What are bruises?

Causes and Symptoms

A bruise is a usually benign condition that happens when an individual has some type of injury. It may be a fall or a direct blow to any part of the body. As a result of the trauma, the affected body part undergoes various changes. A bruise can also occur spontaneously (a more serious illness or disease state) or from an allergic reaction. In most cases, bruises are not serious and resolve without any medical treatment.

Bruises occur when small blood vessels that are just beneath the skin are broken. They then begin to leak their contents (blood) into the surrounding soft tissue underneath the skin, which produces the characteristic black-and-blue discoloration. There are three types of bruises: subcutaneous (just beneath the skin), intramuscular (in the underlying muscle), and periosteal (in the bone). Bruises can last from several days to months. The typical black-and-blue mark begins to fade as the blood that leaked into the surrounding tissue is reabsorbed. The discoloration turns to a light yellowish-green and then fades completely.

Treatment and Therapy

The initial treatment of bruises should include decreasing the bleeding, minimizing any swelling, and controlling the pain. Ice is very effective and should be applied to the affected area for thirty to sixty minutes at a time. This can be done several times a day for two to three days. The ice should be in a container and covered by a towel to prevent damage to the skin. If possible, the affected area should be elevated above heart level. This helps in minimizing the swelling, which also helps decrease pain. If there is still discomfort after this period, then heat can be applied for twenty minutes at a time. The application of heat will help the blood to be reabsorbed into the tissue. The last component of the treatment regimen should include pain control. Pain can be easily controlled by using acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin).

Medical care should be sought if there is increased pain, a decrease in function (the affected part can no longer be used), headache, dizziness, fever (101 degrees Fahrenheit or more), or a noticeable change in vision, or if the symptoms continue.

Perspective and Prospects

Bruises are benign conditions that usually resolve without treatment. Simple self-care therapies will generally decrease discomfort and aid in a complete return to normal. Bruises are significant, however, in an individual experiencing bruising without any clear reason for the occurrence. In this case, bruises can be indicative of something more serious, such as clotting disorders or other diseases.

Bibliography

"Bruise." Medline Plus, May 1, 2011.

"Bruises, First Aid." Logical Images, December 22, 2008.

"Bruising and Bleeding." Merck Manual Home Health Handbook, May 2012.

Gottlieb, William. Alternative Cures: More than One Thousand of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies. Emmaus, Pa.: Rodale, 2008.

Griffith, H. Winter. Complete Guide to Sports Injuries: How to Treat Fractures, Bruises, Sprains, Strains, Dislocations, Head Injuries. 3d ed. New York: Body Press/Perigee, 2004.

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies. Rev. ed. New York: Bantam Books, 2009.