1. A Bruise Results When Blood Leaks Into the Skin
A bruise is the result of blood that has leaked out of blood vessels and into your skin. Although the blood is red, it appears bluish when seen though the layers of your skin. Bruises can be small and totally unnoticeable, or they can be large and painful, depending on how much blood leaks out and where the bruise occurs.
2. Bruises are Usually Normal
Who among us has never walked into the corner of the bed or miscalculated the exact location of the coffee table when crossing a room? Bruising is a normal response to a minor injury. In most cases, bruising does not indicate any underlying disease (other than clumsiness, for which, I'm afraid, there is no cure). In particular, it is well-established that women tend to bruise more easily than men, especially on their thighs and buttocks. This easy bruising is likely the result of relatively exposed blood vessels and perhaps thinner skin as compared to men. In women, minor, even unnoticed injuries to their legs can often leave noticeable bruises. Bruising seems to appear more in the summer, but this is because people notice the spots when legs are exposed in the warm weather, as compared to the winter.
3. Bruises Can Be a Sign of Disease
Although bruises are common and usually normal, they can be signs of underlying diseases. In the vast majority of cases, bruising is a lifelong problem. If, however, easy bruising develops rapidly or seems to be getting progressively worse, further investigation might be needed. In addition, bruising that is associated with taking medications should be discussed with a physician. While bruises that occur on the legs, arms or buttocks are common, recurrent bruises that appear on the face, back or abdomen are unusual and should be evaluated by a physician. Also, when bruising is accompanied by bleeding in other places, you should see a physician. This can be seen in women who have unusually heavy periods, and in people with recurrent nose bleeds, bleeding from the gums, or blood in the urine or stool.
4. How Can You Prevent Bruises?
When bruising is the result of certain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, stopping these medications can minimize bruising. Also, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants can provide a layer of protection that can make the difference in whether or not a bruise develops.
5. How Can You Treat a Bruise?
Once you have sustained an injury, the key is to minimize the amount of blood that leaks out, thereby limiting the size of the bruise. This can be done by applying pressure to the injured spot for 10 to15 minutes. You can also use ice; however, ice is best if used only for 15 minutes or less (longer than 20 minutes can cause worsening of the bruise). Ice should not be applied directly to the skin; use a washcloth or other layer between the ice and your skin. Avoid hot showers or hot baths for 24 hours after the injury, as the heat can restart bleeding into the skin.
Once a bruise has developed, there is little you can do to make it fade. Ingredients like Vitamin K and bromelin (found in pineapples) might be helpful in resolving bruises more quickly. Vitamin K can be found in topical products, while bromelin can be found in oral supplements that can be taken for a few days after a bruise develops.
