Why Do Bruises Itch? Understanding Causes, Healing Process, and Treatment Options

01.07.202214.07.2023 by alexxlab

Why do some bruises itch during the healing process. How can you alleviate itching sensations associated with bruises. When should you seek medical attention for a bruising that itches.

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The Science Behind Bruising: Formation and Healing Process

Bruises, also known as contusions, occur when blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface rupture due to an injury or impact. This leads to blood leaking into the surrounding tissues, causing the characteristic discoloration we associate with bruises. Understanding the science behind bruising can help us better comprehend why some bruises may itch during the healing process.

How do bruises form?

When an injury occurs, tiny blood vessels called capillaries can break, allowing blood to escape and pool in the surrounding tissues. This pooling of blood causes the initial dark coloration of a bruise. The body’s immune system then begins to break down and reabsorb the leaked blood, leading to the various color changes we observe as a bruise heals.

What are the stages of bruise healing?

Bruises typically go through several stages of healing, each characterized by different colors:

Red or purple (initial stage): This occurs immediately after the injury when blood first leaks into the tissues.
Blue or dark purple (1-3 days): The hemoglobin in the blood begins to lose oxygen, causing the bruise to darken.
Green or yellow (4-7 days): As the body breaks down the hemoglobin, the bruise may take on a greenish or yellowish hue.
Light brown or pale yellow (7-14 days): In the final stages of healing, the bruise gradually fades to a light brown or pale yellow before disappearing completely.

The Itching Sensation: Why Do Some Bruises Itch?

As bruises heal, some people may experience an itching sensation in the affected area. This phenomenon, while not universal, is relatively common and can be attributed to several factors related to the body’s natural healing process.

What causes bruises to itch during healing?

The itching sensation associated with healing bruises can be attributed to several factors:

Inflammatory response: As the body’s immune system works to repair damaged tissues and remove leaked blood, it triggers an inflammatory response. This process can stimulate nerve endings in the skin, leading to itching.
Histamine release: During the healing process, cells called mast cells release histamine, a compound that can cause itching and swelling.
Skin regeneration: As new skin cells form to replace damaged ones, the process can cause mild irritation and itching.
Blood reabsorption: The breakdown and reabsorption of leaked blood can stimulate nerve endings, resulting in an itchy sensation.

Alleviating Itching Sensations: Effective Treatment Options

While itching bruises can be uncomfortable, there are several methods to alleviate the discomfort and promote healing. It’s important to note that scratching should be avoided, as it can potentially damage the skin further and increase the risk of infection.

How can you relieve itching caused by bruises?

To alleviate itching associated with healing bruises, consider the following options:

Cold compress: Applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing relief from itching.
Over-the-counter antihistamines: Oral antihistamines can help reduce itching by blocking histamine receptors in the body.
Topical anti-itch creams: Hydrocortisone creams or calamine lotion can be applied directly to the affected area to soothe itching.
Moisturizers: Keeping the skin well-hydrated can help reduce itching and promote healing.
Gentle massage: Lightly massaging the area around the bruise can help improve circulation and reduce itching sensations.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Unusual Symptoms

While most bruises heal on their own without complications, there are instances where medical attention may be necessary. It’s essential to be aware of signs that could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

When should you consult a doctor about an itchy bruise?

Consider seeking medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Persistent or severe pain that doesn’t improve with time
Excessive swelling or discoloration that spreads beyond the initial bruise site
Signs of infection, such as warmth, redness, or pus
Bruises that appear without any known cause or injury
Bruises that don’t heal within two to four weeks
Frequent or easy bruising, which may indicate an underlying medical condition

Preventing Bruises: Tips for Minimizing Injury Risk

While it’s impossible to prevent all bruises, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of injury and reduce the likelihood of developing bruises.

How can you reduce your risk of bruising?

Consider implementing the following strategies to minimize your risk of bruising:

Wear protective gear during sports and physical activities
Clear your living space of potential tripping hazards
Use handrails when climbing stairs, especially if you have balance issues
Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins C and K, which support blood vessel health
Stay hydrated to maintain skin elasticity
Exercise regularly to improve balance and coordination

Understanding Bruise-Prone Individuals: Factors That Increase Susceptibility

Some individuals may be more prone to bruising than others due to various factors, including genetics, age, and certain medical conditions. Understanding these factors can help in managing and preventing excessive bruising.

Why do some people bruise more easily than others?

Several factors can contribute to increased bruising susceptibility:

Age: As we get older, our skin becomes thinner and loses some of its protective fatty layer, making bruising more likely.
Gender: Women tend to bruise more easily than men, possibly due to hormonal differences and typically thinner skin.
Medications: Blood thinners, aspirin, and certain supplements can increase the likelihood of bruising.
Medical conditions: Certain blood disorders, liver diseases, and nutritional deficiencies can lead to easier bruising.
Sun damage: Excessive sun exposure can weaken blood vessels near the skin’s surface, making them more prone to rupture.

The Role of Nutrition in Bruise Prevention and Healing

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood vessels and promoting efficient healing of bruises. Certain vitamins and minerals are particularly important in this process.

Which nutrients are essential for preventing bruises and promoting healing?

Include the following nutrients in your diet to support healthy blood vessels and promote efficient bruise healing:

Vitamin C: Helps in the production of collagen, which strengthens blood vessel walls.
Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding.
Flavonoids: Found in fruits and vegetables, these compounds help strengthen blood vessels.
Iron: Necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
Zinc: Supports immune function and wound healing.

Incorporating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help ensure you’re getting these essential nutrients.

Alternative Therapies for Bruise Management: Exploring Natural Remedies

While conventional treatments are effective for managing bruises and associated itching, some people may be interested in exploring natural or alternative remedies. It’s important to note that while many of these remedies have anecdotal support, scientific evidence may be limited.

Are there natural remedies that can help with bruise healing and itching?

Some natural remedies that may help with bruise healing and itching include:

Arnica: This herb is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is often used topically for bruises.
Witch hazel: Known for its astringent properties, witch hazel may help reduce swelling and itching.
Aloe vera: The gel from this plant can soothe skin and may help reduce inflammation.
Bromelain: An enzyme found in pineapple, bromelain supplements may help reduce inflammation and bruising.
Essential oils: Certain essential oils like lavender or frankincense, when properly diluted, may help soothe skin and reduce itching.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any alternative remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

The Psychological Impact of Bruising: Addressing Cosmetic Concerns

While bruises are generally harmless and temporary, they can sometimes cause psychological distress, especially if they are visible or frequent. Understanding and addressing these concerns is an important aspect of overall well-being.

How can you cope with the cosmetic impact of bruises?

If you’re concerned about the appearance of bruises, consider the following strategies:

Use concealer or body makeup to temporarily cover visible bruises
Wear clothing that covers affected areas if you feel self-conscious
Practice stress-reduction techniques if bruising causes anxiety
Educate yourself and others about the natural healing process of bruises
Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if bruising significantly impacts your self-esteem

Remember that bruises are a normal part of the body’s healing process and are usually not a cause for concern. However, if you’re experiencing frequent, unexplained bruising or are concerned about your bruising pattern, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and 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.

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 on the body indicate dangerous diseases

May 20, 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 if 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 .

health
Sergey Agapkin
Russia 1
bruise/hematoma
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news
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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.

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 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. Blood 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).

· Blood clotting 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 urgent to 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, 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, 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 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 “bruising” drug is Detragel.