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Bruises are caused by trauma that ruptures blood vessels under the skin, leading to discoloration, pain, and swelling. Ice, elevation, and over-the-counter medications can help treat symptoms, but severe cases may require medical attention.
Most people recognize common bluish or black patches of skin as bruises, which are usually not serious. Bruises are usually caused by trauma that ruptures blood vessels just under the skin. Skin discoloration is one of the most common symptoms of bruising. Pain and swelling also usually accompany this discoloration. Generally, most bruises can be treated at home with rest and ice.
Blunt force trauma is typically the most common cause of a bruise. When a blunt object strikes the skin, it often ruptures small blood vessels under the skin’s surface without breaking the skin. This can cause blood to pool under the skin’s surface, which can lead to discoloration.
Discoloration is one of the first symptoms of bruising. The skin will usually be pink or red when first impacted. Shortly thereafter, this area usually turns blue or purple. As the bruise heals, it often fades to yellow or brown.
Pain and tenderness are also common symptoms of bruises. Most bruises are usually painful or tender, especially when pressure is applied to the area. If a bruise is on or near a joint, a person may also have limited mobility in the area.
Swelling can also occur in combination with a bruise. This usually occurs due to blood pooling under the skin. It usually goes down within a few days.
Bruising symptoms can usually be treated at home. Ice can be applied to an injured area to help prevent bruising. While this doesn’t always completely prevent a bruise from forming, it can help minimize its appearance. Ice packs shouldn’t be applied directly to the skin or kept on for too long, as this can cause tissue damage. Instead, an ice pack should be wrapped in a towel and applied only to the bruised area for about 15 minutes at a time.
Applying ice to a bruise can also help reduce swelling in the area. Swelling can also be reduced by raising the affected area above the level of the heart so that blood and other fluids do not pool in the area. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce some bruising symptoms, including swelling and pain.
When bruising symptoms are severe, you may need to see a doctor. In some cases, for example, the swelling can become so severe that it cuts off circulation to major blood vessels. A person who bruises easily or for no reason should also seek the advice of a doctor, as easy bruising can be caused by an underlying medical condition.
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