4 Ways to Treat Bruises

1. Ice, Ice, Baby

Some bruises are more painful than others, but the treatment is relatively simple. The most common way to treat a bruise is to apply an ice pack and pressure directly to the bruised area. This pressure, combined with ice, minimizes the blood pressure and swelling in the injured vessels that leak and cause bruising. Apply an ice pack to the affected area of the body for only 15 to 20 minutes at a time, with five minute breaks in between, to prevent temperature damage to the skin. After swelling has gone down, alternate a warm pad with the ice pack to help the bruise heal.

2. Elevation

If your bruise is located on one of your limbs, be sure to elevate the arm or leg. When you are elevating, make sure the bruise is higher than the heart. Sustain this elevated position, as long as possible, to help the healing of the bruise. Elevation slows the blood flow to the bruised area, lessens its severity, and speeds the healing process.

3. Eat, Drink and Bruise Less

Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to help prevent the occurrence and reduce the severity of bruises. The nutrients in fruits and vegetables aide the clotting process that reduces bruising. Conversely, fish oil, ginger and garlic can cause you to bruise more easily. Drinking fruit juice can also help you recover more quickly and bruise less.

4. Black and Blue All Over

Now, if you start to bruise more frequently and easily, it could indicate a problem. A person should not get bruises from just walking around the house. This may be a sign of low platelet levels, so consult a physician. As people age, they begin to bruise easily due to thinning skin and aging capillaries. In addition, some medications, such as Coumadin and Plavix, can result in easier bruising, so be sure to disclose any medication you are taking if you see a doctor about the frequent bruising.