What causes bruises to itch during healing. How can you treat an itchy bruise at home. When should you see a doctor for a bruise that itches. What are the signs of infection in a bruise.

Understanding Bruises: Formation and Healing Process

Bruises, also known as contusions, occur when an injury causes small blood vessels beneath the skin to break, releasing blood into the surrounding tissues. While the skin remains intact, the internal damage results in discoloration and sometimes discomfort. Understanding the bruise formation and healing process is crucial for proper care and recognizing when medical attention may be necessary.

The appearance of a bruise can vary depending on skin tone. On lighter skin, bruises typically progress through a series of color changes:

• Initially red or purple
• Gradually shifting to blue or black
• Fading to green or yellow
• Finally disappearing as the body reabsorbs the blood

On darker skin, bruises may be more challenging to identify visually but can still cause discomfort and swelling. Regardless of skin tone, the healing process remains the same, involving the body’s natural mechanisms to repair damaged tissues and remove extravasated blood.

The Itching Sensation: Why Do Some Bruises Itch?

As bruises heal, some individuals experience an itching sensation in the affected area. This phenomenon, while not universal, is relatively common and can be attributed to several factors:

Histamine Release

During the healing process, the body releases histamine as part of the inflammatory response. This chemical can stimulate nerve endings, leading to an itching sensation. Why does histamine cause itching? Histamine triggers the release of other chemicals that dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the injured area, which can irritate nerve endings and result in itching.

Dry Skin

When a bruise develops on an area of dry skin, the combination of skin irritation and the healing process can exacerbate itching. How does dry skin contribute to itchy bruises? Dry skin is often more sensitive and prone to irritation. The healing process of a bruise can further dry out the skin, leading to increased itchiness.

Bilirubin Levels

As the body breaks down the blood trapped beneath the skin, bilirubin levels in the affected area increase. Elevated bilirubin can sometimes cause itching. Why does bilirubin cause itching? Bilirubin is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown and can irritate nerve endings when present in high concentrations, leading to an itchy sensation.

Treating Itchy Bruises: Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Solutions

Managing an itchy bruise involves addressing both the bruise itself and the itching sensation. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Apply a cold compress for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and minimize blood flow to the area.
2. After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses to promote circulation and accelerate healing.
3. Keep the bruised area elevated when possible to reduce swelling.
4. Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers to combat dry skin and soothe itching.
5. Take over-the-counter antihistamines to alleviate itching caused by histamine release.
6. Apply aloe vera gel or calamine lotion to soothe the skin and reduce itching.

When treating an itchy bruise, it’s crucial to avoid scratching, as this can damage the skin further and potentially lead to infection. Instead, gently patting or applying light pressure to the itchy area can provide temporary relief without causing harm.

Distinguishing Between Itchy Bruises and Skin Conditions

Sometimes, what appears to be an itchy bruise may actually be a skin condition. Certain dermatological issues can cause discoloration and itching that mimic the symptoms of a bruise:

Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis

These conditions can cause intense itching, leading to scratching that may result in bruise-like discoloration. How can you differentiate eczema from a bruise? Eczema typically presents with dry, red, and inflamed patches of skin, often in specific areas like the elbows or behind the knees, while bruises are usually more localized and have a distinct color progression.

Psoriasis

In People of Color, psoriasis plaques may appear purple, grayish, or dark brown, potentially resembling bruises. What are the key differences between psoriasis and bruises? Psoriasis typically involves scaly, itchy patches that persist over time, whereas bruises change color and gradually fade.

When to Seek Medical Attention for an Itchy Bruise

While most bruises heal without medical intervention, certain circumstances warrant professional evaluation:

• Bruises that persist for more than two weeks without improvement
• Frequent unexplained bruising
• Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, or swelling
• Severe pain or pressure in the bruised area
• Bruises accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever or fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Special Considerations: Itchy Bruises in Older Adults

Older adults may be more susceptible to itchy bruises due to several factors:

Thin Skin

As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more fragile, making it more prone to bruising. How does thin skin contribute to itchy bruises in older adults? Thinner skin is more sensitive to trauma and may heal more slowly, potentially prolonging the itching sensation associated with healing.

Dry Skin

Older adults are more likely to have dry skin, which can exacerbate itching when bruises occur. Why is dry skin more common in older adults? Decreased oil production and reduced skin cell turnover contribute to dryness, making the skin more susceptible to irritation and itching.

