A bruise forms when the blood vessels under the skin break. Bruises are typically the result of a fall, blow, or other impact that exerts sudden high pressure on the skin. The trapped blood creates a bruise that’s black, purple, or blue then changes color as it heals. In time, body tissues absorb the blood and the color fades.

Minor bruises often heal in a few days, yet very forceful blows can cause deep bleeding and bruises that may take several weeks to heal. Some people bruise more easily than an average person and age, medications, and vasculitis are attributing factors. These people may notice bruises but not know how they occurred.

Most bruises will heal on their own yet here are some suggestions to speed up the healing process:

ICE
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to the bruise for 20 minutes, several times a day for the first 1–2 days after the injury. Applying cold, helps reduce swelling and pain.

ELEVATE
Raise the bruised area above the heart to reduce swelling.

COMPRESSION
Loosely wrap an elastic bandage around the bruised area to apply light pressure – too tight isn’t good.

HEAT
After 2–3 days, apply a heating pad or warm compress to the bruise several times a day.

NUTRITION
Eat a diet rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and B12. Get vitamin C from citrus fruits, vitamin K from green leafy vegetables, and vitamin B12 from fortified breakfast cereals, eggs, milk, fish, meat, and poultry.

ALOE VERA GEL
Apply natural aloe vera gel to the bruise for 10–15 minutes, then rinse it off with water.

ROSEMARY
Mix rosemary essential oil with another oil and apply it to the bruise with gentle circular motions. A warm bath with rosemary can promote circulation and absorption of blood from the bruise.

AVOID FORCEFUL MASSAGE
Massaging the bruised area should be avoided.

BE COGNIZANT
Seek professional care if there are concerns about a stubborn bruise or if a lump has formed which may be a sign of pooling blood, also called a hematoma. Hematomas should be monitored to avoid the risk of infection.

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