Having a bruise is always unpleasant, especially when bruising occurs on an extremely exposed area such as the face. Fortunately, a variety of first aid techniques and home remedies can be used to treat the hematoma quickly and effectively.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: First Aid Techniques
Step 1. Make ice packs lasting 10 to 20 minutes at a time
Apply a compress as soon as you notice that a hematoma is forming following blunt trauma. Place a cold compress, ice pack, or bag of frozen food on the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat the treatment at least three times a day. To get good results faster, do this every 1 to 2 hours.
- Ice slows the flow of blood to the bruised area, reducing swelling and pigmentation changes.
- If you decide to use a bag of frozen food, opt for a small product (such as peas), as it easily adapts to the shape of the face.
Step 2. Raise your head to combat swelling
Be sure to keep your head as upright as possible throughout the day. Before going to sleep, place extra pillows under your head to lift it slightly. Take these steps until you have gotten rid of the swelling caused by the bruise.
Keeping your head elevated also helps to combat the pain you experience in the area that has suffered the trauma
Step 3. Wait 24 hours before taking anti-inflammatories
If possible, avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen for at least 24 hours following the bruise. Pain relievers can increase the blood flow to the affected area, complicating healing.
- In some cases, drugs such as aspirin can also cause accidental bleeding.
- If you experience acute pain in the first 24 hours, treat it with acetaminophen. This medicine does not fight swelling, but it helps to keep pain under control.
Step 4. Avoid taking omega-3 fatty acids or other supplements that may thin your blood
Fish oil, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, turmeric and vitamin B6 can thin the blood. This phenomenon can delay the healing of the bruise. Stop taking them until it's over.
Step 5. After 48 hours, apply a heat pad to the bruise
Let the hematoma heal for a couple of days. At this point, you can replace the ice packs with a heating pad or hot water bottle. This will help relieve pain in the area affected by bruising, while also mitigating the aftereffects of swelling or pigmentation. You can use the heating pad or hot water bottle whenever you want.
Alternatively, soak your face in warm water
Step 6. Eat foods rich in bromelain, quercetin, and zinc to speed healing
These nutrients help relieve bruising when taken prior to facial plastic surgery. In addition, they are effective in speeding up healing following bruise formation. Here are some of the most suitable foods in this regard:
- Pineapple;
- Red onions;
- Apples;
- Dark colored berries such as blackberries;
- Legumes;
- Lean proteins like chicken.
Step 7. See a doctor if the bruise does not go away within two weeks
Despite being unsightly, bruises are not serious and can be easily treated at home, at least in most cases. However, if the bruise doesn't want to go away after two weeks of treatment, see your doctor right away. Also consult it if you notice the following symptoms during the first two weeks:
- Numbness
- Pain aggravation;
- Swelling acute;
- Disappearance of pigmentation under the area affected by the bruise.
Method 2 of 2: Topical Remedies
Step 1. Use arnica once a day to help heal the bruise
When absorbed by the body, Arnica montana can help fight hematomas. This herb is available in both tablet and cream form. It can generally be used once a day.
- Arnica is available in herbal medicine and parapharmacy.
- Read the instructions on the package to dose it exactly.
Step 2. Apply bromelain cream twice a day to combat swelling
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that helps relieve swelling in the area affected by the hematoma. To get a good result, massage it two or three times a day.
- You can also take bromelain tablets. However, they tend to be less effective, not to mention that they can cause digestive problems and make your heart beat faster.
- Bromelain should be avoided if you have a pineapple allergy.
- Bromelain cream is available in herbal medicine and parapharmacy.
Step 3. Use parsley to lighten the bruise
Parsley leaves have natural therapeutic properties that help fade bruises, reduce swelling that occurs in the area affected by bruising and relieve pain. For best results, chop fresh parsley leaves, sprinkle them on the bruise and secure them with a plaster or elastic bandage.
- Try this treatment every night before bed to prevent the parsley from falling out as you move.
- You can also make a parsley treat by wrapping the leaves in a thin nylon cloth and soaking them in witch hazel water. Apply the compress to the affected area twice a day for 30 minutes.
Step 4. Massage a vinegar solution on the bruised area to promote healing
Make a solution of approximately 1 part vinegar and 1 part warm water. Mix it well, then soak a cotton ball or clean cloth and apply it to the bruised area for 10 to 20 minutes. This treatment promotes the dissolution of blood clots in the area of ecchymosis.
The vinegar can be replaced with witch hazel water
Step 5. Use Vitamin K Cream to lessen the bruise
Vitamin K has numerous therapeutic properties that help reduce swelling in the hematoma area and dissolve blood clots that have formed under the epidermis. For best results, apply vitamin K cream to the affected area 2 times a day.