Medication Effects

Many older adults take medications that can increase bruising tendency or affect skin healing. These may include blood thinners, steroids, and certain supplements. How do these medications impact bruising and itching? Blood thinners can lead to more extensive bruising, while steroids can thin the skin and slow healing, potentially prolonging the itching phase.

Preventing Itchy Bruises: Strategies for Skin Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent bruises, certain strategies can help minimize their occurrence and reduce the likelihood of itching:

• Maintain proper hydration to keep skin supple and less prone to damage
• Use moisturizers regularly to combat dry skin
• Ensure adequate intake of vitamins C and K, which support skin health and blood vessel integrity
• Exercise regularly to improve circulation and skin resilience
• Protect skin from sun damage, which can weaken blood vessels over time
• Be mindful of potential hazards in your environment to avoid accidental bumps and bruises

By implementing these preventive measures, you can help maintain healthy skin that is less susceptible to bruising and subsequent itching.

The Role of Nutrition in Bruise Healing and Itch Prevention

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in skin health, bruise healing, and itch prevention. Certain nutrients are particularly beneficial:

Vitamin C

This antioxidant is essential for collagen production, which strengthens blood vessels and promotes skin healing. How does vitamin C help with bruising? By supporting blood vessel integrity, vitamin C can reduce the severity of bruising and potentially minimize associated itching.

Vitamin K

Known for its role in blood clotting, vitamin K can help reduce bruising and promote faster healing. Why is vitamin K important for bruise prevention? It helps activate proteins that are crucial for blood clotting, potentially reducing the extent of bleeding under the skin when an injury occurs.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties that can support skin health and healing. How do omega-3s contribute to skin health? They help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, reducing dryness and potentially minimizing itching associated with bruises.

Incorporating foods rich in these nutrients or considering supplements under medical guidance can support overall skin health and resilience.

Understanding the causes of itchy bruises and how to manage them effectively can help alleviate discomfort and promote faster healing. By recognizing when a bruise requires medical attention and implementing preventive strategies, you can maintain healthier skin and reduce the impact of bruises on your daily life. Remember, while itching during the healing process is often normal, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper care and rule out any underlying conditions.

Why do bruises itch? Causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor

A bruise develops when an injury does not break the skin’s surface but still causes small blood vessels just below the surface to break, leaking blood into the surrounding tissue.

Bruises are also called contusions.

Most bruises heal without medical treatment, and it is normal for a bruise to change colors and even itch during this process.

A bruise will look different according to a person’s skin color and may be more difficult to identify on darker skin. In general, bruises appear as discolored or darker patches on the skin.

Learn more about how to identify bruises on darker skin here.

Bruises can look red or purple when they first appear, changing to yellowy-green as they heal. This is the time when bruises may start itching.

Muscles and bones can bruise, too. Bruises can cause the surrounding areas to become swollen, stiff, and sore. A bruised muscle may cause reduced motion, while more severe bruises, or hematomas, can cause a raised, swollen, and painful bump to form.

Researchers have not determined why some bruises itch. Contributing factors can include dry skin and the healing process itself.

Dry skin is often itchy. If people with dry skin develop a bruise, the area can become very sensitive and painful. If a person does not moisturize the dry skin where the bruise is, the bruise might become itchy.

Older adults may be particularly vulnerable to itchy bruises since they tend to bruise more easily and are more likely to have dry skin.

Long-lasting bruises on the hands and arms are called actinic purpura.

Most often seen in older adults, actinic purpura typically develop due to thin skin, weakened blood vessels, and the use of steroids and blood thinners, such as coumadin and alcohol. People with dry skin may develop itchy bruises.

Bruises are a type of wound known as a pressure wound. According to a 2015 article, itching is a typical healing response for all types of wounds.

Experts say histamine, which the body releases as a wound heals, and high bilirubin levels, which can also increase as wounds heal, can cause itching.

Sometimes, bruises develop as a result of an itch. For example, some people are so sensitive to bites from mosquitos, bed bugs, or other pests that they scratch hard enough to give themselves bruises.

An itchy bruise is usually not a sign of infection.

Experts list increasing pain and swelling, expanding discoloration of the skin, pus, and feeling sick as key signs of wound infection. They do not mention itching as a sign.

Additionally, while many different infections, such as cellulitis, folliculitis, impetigo, and chickenpox, can affect the skin, these do not resemble bruises.

According to the American Cancer Society, itching can have associations with severe illnesses, such as leukemia, cancer of the blood cells. However, when a person has leukemia or another blood cancer, they typically experience itching over their whole body, not just one spot. A person cannot trace this kind of itching back to a rash, bruise, or dry skin.

