BRUISES

 

Bruises are common skin injuries that cause temporary discoloration of the skin. Blood gets collected at the affected area. This causes the discoloration. Bruises are also known as Contusion or Ecchymosis.

Symptoms for Bruises

Common symptoms

A fresh bruise is tender, painful and appears to be reddish in colour. After few hours it changes to dark purple or blue colour. As it nears healing it will be of yellow or green colour. Generally, there is no risk of infection in case of a bruise as with a scrape or cut. This is because the skin is not broken and is not exposed to the environment.

Causes for Bruises

Common causes for Bruises

Generally bruises are caused when a minor skin injury occurs. However some other reasons that may cause bruises are as follows.

Extreme strain

Heavy and rigorous exercise may cause bruises, which results from microscopic tears in blood vessels underneath the skin.

Bleeding disorders

Bleeding disorders,could be one of the reasons for inexplicable bruises.

Common among elderly people

Bruises in elderly people may be due to thinning of the skin.

Freak accidents

Bumps (often unnoticed) cause bruises in areas such as the shin or thigh.

Remedies for Bruises

Use of Comfrey tea

Apply buchu or Comfrey tea on the bruise. This will prevent discoloration of skin and reduce the pain.

Ice pack

Apply ice pack to the bruise. This will reduce pain and inflammation. Please do not try this remedy on broken skin.

Heating pads

A day after using ice packs, apply heating pads to the affected area, this will dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.

Application of apple cider vinegar

Apply apple cider vinegar and cold water on the bruise.

Heinz vinegar

Apply Heinz vinegar to the bruise using a cotton ball. This will speed up the healing process.

Help of herbal flowers

Steep mullein flowers into olive oil and apply it on the bruise.

Raw egg

Break a raw egg and apply the content on the bruise.

Arnica benefits

Leaves of Arnica plant may be used in an ointment and can be applied to skin to treat bruises.

Diet for Bruises

Healthy vitamin C

Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin C and iron. Foods rich in vitamin C are broccoli, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits and cauliflower. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.

Garlic rich diet

Include garlic and onions in your diet. Garlic is also a natural antibiotic.

Drink fluids

Drink plenty of fluids. Pure water, herbal teas, and soups are all good choices.

Avoid dairy products

Avoid mucus-forming foods such as dairy products, processed foods, sugar, sweet fruits, and white flour.

Suggestion for Bruises

Ban Smoking

Avoid smoking since smoking may delay healing because it interferes with blood supply and collagen metabolism.

Be more careful

Avoid accidental situations and places.

Be cool

Avoid activities that might increase swelling such as taking hot showers, using hot tubs, hot packs, and drinking alcohol. During the first 48 hours, these things may actually increase bruising and swelling