Bruises occur as a result of blood seepage under the skin and usually disappear within 2-4 weeks. The process of healing of bruises is marked by a gradual change in the color of the bruise, from the beginning of the wound being formed to total recovery.
When small blood vessels under the skin are damaged or broken, blood will leak into the surrounding tissue and clot. This causes the skin to appear reddish, bluish, to purplish, accompanied by swelling and pain. This condition is known as a bruise.
There are a number of factors that have the risk of causing blood vessels under the skin to be damaged or broken and cause bruising, including:
- Impact with hard objects.
- Accident.
- Strenuous exercise.
- Fell or sprained.
- Physical abuse.
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Old age, where blood vessels are usually fragile and prone to rupture.
- Taking certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), blood-thinning drugs, and cancer drugs.
- Certain medical conditions, such as hemophilia, iron deficiency anemia, liver disease, and leukemia.
Discoloration of Bruises
Generally mild bruising due to hard object collisions can disappear in less than 4 weeks. But in some cases, bruising can take longer to heal.
The speed with which a bruise is healing depends on how severe the collision is and where the bruise is located. Some parts of the body take longer to heal, especially the legs and arms.
There are two things that will occur during the process of healing the bruise, namely the gradual changes in the color of the bruise and the itching that may appear when the bruise is almost healed.
The following are the stages of discoloration of bruises from the initial shape to total recovery:
1. Red
Shortly after the blood vessels under the skin burst, the skin will look red and swell a little. In addition, bruised areas can also be painful to the touch.
2. Bluish to dark purple
Usually within 1-2 days after the collision, the color of the bruise will turn to bluish or dark purple.
This discoloration occurs due to lack of oxygen supply and swelling in the area around the bruise. As a result, the red hemoglobin will turn blue. This blue or purple color can last until the fifth day after the collision.
3. Pale green
Entering the sixth day, the color of the bruise will turn greenish. This indicates that the hemoglobin in the blood has begun to break down and the healing process is ongoing.
4. Brownish yellow
After one week, the bruises will turn a lighter color, which is pale yellow or light brown.
This stage is the final stage of the process of healing bruises. The color of the bruise then disappears slowly and returns to the original color of the skin.
Treatment of Bruises at Home
You can do first aid for bruises to reduce pain and swelling, and to prevent bruising from getting worse. The trick is to:
- Resting parts of the body that have bruises.
- Immediately compress the bruise with ice wrapped in a towel. Compress for 20-30 minutes.
- Band the bruised body parts with an elastic bandage, but don't be too tight.
- If a bruise is on the arm or leg, you can position the body part higher than the chest, when lying down. Use a pillow to prop up your bruised arm or leg.
- Take paracetamol to reduce pain.
- Compress the bruise with a warm compress, 2 days after the bruise appears. Compress 2-3 times a day for 10 minutes. The aim is to increase blood flow to areas that are bruised and speed recovery.
In addition to the above methods, you can also use a topical medication for bruises to ease complaints and speed healing. This topical medication is available in the form of gels, creams, or ointments.
Generally bruising topical medication contains heparin, which is an anticoagulant class of drugs that can break down clots in the blood and break up blood clots that have formed in the area of bruises.
Aside from being useful in reducing pain and swelling, bruises containing heparin can also improve blood circulation around the wound, which can speed up the healing process of bruises.
Apply the cream or gel containing the heparin to the bruise 3-4 times a day. Read the rules of use and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Bruises can generally heal and disappear by themselves. But with proper care, the recovery process will be faster.
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience a bruise accompanied by severe pain, fever, severe swelling, blood in the urine and stool, or if the bruise does not heal for 2-3 weeks.
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