The basic treatment for bruises, whether they itch or not, involves:

• resting and elevating the bruised area if possible and comfortable
• icing the site in the first 2 days after the injury
• applying heat to the injury after 48 hours
• taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication, if needed

Further treatment can benefit an itchy bruise:

• washing the bruised area with warm, not hot, water
• using gentle, non-irritating soap
• applying soothing lotions to treat dry skin and calm the itch
• taking OTC antihistamines, if needed

People who have what appears to be an itchy bruise but have no apparent reason for a bruise may have a skin condition that causes a rash.

For example, skin conditions, such as eczema or atopic dermatitis can cause rashes that are so itchy that people bruise themselves while scratching or rubbing.

The condition can also cause the skin to discolor over time, so the affected area looks more like a bruise than a rash.

Psoriasis is another common skin condition. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation in 2014, more than 8 million people in the United States had psoriasis. Psoriasis can cause itchy scales to develop anywhere on the body, particularly the knees, elbows, and scalp.

When People of Color have psoriasis, their plaques tend to be purple, grayish, or darker brown and may look more like bruises than psoriasis plaques.

The majority of bruises heal without medical treatment. Indications that it may be time to contact a doctor for treatment include:

• frequently bruising with no apparent reason
• having a bruise that lasts for more than 2 weeks without much improvement
• developing signs of infection, such as increasing redness or swelling, around the bruise

Experiencing significant pain or pressure in the injured area may signify a serious condition called compartment syndrome, which requires prompt medical treatment.

Bruises are very common injuries that generally heal on their own without medical treatment.

During the healing process, it is normal for bruises to change color, and some people may experience itching as well.

Experts have not determined one particular cause for itchy bruises, although dry skin and the natural healing process may be factors.

Some skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, may cause rashes that people might confuse with bruises.

It is also possible for people to develop bruises after intensely scratching their skin due to another condition, such as an insect bite or eczema.

Anyone who experiences bruising that seems unusual, infected, or very painful, see a healthcare professional.

Why do bruises itch? Causes, treatments, and when to see a doctor

A bruise develops when an injury does not break the skin’s surface but still causes small blood vessels just below the surface to break, leaking blood into the surrounding tissue.

Bruises are also called contusions.

Most bruises heal without medical treatment, and it is normal for a bruise to change colors and even itch during this process.

A bruise will look different according to a person’s skin color and may be more difficult to identify on darker skin. In general, bruises appear as discolored or darker patches on the skin.

Learn more about how to identify bruises on darker skin here.

Bruises can look red or purple when they first appear, changing to yellowy-green as they heal. This is the time when bruises may start itching.

Muscles and bones can bruise, too. Bruises can cause the surrounding areas to become swollen, stiff, and sore. A bruised muscle may cause reduced motion, while more severe bruises, or hematomas, can cause a raised, swollen, and painful bump to form.

Researchers have not determined why some bruises itch. Contributing factors can include dry skin and the healing process itself.

Dry skin is often itchy. If people with dry skin develop a bruise, the area can become very sensitive and painful. If a person does not moisturize the dry skin where the bruise is, the bruise might become itchy.

Older adults may be particularly vulnerable to itchy bruises since they tend to bruise more easily and are more likely to have dry skin.

Long-lasting bruises on the hands and arms are called actinic purpura.

Most often seen in older adults, actinic purpura typically develop due to thin skin, weakened blood vessels, and the use of steroids and blood thinners, such as coumadin and alcohol. People with dry skin may develop itchy bruises.

Bruises are a type of wound known as a pressure wound. According to a 2015 article, itching is a typical healing response for all types of wounds.

Experts say histamine, which the body releases as a wound heals, and high bilirubin levels, which can also increase as wounds heal, can cause itching.

Sometimes, bruises develop as a result of an itch. For example, some people are so sensitive to bites from mosquitos, bed bugs, or other pests that they scratch hard enough to give themselves bruises.

An itchy bruise is usually not a sign of infection.

Experts list increasing pain and swelling, expanding discoloration of the skin, pus, and feeling sick as key signs of wound infection. They do not mention itching as a sign.

Additionally, while many different infections, such as cellulitis, folliculitis, impetigo, and chickenpox, can affect the skin, these do not resemble bruises.

According to the American Cancer Society, itching can have associations with severe illnesses, such as leukemia, cancer of the blood cells. However, when a person has leukemia or another blood cancer, they typically experience itching over their whole body, not just one spot. A person cannot trace this kind of itching back to a rash, bruise, or dry skin.

