the methods outlined in the article, make sure you are not allergic to any of the substances mentioned.
- If a bruise suddenly appears with no apparent cause, you should see a doctor immediately.
- The home remedies used to treat bruises are not scientifically tested and may carry risks of which the severity is unknown.
