Why do some people bruise easily. How should bruises look during the healing process. When is it necessary to see a doctor for a bruise. What causes bruises to itch as they heal. How can you help a bruise heal faster.

Understanding the Basics of Bruising

Bruises are a common occurrence in everyday life, resulting from various incidents such as falls, accidents, sports injuries, or medical procedures. But what exactly happens when a bruise forms? Bruises occur when blood vessels beneath the skin rupture, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues. This process creates the characteristic discoloration we associate with bruising.

Dr. Ronald Sulewski, a dermatologist, explains, “Everyone experiences bruising, but they are more common in older people. There are also some bleeding disorders and medical conditions that can make you more prone to bruising.”

The Appearance of Bruises

Bruises typically manifest as dark spots or patches on the skin, initially appearing red or purple. As the healing process progresses, these marks can transform into various colors, including yellow, orange, and green. This color evolution typically occurs over a span of about a week.

Dr. Sulewski elaborates on this phenomenon: “These changing colors in the skin are the result of hemoglobin being broken down by the body. Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen to our tissues in our blood.”

The Healing Process of Bruises

The body’s immune system plays a crucial role in the healing of bruises. White blood cells work diligently to break down the blood that has accumulated in and under the skin over time. This process is responsible for the gradual fading of the bruise.

Interestingly, many people experience itching as their bruises heal. Dr. Sulewski explains this sensation: “Bruises can itch as they are healing because the body’s immune system is breaking down the bruise. The white blood cells use chemical signaling that can lead to itching.”

Bruising and Blood Clots

It’s important to note that visible bruising in the skin is generally a superficial process. However, in some cases, more severe bruising can occur. Dr. Sulewski states, “Bruising can cause swelling, especially if more blood is present than the average bruise. Sometimes patients get hematomas, which are larger and deeper than a bruise.”

Hematomas can be more serious, potentially affecting internal organs and requiring medical attention. They are often characterized by pain and swelling.

Accelerating the Healing Process

While most bruises will resolve on their own within a week or two, there are several steps you can take to promote faster healing:

• Rest and elevate the injured area to reduce swelling and alleviate pain
• Apply ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury
• After two days, switch to applying a heating pad or warm compress
• Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)

It’s important to consult with your doctor before using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil or Aleve, as these may interfere with the healing process in some cases.

Factors Contributing to Easy Bruising

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to bruise more easily than others? There are several factors that can contribute to this phenomenon:

1. Medications that thin blood or prevent clotting, such as aspirin or blood thinners
2. Use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen
3. Steroid medications, such as prednisone
4. Past excessive sun exposure
5. Low blood platelet count
6. Vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency
7. Bleeding disorders
8. Medical conditions like cancer or liver disease

If you find yourself bruising frequently or easily, it’s advisable to discuss this with your doctor to identify the underlying cause.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bruising

While most bruises are harmless and heal on their own, there are instances where medical attention may be necessary. Dr. Sulewski advises, “If you have a bruise that doesn’t go away, it might actually be a skin lesion rather than a bruise. If your bruise remains for more than a month or is extremely painful or swollen, you should have it checked by your doctor.”

Additionally, if you experience multiple unexplained bruises or notice a bruise that keeps returning to the same area, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. In such cases, your doctor may order tests to determine the underlying cause. These tests may include X-rays to check for bone fractures and blood tests to assess for clotting disorders and vitamin deficiencies.

The Connection Between Bruising and Age

As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to bruising. This increased vulnerability is due to several factors related to the aging process:

• Thinning of the skin, which provides less protection for blood vessels
• Loss of fat beneath the skin, which acts as a cushion for blood vessels
• Weakening of blood vessel walls
• Decreased production of collagen, which supports skin structure

These age-related changes mean that even minor bumps or impacts can result in more noticeable bruising in older adults. While this increased tendency to bruise is generally not a cause for concern, it’s still important to monitor any unusual or persistent bruising.

The Role of Nutrition in Bruising

Did you know that your diet can play a significant role in your body’s ability to heal bruises and prevent excessive bruising? Certain nutrients are particularly important in this regard:

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is crucial for the production of collagen, a protein that helps strengthen blood vessel walls. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to increased bruising. Foods rich in vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits
• Berries
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Kiwi

Vitamin K

Vitamin K plays a vital role in blood clotting. A deficiency can result in easier bruising. Good sources of vitamin K include:

• Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens)
• Brussels sprouts
• Broccoli
• Cabbage

Zinc

Zinc is important for wound healing and can help reduce the appearance of bruises. Foods high in zinc include:

• Lean meats
• Seafood
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes

Ensuring a balanced diet rich in these nutrients can support your body’s natural healing processes and potentially reduce your susceptibility to bruising.