The basic treatment for bruises, whether they itch or not, involves:

• resting and elevating the bruised area if possible and comfortable
• icing the site in the first 2 days after the injury
• applying heat to the injury after 48 hours
• taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication, if needed

Further treatment can benefit an itchy bruise:

• washing the bruised area with warm, not hot, water
• using gentle, non-irritating soap
• applying soothing lotions to treat dry skin and calm the itch
• taking OTC antihistamines, if needed

People who have what appears to be an itchy bruise but have no apparent reason for a bruise may have a skin condition that causes a rash.

For example, skin conditions, such as eczema or atopic dermatitis can cause rashes that are so itchy that people bruise themselves while scratching or rubbing.

The condition can also cause the skin to discolor over time, so the affected area looks more like a bruise than a rash.

Psoriasis is another common skin condition. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation in 2014, more than 8 million people in the United States had psoriasis. Psoriasis can cause itchy scales to develop anywhere on the body, particularly the knees, elbows, and scalp.

When People of Color have psoriasis, their plaques tend to be purple, grayish, or darker brown and may look more like bruises than psoriasis plaques.

The majority of bruises heal without medical treatment. Indications that it may be time to contact a doctor for treatment include:

• frequently bruising with no apparent reason
• having a bruise that lasts for more than 2 weeks without much improvement
• developing signs of infection, such as increasing redness or swelling, around the bruise

Experiencing significant pain or pressure in the injured area may signify a serious condition called compartment syndrome, which requires prompt medical treatment.

Bruises are very common injuries that generally heal on their own without medical treatment.

During the healing process, it is normal for bruises to change color, and some people may experience itching as well.

Experts have not determined one particular cause for itchy bruises, although dry skin and the natural healing process may be factors.

Some skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, may cause rashes that people might confuse with bruises.

It is also possible for people to develop bruises after intensely scratching their skin due to another condition, such as an insect bite or eczema.

Anyone who experiences bruising that seems unusual, infected, or very painful, see a healthcare professional.

Why do bruises remain after droppers? As a rule, such a hematoma completely disappears after 2 weeks. Seals, sometimes formed at the site of a bruise, also resolve over time.

The main cause of hematomas after a dropper is damage to blood vessels when the skin is pierced. As a result, blood clots accumulate under the skin, which lead to the formation of a bruise. After a dropper, a cotton swab soaked in medical alcohol is always applied to the puncture site. A person bends his arm at the elbow, pressing this cotton wool, and the puncture site is tightened by the formed clot of coagulated blood. If you do not hold the cotton wool long enough, then drops of blood can penetrate into the subcutaneous tissues, forming a bruise or bruise there. Doctors recommend keeping the arm bent for at least 15 minutes, and if the skin is tender, then all 20-25 minutes. In addition, do not touch or rub the injection site, as this can also contribute to the accumulation of blood clots under the skin.

Bruises after a dropper can also appear due to the fragility of blood vessels, when their walls are so thin that when a needle is inserted under the skin, the vessels simply burst. The blood from the burst vessels gets under the skin, which is why a bruise is formed. Note that this moment does not depend in any way on the qualifications and professionalism of the medical worker who makes the injection to the patient.

In addition to hematomas and bruises, small bumps may appear at the puncture sites. The reason for the formation of these seals is a high accumulation in the skin tissues of the drug.

Given the specifics of our work and the characteristics of patients, it is far from always possible to control a person’s calmness. In people who are intoxicated during a dropper, vein injuries occur more often.

Although a bruise is not a serious injury, it can lead to some complications if it becomes infected. A number of alarming signs may indicate an infectious infection, upon detection of which you should immediately consult a doctor. These features include the following:

• • Tangible pain;
• • Enlarged abrasion;
• • Muscle spasms;
• • Discomfort and pain when moving the arm;
• • General weakness and malaise;
• • Hematoma does not go away for a long time;
• • Increased skin temperature at the site of the bruise.

All these points may indicate an inflammatory reaction as a result of infection in the body. Ordinary bruises go away on average in 2-3 weeks. If the hematoma does not go away longer, it is better to consult a doctor.

