Skin Problems & Treatments Health Center

Bruises

Exams and Tests

If an injury is obviously a bruise and the doctor does not suspect any broken bones, the doctor will probably not perform any tests.

• If there is swelling or severe pain, the doctor may want to get an X-ray of the area to make sure there are no broken bones.
• If bruising occurs frequently and for no apparent reason, the doctor may have your blood tested to look for a bleeding disorder.
• Certain bruises, a pattern of bruises over time and in various stages of healing may alert a doctor to the possibility of physical abuse.

Bruises Treatment -- Home Remedies

The treatment for a bruise is most effective right after the injury while the bruise is still reddish.

• A cold compress such as an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables should be applied to the affected area for 20-30 minutes in order to speed healing and reduce swelling. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the ice pack in a towel.
• If the bruise takes up a large area of the leg or foot, the leg should be kept elevated as much as possible during the first 24 hours after the injury.
• Acetaminophen may be taken for pain as instructed on the bottle. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen because they slow the blood from clotting and may, in fact, prolong the bleeding.
• After about 48 hours, heat in the form of a warm washcloth applied to the bruise for 10 minutes or so two to three times a day may increase blood flow to the bruised area allowing the skin to reabsorb the blood more quickly. Ultimately, the bruise will fade in color.

Medical Treatment for a Bruise

Doctors have no special treatment for bruises other than the techniques described above: ice packs and later heat, over-the-counter medications for pain, and elevation of the bruised area, if possible.

A suspected victim of domestic abuse may be referred to a social worker.

Bruise Prevention

To prevent a bruise:

• Wear protective gear (like shin guards) while playing contact sports such a soccer.
• Place furniture away from doorways and common walking paths within your home.
• Keep phone and electrical cords away from open areas where you may trip and fall.
• Be sure floors are kept dry and that rugs are slip resistant.
• Keep floors free of clutter.
• Plug in a small night light or use a flashlight if you need to walk to the bathroom during the night.
• If your doctor has prescribed blood-thinning drugs, be sure to have regular monitoring and adjust medications as necessary.

Outlook

Bruises typically take about two weeks to disappear.