Bruises are the blue or black marks on the skin, which appears after getting a bump or an injury. The blood that is from the blood vessel that has been damaged in the skin forms near the skin surface. This is what causes the appearance of a bruise on the skin. this is actually a normal sighting when you run into an injury. However, it may appear unappealing to those who see it. Hence, it is just important to know what is this thing, what causes it, is it harmful, what are the treatments for bruises, and many more. If you want to know these and more, feel free to give this article a read.
Bruises?
Bruise actually refers to the sudden discoloration of the skin that is due to some physical injuries like cuts, accidents, or wounds. Bruises are the results of the sudden rupture of the adjacent blood vessels that break and release their contents into the surrounding tissues of the skin. This is usually determined by a certain swelling of the skin, pain, redness, and softness of the area where the bruise develop.
Bruises are also called contusion as well as ecchymosis. When the blood in the area seeps into the surrounding tissues, it forms in the skin, making it look as black or blue marks on the skin. this particular discoloration is actually known as purpura. Furthermore, bruise usually induces the pain. However, they are not that dangerous, it just becomes serious when it forms hematoma or are being associated with some serious injuries like internal bleeding and fractures.
Usually, it takes months for the bruise to heal and fade. However, mostly, it lasts about two weeks. Moreover, bruise starts and appear color red and then it becomes bluish-purple then greenish-yellow, before it comes back to its normal color. To be able to reduce the bruising, putting ice is advisable. Furthermore, if you bruise for no reason, see your doctor immediately.
Types of Bruises
Here are the three different types of bruises according to their own location on the body:
- Periosteal: this type of bruise mainly occurs in the bones.
- Intramuscular: this type of bruise mainly appears in the underlying muscles.
- Subcutaneous: this type of bruise occurs just below the skin.
Causes of Bruises
The causes of bruises are actually the usual things that we face, just like engaging in accidents, bumps, and more. It may occur in some people who exercise often and in a rigorous manner. These include athletes and those who lift weights. The bruises may result from the microscopic tears in the blood vessels underneath the skin.
The unexplained appearance of bruises, which occur easily or with no particular reason may be a sign that one is experiencing a bleeding disorder. This is especially when the bruising is associated with frequent nosebleeds or gum bleeding. The bruises that occur to elderly people frequently happen because of their skin’s thickness. Furthermore, their tissues which give support to their blood vessels have already become fragile.
Here are some more causes of a bruise:
- Supplements
- Warfarin, aspirin, or some other medications which thin the blood
- Blows, just like when someone hits you
- Car accidents
- Sports injuries
Symptoms of Bruises
The signs and symptoms of bruises may actually depend on what causes it. The discoloration of the skin may often be the first sign of it. Though they are usually black, bruises may also be:
- Yellowish
- Brown
- Purple
- Green
- Red
Here are some of the most common symptoms of bruises:
- Muscle pain in the affected area
- Supple and tender when touching the area
- Redness of the skin
- Bluish tinge in the red mark of the skin
- Pain
- Bump or swelling
Severe Symptoms
Here are some other symptoms that may indicate a more severe condition of bruises:
- Bruise that comes with blood in the eyes, stool, and urine
- Bruise that accompanies by the bleeding of the mouth, nose, and gums
- Bruising under the nails
- Bruising even there is no reason
- Bruise that is comes from a suspected bone fracture
Tips and Treatments for Bruises
Here are some of the most effective tips and treatments for bruises:
- Wear long sleeves or tops that may help the bruises
- Take medications to be able to reduce the pain that the bruise causes you. moreover, avoid the use of aspirin or even ibuprofen wince they may increase the bleeding.
- If it is a practical thing to do, raise the bruised area above the heart. This is to keep the blood from settling into the tissue that has been bruised.
- Make sure to give the bruised area a rest. This is actually one of the most amazing treatments for bruises. This is since it gives the area enough time to heal.
- Use ice pack in reducing the swelling. Wrap the pack in a cloth –this is to avoid putting it directly unto the bruised skin. Furthermore, make sure to leave the into the bruise for about 15 minutes. Repeat this method if you need to.