Intravenous injections often cause characteristic itching. Since the skin puncture site is a small wound, the patient may feel a slight itch when it heals. If the wound begins to itch immediately after the injection, this may indicate the onset of an allergic reaction of the body to the drug. If you suffer from allergies, be sure to inform the nurse in advance. Monitor your condition during the injection. Often, an allergic reaction begins to manifest itself even when a small dose of the drug enters the bloodstream. If during the injection something suddenly itches or it becomes difficult for you to breathe, if you see that the skin at the puncture site begins to swell and turn red, then respond to such changes immediately. Do not hesitate to call a medical worker, because health is no joke.

Bruises and hematomas: general information

Is there a difference between a bruise and a hematoma, when to apply heat, and when to apply cold – all the most important thing about bruises.

Any injury ruptures tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Blood accumulates under the surface of the skin and appears as black-blue spots. “Hematoma” is a medical term that originated from the words “blood” and “tumor”, while the word “bruise” is a vernacular.

How bruises appear

The cause of any hematoma is damage to the wall of a blood vessel as a result of fractures, dislocations, bruises, surgical and cosmetic manipulations.

The more severe the injury and the more blood flows from the vessel, the faster the hematoma appears after the injury. Light bruises occur 24 hours after the bruise, moderate bruising – after 3-5 hours, severe – after 1-2 hours. Severe and extensive hematomas require surgical treatment, moderate – conservative.

Life cycle of a bruise:

1. From the damaged blood vessel, blood flows into the surrounding tissues, forming a cavity. Fresh blood is red, jelly-like, with purple clots. The damaged area turns red, swells and hurts a lot.

2. After 3-4 hours the blood coagulates: the bruise darkens and turns black-violet.

3. Within 10-14 days, the hemoglobin contained in the coagulated blood breaks down. The bruise changes color: turns green, turns yellow, turns pale.

4. Clots dissolve, clotted blood is sucked back into the bloodstream – pain and swelling subside.

Approximate bruise healing time – 1.5-2 weeks.

Risk factors

There are circumstances that make a person bruise more often and take longer to heal:

Fragility of vessel walls. Where the elastic vessel withstands a slight blow, the fragile one breaks – and a bruise appears. Fragility of blood vessels occurs with a deficiency of certain vitamins and microelements, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, poor training of blood vessels (as a result of a sedentary lifestyle).

Bleeding disorders: Liver disease or use of blood thinners.

What bruises should alert

If the bruise continues to hurt after 5-7 days, becomes hot, pulsates, and the swelling does not decrease, it is necessary to urgently contact a surgeon. If there are a lot of bruises, they appear out of the blue, “for no reason” – this requires a consultation with a therapist.
When a bacterial infection is attached, the hematoma is filled with purulent or serous contents. The bruise does not resolve, but thickens, pain and swelling increase. An abscess develops. An abscess requires surgical intervention: opening, washing, applying a bandage, prescribing antibiotics.

Complications of hematomas

If the hematoma does not resolve for a long time, its scarring and the formation of fibrous tissue begin. An old hematoma retains hardness, soreness, and can become inflamed. The principle of treatment of bruises: first stop the bleeding, then – accelerate healing.

How to treat bruises

First 24 hours: stop bleeding

Dry cold should be applied as soon as possible: it will constrict blood vessels, prevent large amounts of blood from flowing out, and reduce swelling and pain. At home, you can take something from the freezer and apply it through a soft cloth for 5-10 minutes intermittently.

Relieve inflammation, pain and accelerate resorption

The next stage of healing is to accelerate the blood flow at the site of injury. You can gently apply dry heat (a warm cloth, for example) to increase circulation. At the same time, it is necessary to start using means that promote the healing of bruises. Note that for the first two to three days, a very hot bath or shower can increase bleeding and swelling.

Folk methods

Folk remedies relieve the condition a little, but you should not count on a serious therapeutic effect.

Table salt

Hypertonic (saturated) salt solution relieves swelling. You need to dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in a liter of water. Soak a soft cloth in the solution and apply to the bruise.

Cabbage

Cabbage from the refrigerator can be used as a cold compress. It is recommended to knead the cabbage leaf so that the juice appears and apply to the bruise. Due to the released juice, the cabbage leaf acts as a saturated solution, therefore it relieves swelling.

Pharmaceutical remedies for bruises

An example of a “bruise” drug is Detragel. It contains a combination of three active ingredients: heparin, escin and essential phospholipids [3]. When applied, essential phospholipids form special structures – liposomes, which contribute to the rapid penetration of heparin and escin into the skin [4]. Heparin is a natural anticoagulant that reduces blood viscosity and reduces inflammation. Escin strengthens the walls of blood vessels and enhances microcirculation, helping to restore damaged tissues [2].

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS.