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BruisesA bruise is a common skin injury that results in a discoloration of the skin. Blood from damaged blood vessels deep beneath the skin collects near the surface of the skin resulting in what we think of as a black and blue mark. People typically get bruises when they bump into something or when something bumps into them. Bruises can occur in some people who exercise rigorously, such as athletes and weight lifters. These bruises result from microscopic tears in blood vessels under the skin. Unexplained bruises that occur easily or for no apparent reason may indicate a bleeding disorder, especially if the bruising is accompanied by frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums. Often, what are thought to be unexplained bruises on the shin or the thigh, for example, actually result from bumps into a bedpost or other object and failing to recall the injury. Bruises in elderly people frequently occur because their skin has become thinner with age. The tissues that support the underlying blood vessels have become more fragile. Symptoms of a bruise.. Initially, a fresh bruise may actually be reddish. It will then turn blue or dark purple within a few hours, then yellow or green after a few days as it heals. A bruise is commonly tender and sometimes even painful for the first few days, but the pain usually goes away as the colour fades. When to seek medical care.. Call the doctor if the bruise is accompanied by swelling and extreme pain, especially if you take a blood -thinning medication for a medical condition. Call the doctor if bruising occurs easily or for no apparent reason. Call the doctor if the bruise is painful and under a toenail or fingernail. Call the doctor if a bruise does not improve within 2 weeks or fails to completely clear after 3 or 4 weeks. Go to the hospital's Emergency Department if you think you have a broken bone along with the bruise. If a bruise (sometimes called a "goose egg") occurs on the head, but the person did not black out and is able to remember the accident, it is unlikely that a serious head injury has resulted. On the other hand, if the person cannot remember what had happened and you suspect the person may have a concussion, he or she should be taken to the nearest Emergency Department. If a bruise occurs just above the eye, you can expect the bruise to travel to the area just under the eye, possibly causing a black eye, because of the effects of gravity. As long as you are able to move the affected eye in all directions and do not have changes in your vision, it is unlikely to be a serious injury that requires a visit to the hospital Self Care at Home.. The treatment for a bruise is most effective right after the injury while the bruise is still reddish. A cold compress such as an icepack or a bag of frozen peas 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 icepack 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. After about 48 hours, heat in the form of a warm washcloth applied to the bruise for 10 minutes or so 2 or 3 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 colour. Lavender essential oil is a wonderful oil to be used when bruising occurs. Prepare an ice cold compress soaked in Lavender essential oil and apply it to the area. The Lavender essential oil can also help to reduce the pain. Fennel and Hyssop essential oils are also excellent oils to be used for bruises. When the bruise is beginning to turn yellow or green in the latter stages an oil such as Rosemary essential oil can help to disperse the bruising and help local circulation. |
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