Bruises (cont.)
What is the treatment for bruising?
There are a couple of things that
you can do to prevent or minimize bruising after an injury. First, try a cold
compress.
Put ice in a plastic bag, wrap the bag in a towel (applying the
ice directly to the skin can cause frostbite), and place it on
the injured area. Commercial ice packs are also available, but
a bag of frozen peas makes an excellent substitute. It molds to
the shape of the injured area and can then be re-frozen and used
again (but don't eat them!). The cold reduces the blood flow
to the area and therefore limits bleeding into the skin and reduces
the size of the bruise. The cold also decreases the inflammation in the
area of the injury and limits swelling in this way as well. If possible, elevate
the area above the level of the heart. The lower an extremity is below the heart, the more blood will flow
to the area and increase the bleeding and swelling.
Avoid taking the medications listed above that can
contribute to bruising. If you have any questions about whether
or not your medication can contribute to bruising, ask your health-care practitioner or pharmacist. Do not stop any prescription
medications without first contacting your health-care
practitioner.
Finally, pressure applied to the area (by hand, not with
tourniquets) can reduce bleeding.
People who take medicines that reduce clotting ("blood
thinners") or have clotting abnormalities should seek the advice of a physician
or other health-care provider immediately, as should the elderly or those who
have experienced significantly severe trauma.
- A bruise is medically referred to as a contusion.
- Bruises occur when tiny blood vessels are damaged or broken.
- The injury required to produce a bruise varies with age and certain medications.
- Individual bruises change in appearance over time.
- Spontaneous bruising can indicate a serious bleeding tendency.
Reference: Harrison's
Principles of Internal Medicine, McGraw-Hill, edited by Eugene Braunwald, et al., 2001.
Last Editorial Review: 3/27/2008
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