The Impact of Exercise on Bruising

Regular exercise can have both positive and negative effects on bruising. On one hand, exercise promotes healthy circulation, which can aid in the healing of bruises. On the other hand, certain types of exercise, particularly contact sports or activities with a high risk of impact, can increase the likelihood of bruising.

Positive Effects of Exercise

• Improved circulation, which can help clear bruises faster
• Strengthened blood vessels, potentially reducing the risk of bruising
• Enhanced overall health, which supports the body’s healing processes

Precautions During Exercise

To minimize the risk of bruising during exercise:

• Wear appropriate protective gear for your chosen activity
• Warm up properly before intense exercise
• Stay hydrated to maintain healthy blood flow
• Listen to your body and avoid overexertion

If you do sustain a bruise during exercise, remember to follow the R.I.C.E. method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Bruising and Medication Interactions

Certain medications can increase your susceptibility to bruising. It’s important to be aware of these potential interactions, especially if you’re prone to bruising easily:

Blood Thinners

Medications like warfarin, heparin, and newer anticoagulants can significantly increase the risk of bruising. These drugs work by preventing blood clots, which also means that even minor impacts can lead to more noticeable bruising.

Antiplatelet Medications

Drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel, which prevent platelets from sticking together, can also increase bruising tendency.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can interfere with platelet function, potentially leading to easier bruising.

Corticosteroids

Long-term use of corticosteroids can thin the skin and weaken blood vessels, making bruising more likely.

If you’re taking any of these medications and notice increased bruising, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Never stop or change your medication regimen without professional medical advice.

Psychological Impact of Frequent Bruising

While bruising is often considered a purely physical issue, frequent or easily visible bruising can have psychological effects, particularly in cases where the cause is unknown or related to a chronic condition:

• Self-consciousness about appearance, especially if bruises are in visible areas
• Anxiety about underlying health conditions
• Frustration with limitations on activities to avoid bruising
• Stress related to explaining frequent bruising to others

If you find that frequent bruising is affecting your mental well-being, consider the following strategies:

1. Open communication with healthcare providers about your concerns
2. Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups
3. Exploring stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
4. Considering professional counseling if the impact on your quality of life is significant

Remember, your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling with the psychological impact of frequent bruising.

Alternative and Complementary Treatments for Bruising

While conventional treatments for bruising are well-established, some people turn to alternative or complementary therapies to aid in healing or prevent excessive bruising. It’s important to note that while some of these methods have anecdotal support, scientific evidence may be limited:

Arnica

Arnica, derived from the Arnica montana plant, is often used topically in the form of creams or gels. Some believe it can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of bruises.

Bromelain

This enzyme, found in pineapples, is sometimes taken as a supplement to reduce inflammation and swelling associated with bruising.

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils, such as lavender or frankincense, are thought by some to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help with bruising when properly diluted and applied topically.

Acupuncture

Some practitioners believe that acupuncture can improve circulation and promote faster healing of bruises.

While these alternative treatments may be appealing, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Some alternative treatments can interact with conventional medicines or may not be suitable for everyone.

As research in this area continues, we may gain more insight into the effectiveness of these alternative approaches to managing bruising. Until then, it’s best to approach such treatments with caution and under professional guidance.

Bruising 101: Why some people bruise easily, how bruises should look during healing and when to see a doctor

What causes bruising?

Bruises occur when blood comes out of blood vessels into the skin or just below the skin’s surface. Bruises can occur from a fall, accident, sports injury or medical procedure. 

“Everyone experiences bruising, but they are more common in older people,” says dermatologist Ronald Sulewski, MD. “There are also some bleeding disorders and medical conditions that can make you more prone to bruising.” 

What do bruises look like? 

Bruises typically show up as red or purple dark spots or patches. They can change into various colors, including yellow, orange and green, as they evolve over a week or so. 

“These changing colors in the skin are the result of hemoglobin being broken down by the body,” Dr. Sulewski explains. “Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen to our tissues in our blood.”

How do bruises heal? 

Bruises heal as the body’s immune system (white blood cells) breaks down the blood in the skin and under the skin over time.  

“Bruises can itch as they are healing because the body’s immune system is breaking down the bruise,” says Dr. Sulewski. “The white blood cells use chemical signaling that can lead to itching.”

Can bruising cause blood clots or swelling? 

Visible bruising in the skin is a superficial process. Signs of other deeper blood clots are usually swelling of the tissue and pain.

“Bruising can cause swelling, especially if more blood is present than the average bruise,” says Dr. Sulewski. “Sometimes patients get hematomas, which are larger and deeper than a bruise.” 

