A bruise or contusion forms when blood pools beneath the surface of the skin after trauma or injury. Damaged blood vessels leak blood that becomes trapped beneath the skin, leading to bruising. The side effects of bruising are minimal but can also accompany more severe medical problems, such as bone fractures. Patients who develop large or frequent bruising side effects should consult a doctor for further care.
Skin Discoloration
The characteristic side effect associated with bruising is skin discoloration. After injury to the skin, the affected body region can appear unusually red or splotchy, according to medical professionals at the University of Illinois Medical Center. This skin discoloration occurs when blood collects immediately beneath the surface of the skin at the site of blood vessel injury. Within a few days, the affected skin region can progressively become a deep red or purple color. As a bruise begins to heal, patients can notice that the damaged skin appears yellow, green or brown in color. These skin discoloration side effects resulting from bruising are temporary and typically resolve within two to three weeks after the initial injury, according to the University of Illinois Medical Center.
Swelling
Blood vessel damage after injury can cause the affected skin region to appear inflamed or swollen, according to Medline Plus, a medical information website established by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Skin swelling is typically temporary and can be accompanied by skin discoloration in certain patients. Patients who develop severe swelling that persists or becomes worse should seek additional medical care for further evaluation.
Tenderness
Tenderness may occur as a side effect of bruising in certain patients, according to Kids Health, a children's health information website supported by the Nemours Foundation. Affected patients can experience sensations of pain when depressing the discolored or swollen skin region. Side effects of tenderness are temporary but can persist until the damaged skin completely heals. Patients who experience severe pain in conjunction with bruising should consult a medical professional to ensure receipt of appropriate care.
