A bruise is often called a contusion; through trauma, veins and capillaries are crushed and leak blood into the tissue around them. The result causes an unsightly bruise on the skin. Folk remedies abound claiming to be the best for removing the visual signs of bruising, but actual commercial products on the market may save the consumer a lot of the trial and error involved in testing out the products.
Weleda Arnica Ointment for Bruises and Muscle Aches
This ointment runs about $14 per 88/100ths of an ounce. Apply the ointment three or four times each day or as needed. The active ingredient is Arnica Montana. Arnica montana is a pretty yellow flower that contains thymol, a naturally occurring substance that soothes inflammation and opens veins to speed healing. A body's ability to clean up and repair damaged tissue is directly related to the amount of blood flow to the area, and Weleda Arnica Ointment for Bruises and Muscle Aches facilitates this problem.
Hyland's Bumps 'N Bruises Ointment
Hyland's uses the same active ingredient, Arnica montana. What's different is that it's $3.78 per quarter ounce. This brand claims to offer the same benefits of any other brand containing Arnica and to provide a lower price because of their steller administrative skills. The plant that the active ingredient is made of is toxic; when eaten raw, it can cause fatal internal bleeding.
Triderma Bruise Relief
The most readily available ointment to most people is Triderma Bruise Relief because it's sold at Target retail stores. Most importantly, it goes for $12.99 per 2.2 ounces. It's targeted toward people who bruise easily skin such as children and elderly people. It includes aloe vera, which helps with eliminating redness and itchiness. The other active ingredient is methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, and it has been found to possibly treat arthritis.
Pro-K
Vitamin K is used by the body to create the proteins needed in blood coagulants. Bruises are healed by veins and capillaries clotting and not spilling further excess blood into the affected area. Pro-K brand has claimed that its formula takes the healing properties of vitamin K straight to the applied area. It also claims to treat burns and spider veins. It costs $21.50 per 2 ounces. Pro-K recommends that you take a shower before using the product; doing so opens the pores in the skin, which is key to its effectiveness.
