How to Treat a Bruise

Bruises generally appear and heal on their own, though they can be quite bothersome. This article will teach you how to treat a bruise more effectively and speed up the healing process.

Apply Ice Packs. Applying cold to a bruise can help reduce swelling and speed up the healing process. You should ice the bruise as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading.

• Place ice cubes in a ziplock bag or use a frozen food bag (such as peas or corn). Wrap the bag in a towel or T-shirt before applying it to the bruise.
• Sports stores often sell gel ice packs designed specifically for injuries. Athletes tend to keep several ice packs on hand to prevent bruising during play.
• Apply ice to the bruise for 15 minutes every hour. Avoid prolonged exposure, as too much cold can cause frostbite.

Elevate the Bruised Area. Reducing blood circulation to the bruise through gravity can be beneficial. Raising the bruised area above the level of your heart will help prevent blood from flowing to the bruise, reducing discoloration.

• For example, if the bruise is on your leg, you can place it on a chair or cushion. Simply elevate your leg a few centimeters higher than your heart.
• If the bruise is on your arm, rest it on an armrest or stack pillows to keep your arm elevated above your heart.
• However, if you happen to bruise elsewhere on your body, you should simply apply ice.

Take Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. If the bruise is painful, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers. Be sure to read the product label and follow the recommended dosage.

• Avoid taking aspirin as it thins the blood and can make the bruise worse.

Rest. Physical activity can increase blood circulation to the bruise, which is not helpful. It’s best to rest for a day to avoid further injury and allow the bruise to heal faster.

• Rest on a comfortable chair. You can watch movies, play games, or read books, as long as the activity doesn’t require much movement.
• Go to bed early. Your body needs sleep to recover. So, head to bed as soon as you feel tired.

Know When to See a Doctor. Most bruises are not signs of serious health issues and can be safely treated at home. However, you should visit a doctor immediately if:

• You have a bruise accompanied by swelling or other injuries.
• You develop a fever or signs of infection around the bruise (redness, pus, or drainage).
• See a doctor immediately if you feel intense pressure around the bruise. This condition, known as compartment syndrome, severely restricts blood and oxygen supply to the bruised area and can be life-threatening.

Gently Massage the Bruise and Surrounding Area. This should be done multiple times a day starting from the day the bruise appears. It helps stimulate the lymphatic system and promotes healing of the bruise.

• Remember not to massage too aggressively, as it may cause pain. Stop massaging if the bruise becomes too painful.

Sun Exposure. UV rays help break down bilirubin, a product of the breakdown of hemoglobin that gives the bruise a yellowish hue. If possible, expose the bruise to sunlight (safely, avoiding sunburn) to accelerate the breakdown of the remaining bilirubin.

• Expose the bruise to direct sunlight for 10-15 minutes daily. This time is sufficient to help the bruise without causing sunburn.

Apply Apple Cider Vinegar. Mix apple cider vinegar with warm water and apply it to the bruise. The vinegar helps improve blood circulation near the skin's surface, which can help dissolve the pooled blood in the bruise. Witch hazel also has a similar effect.

Eat Pineapple. The digestive enzyme bromelain found in pineapple helps break down proteins that are accumulating fluids in the tissue after an injury.

Apply Cilantro Leaves. Crush a handful of fresh cilantro leaves and apply the paste to the bruise. Then, wrap an elastic bandage around the bruise. Some experts believe that cilantro helps reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and accelerate the healing of bruises.

Use Arnica Ointment or Gel Daily. Arnica is a herb that has long been recommended for treating bruises. It contains a compound that helps reduce inflammation and swelling. You can buy Arnica ointment and apply it to the bruise 1-2 times a day.

Use Live Leeches. You can buy live leeches from holistic health stores or Chinese pharmacies. Live leeches help dissolve the blood clot within seconds. The saliva of the leech acts as a mild painkiller, so you won’t feel anything when it bites. Use Isopropyl alcohol or moisturizing wax to remove the leech.

• This method is only recommended if you are certain the leeches are farmed and disease-free.

Apply Heat. Place a cushion underneath to elevate the bruised area. Then, apply a heat pack to the bruise (preferably reusable ones); avoid using electric blankets. Moist heat is better than dry heat.

• Apply the heat pack for only a few minutes, or when you can no longer apply cold. You should only use heat if the ice pack causes intense pain to the bruise or skin. In some cases, ice can cause skin to react poorly to the cold.

• Avoid poking, tapping, or scratching the bruise. These actions can cause the bruise to spread or even worsen the injury.
• Try placing a banana peel on the bruise for 10-15 minutes. This can help reduce discoloration on the bruise.
• Vitamin K cream may help dissolve the bruise.
• Aloe vera gel has soothing properties.
• Avoid constantly touching the bruise to prevent pain or further irritation.
• Always keep the bruised area elevated. Avoid strenuous exercise or activity that could aggravate the bruise.
• Apply ice to the bruise, but do not leave it on too long as it can cause redness.
• If the bruise is too painful to massage, consult a doctor for advice.
• Seek medical attention immediately if the bruise becomes swollen or intensely painful.
• Avoid using the bruised hand or leg to prevent further injury or irritation.

• See a doctor immediately if a bruise appears without any clear cause.
• Consult a doctor before starting or stopping any medication.
• Ensure you are not allergic to any of the bruise treatments or ingredients mentioned.
• Do not apply Arnica ointment or gel on cuts or open wounds.
• Visit a doctor right away if the bruise spreads or becomes extremely painful, as this could indicate a serious injury.
• Home remedies for preventing bruises are not scientifically validated and may carry potential risks.