As summer is approaching everyone is preparing to go out in the sun and do various outdoor activities. During such adventures, it’s pretty common to get boxed or even have elbows thrown at you. Later that evening or the next day, you may realize a blue-purple mark on your skin. Wondering how you got these little souvenirs from the previous days? Bruises are not unusual injuries and are usually the result of trauma. There’s a chance that you may bruise easier than others. In this blog, we will discuss how to make a bruise stop hurting.
What Causes Bruises?
A bruise usually forms on an area of the skin where you have bumped into something hard or after someone strikes you. Bruises can vary in color, but they are usually a black-blue colour in the skin that gradually fade as they heal. The time required for the bruise to recover is usually about two weeks.
It is normal to have swelling, and the bruise will hurt, especially for the first few days. These symptoms will subside as the bruise heals.
Athletes, weight lifters, and people who exercise vigorously also suffer bruising caused by tears in the blood vessels under the skin. Older people have thinner skins and fragile tissue, and they bruise far easier than younger people.
Finally, people who take medication to thin the blood are also more prone to bruising.
Learn How to Care for Bruises
What Exactly is a Bruise?
Generally, blood vessels break due to the trauma from the injury the skin experiences. The leakage of blood from the small blood vessels in the skin usually results in the discolouration making it blue-purple and is often called bruising. As the body heals, the body slowly absorbs the blood.
How to Care for a Bruise
There are ways to help a bruise heal quicker. If there is also broken skin, you can bandage it after cleaning and applying antiseptic ointment to the wound.
Ice or another cold source can be used to soothe the afflicted region, which will minimize discomfort and swelling. To minimize the chance of freezing, place a cloth, towel, or pad between the ice and skin.
Apply the cold source for 20 minutes and then take it off for 20 to 30 minutes. Continue doing this as long as the individual feels discomfort.
If the individual is in severe pain or can’t move a body part without discomfort, or if you think the damage was serious enough to result in significant damage or possibly fatal bleeding, call EMS/9-1-1. Internal bleeding, brain and/or spinal injuries, and bone, muscle, and joint injuries are all possibilities. Treat it as an emergency right away.
Apply R.I.C.E. in severe conditions
R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, a technique used by first aiders for severe bruising. Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever in tablet form or as an ointment if needed for discomfort and pain. Apply the following treatment for the first two days:
- R stands rest, so if possible, don’t move the area.
- I stands for ice. Apply an ice pack or a packet of frozen vegetables to the bruise, but always wrap these in a towel to prevent ice burns. Keep these on the bruise for about 10 minutes. Repeat the treatment with ice several times daily for a few days.
- C stands for compress. Compressing helps the bruised area, especially if there is swelling. An elastic bandage makes an excellent compress, but it mustn’t be too tight.
- E stands for elevate. Elevating the injured area to a level above the heart helps to relieve the pain and swelling. It also prevents the blood from pooling and allows it to drain.
When To See A Doctor
Most bruises heal without requiring medical attention, but in some cases, you may need to see the doctor.
- Painful swelling in the bruised area
- Pain that persists three days after a minor injury
- If you have large or painful bruises on the back, face, or trunk developing for no reason
- Have a history of bruising or significant bleeding when injured or having surgery
- If a lump (hematoma) forms over the bruise
- Have abnormal bleeding from your gums or nose
Some of these signs indicate something more serious related to some blood-related illness or problem with blood clotting.
Seek the help of your doctor if you notice unusual bruising because it can indicate anemia caused by a lack of iron.
Finally, many homeopathic remedies can assist the healing of bruises, including arnica, bromelain enzymes, aloe vera, and vitamin K.
Learn about Wound Care in First Aid & CPR Training
First Aid & CPR training teaches you how to deal with emergencies, including the guided steps to follow for treating bruises. Join our various First Aid classes at Coast2Coast, and become a Canadian Red Cross certified First Aider.
Whether you need mandatory First Aid training or just want to help others, First Aid training ensures you never feel helpless in any situation. The course includes CPR training for breathing and cardiac emergencies.
You can take First Aid in several locations around the GTA, Western Ontario, and Eastern Ontario. Choose the level required by your workplace or preferred by you, and join a First Aid course at Coast2Coast today. Once completed, you will have the skills and confidence to contribute to the safety of the people in your home, workplace, and community and understand how to effectively take care and make a bruise stop hurting.
