How to take care of a bruise?

When you are hit by someone or hit something hard, the small blood vessels beneath your skin can be broken. That is where a bruise develops. This occurs because the blood leaks and has nowhere to go. It remains until your body absorbs it while you heal.

You'll have that telltale black-and-blue mark on your skin for up to two weeks after you've been bruised. As it heals, the bruise should change color. You might also experience pain and swelling. It will be the most painful in the first few days following your injury.

When you're bruised, there are some simple things you can do to aid in the healing process. Here are some suggestions to help your bruise heal faster.

Icing Therapy

The cold temperature of an ice pack causes blood to flow more slowly in that area. It can reduce the amount of blood that leaks from your vessels. Do not apply ice directly to a bruise, wrap the ice in a washcloth or towel. After about 10 minutes, remove the ice. It may irritate your skin if you leave it on for too long. It's OK to apply ice to your bruise several times a day as long as you take a break between applications.

Heat Treatment

Heat increases blood flow, which can aid in the healing of a bruise. Please wait 48 hours after the bruise appears before applying a heating pad or warm compress to it several times per day. You could also soak in a hot bath to relieve pain and relax your muscles.

Rest

When you are hurt, you must stop what you are doing. This can help to keep the bruise from worsening. Get off the field if you are kicked during a soccer game. Get your feet moving. This reduces blood flow to your bruise. That should keep it from worsening if you keep running around.

It's tempting to massage the sore spot while sleeping, but this is a bad idea.

This can aggravate the injured area. You risk breaking more blood vessels beneath the skin and enlarging the bruised area.

Elevation

It is beneficial to raise it above the level of your heart after being injured. This trick uses gravity to keep your bruise as small as possible. When the sore spot is below the status of your heart, blood pools more quickly, causing the bruise to grow larger. However, more blood flows back to your heart when the sore spot is lifted above your heart. Combine the following steps for the best results: Rest the bruise and elevate it above your heart.

Compression

It can help to alleviate any swelling caused by the bruise. Use an elastic bandage to wrap the area firmly but not too tightly.

Relievers of Pain

Your pain should go away about three days after you were bruised. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers if the bruise hurts or is swollen. Although NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be used, there is a slight increase in bleeding, particularly in elderly patients or those already on a blood thinner. Natural Remedies

A few natural remedies may help you get rid of a bruise faster, such as:

• Arnica: This cream made from this flower may help alleviate a bruise's symptoms.

• Bromelain: A group of enzymes found in pineapple that may help a bruise heal faster.

• Aloe vera is a plant that contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that help to soothe and moisturize the skin. It's used to treat a variety of skin problems, including bruises.

• Phytonadione, or vitamin K1, has been shown in studies to hasten bruising healing.