Hematomas can be painful and swollen and can affect internal organs. They may require medical attention.

How can I help my bruise go away?

Most bruises will resolve within a week or two without treatment. Severe bruising and hematomas can last for a month or longer. To heal faster, you can:

• Rest and elevate the injured area to reduce swelling and relieve pain
• Apply ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours after injury
• Apply a heating pad or warm compress to the injured area after two days
• Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Check with your doctor before using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil or Aleve 

Why do I bruise so easily?

Many things can cause frequent bruising. Most of these causes aren’t serious and don’t require treatment. You should discuss with your doctor to pinpoint what is causing your frequent or unexplained bruising. 

Things that may cause you to bruise more easily include:

• Medications to thin blood/prevent clotting, like aspirin or blood thinners
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Use of steroids, such as prednisone
• Past excessive sun exposure
• Low blood platelet count
• Vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency 
• Bleeding disorders 
• Medical conditions like cancer or liver disease

When should I see a doctor about my bruise?

“If you have a bruise that doesn’t go away, it might actually be a skin lesion rather than a bruise,” explains Dr. Sulewski. “If your bruise remains for more than a month or is extremely painful or swollen, you should have it checked by your doctor. ” 

Also, if you have multiple, unexplained bruises or a bruise that keeps returning to the same area, your doctor may order tests to pinpoint the cause. Tests may include X-rays to check for bone fractures and blood tests to check for clotting disorders and vitamin deficiencies.

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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.

Bruises and hematomas: general information

Is there a difference between a bruise and a hematoma, when to apply heat, and when 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.

Bruise life cycle:

1. From a 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 becomes 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 is 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).

· Blood clotting disorders: liver disease or use of blood-thinning drugs.

What bruises should alert

If the bruise continues to hurt after 5-7 days, becomes hot, pulsates, the edema does not decrease, it is necessary to urgently contact the 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, it begins to scar and form fibrous tissue. 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, 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 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. IT IS NECESSARY TO CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST.

• 1. Glukhov A.A., Fundamentals of care for surgical patients. Moscow: GEOTAR-Media. – 2008.

• 2. Escin: pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic profile https://pubmed. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11529685 3. Instructions for the medical use of the drug Detragel ® LP-001044 https://detralex.ru/products/detragel/

• 4. Savelyeva MI Possibilities of transdermal drug delivery systems used in chronic venous diseases. Phlebology. 2018;12(1): 40-49

Bruises on the body indicate dangerous diseases

20 May 2021
14:31

How often do many of us get domestic injuries at home or on the street! A hematoma quickly appears at the site of the injury. But what if bruises on the body occur by accident? In the program “About the Most Important” on the channel “Russia 1” they said that this could be a sign of serious illness.

Irina Khodkevich from Chekhov applied to the program “About the Most Important Thing”. She cannot, as before, wear her favorite sundresses and skirts, because bruises began to appear on her arms, legs and even her stomach. On the air of the Russia 1 channel, Sergey Agapkin and Mikhail Politseymako, together with a hepatologist, gastroenterologist, candidate of medical sciences Pavel Bogomolov, discussed diseases that may indicate random hematomas.

Spontaneous bruising is one of the symptoms of liver disease. Other signs that this organ is out of order include swelling, drowsiness, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, and impaired concentration. The heroine is already familiar with some of these symptoms.

“Spontaneous bleeding, bruising is either a rather aggressive course of hepatitis, or emerging or already formed cirrhosis of the liver,” the doctor said.

He added that when liver functions are impaired due to disease, the synthesis of coagulation factors is reduced, which can manifest itself in the form of bleeding. In patients with liver diseases, not only plasma factors of the blood coagulation system decrease, but also cellular ones. These people have low platelet counts, so minimal or no exposure results in skin changes that resemble bruises.

The spectator showed a slight enlargement of the liver, but no other evidence of hepatitis was found. The doctor recommended that she undergo an additional examination.

If you are faced with cirrhosis of the liver, in the first place, according to Pavel Bogomolov, you must give up alcohol. Carbonated sweet drinks are also banned. In addition, Bogomolov advises a diet with limited salt intake. Fermented milk products should appear in the diet, which will help prevent hepatic encephalopathy and infectious complications of liver cirrhosis.

As for the treatment of liver cirrhosis, hepatoprotectors should not be used. “If the cause of the disease is viruses, then we prescribe only antiviral therapy. If the cause of the disease is overweight, insulin resistance, then we prescribe drugs that affect insulin resistance. If these are autoimmune hepatitis, we prescribe hormonal drugs,” the doctor said.

Even more interesting news is in our Telegram channel @smotrim_ru .