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Skin Problems & Treatments Health Center

Bruise (Contusion of the Skin)

Bruise (Contusion of the Skin)

Illustrations copyright 2000, 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Bruises (contusions) occur when small blood vessels under the skin tear or rupture, most often from a twist, bump, or fall. Blood leaks into tissues under the skin and causes a black-and-blue color that often turns purple, red, yellow, and green as the bruise heals.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerH. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last RevisedFebruary 16, 2011

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