First aid on Bruises

Bruises

Bruises are probably the most common of all injuries and there are none among us who have not experienced some kind of bruising or the other. Bruises are minor injuries in most cases and bruise treatment for healing bruises is not really required in most cases, but it can certainly help minimize the risk of infection and scarring and also hasten the healing process. Bruise treatment for
healing bruises and swelling naturally or with medications will quite naturally depend on the nature of the bruise and the causes of bruising. Bruising itself does not involve lesions or cuts and bleeding, but very often trauma that causes skin lesions and bleeding may be accompanied by bruising.

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.

Bruises are generally surface injuries that develop from mild trauma such as a bump or fall, and are the result of ruptures or tears in the small blood vessels just beneath the skin. As a result of such injuries blood escapes beneath the skin causing the distinctive blackish or bluish color associated with bruising. Under normal circumstances in healthy individuals bruises will heal naturally, and depending on the size of the bruise this could take anywhere from two to four weeks. During this period of healing the bruise may change colors that include purplish, reddish, bluish or even black and yellowish green. Bruises on the legs may take a little longer to heal as compared to bruises on the arms or face.
Symptoms of Bruises

A fresh bruise is tender, painful and appears to be reddish in color. After few hours it changes to dark purple or blue color. As it nears healing it will be of yellow or green cloor. 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.

A bruise is likely to be tender and may cause some pain when fresh, at least for the first day or two. The pain will however recede as the bruise also fades.

Causes of Bruises

Bruises almost occur as a result of mild trauma such as from bumping or dashing into objects such as into a chair or table and so on.

Bruises can also develop as a result of microscopic tears in the tiny blood vessels that are just beneath the upper layer of skin. Sports persons, athletes and any other fitness enthusiasts who exercise rigorously or excessively may be likely to suffer this type of bruising.

Bleeding disorders could at times be the cause for bruising, particularly when there is no apparent cause and if the individual also experiences frequent nosebleeds or gum bleeding.

Bruises on the shin and thighs are particularly common as we often unwittingly bump into objects like furniture such as beds or chairs and at most times we may not even recall any such incident.

The effects of aging on your skin are known to increase the risk of suffering bruising as the skin loses its flexibility and also becomes a lot thinner.

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

Remedies for Bruises

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.

Bruises Remedies

Bruises may be a minor problem that most of us don’t take very seriously but they can be prevented quite easily without much effort. To prevent severe bruising you need to apply a cold compress as soon as you suffer the injury before the signs of bruising even become apparent. Bruise treatment with ice is in fact the most commonly used home treatment. Before you attempt to learn how to get rid of bruises in any area such as on the arm, face, lips, or under the eyes with ice you should keep in mind that ice should never be applied directly to your skin as this could cause further damage to the tissue. No matter what the causes of bruising you can try treating bruises particularly under the eye or on the arms, face and legs with cold compresses by simply wrapping some ice in a towel or plastic bag and applying it to the affected area of skin. This remedy works as the extreme cold reduces blood flow into the region, thus reducing the bleeding and thereby the swelling and other signs of bruising. Elevating the affected area will also help as it will reduce the blood flow to the region.

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.