Learning About Bruises
Bruises, or contusions, are common injuries that occur when small blood vessels beneath the skin are injured by trauma. Trauma can be caused by a fall, bumping against something, or direct impact. The blood leaks into surrounding tissues, producing discoloration that first appears as a deep blue or purple color and then fades with time. Bruises typically resolve in two weeks, though healing time varies on factors like age, health, and treatment regimens.
Bruises are typically benign and resolve spontaneously, but can be sore, swollen, and painful. With proper knowledge on how to manage a bruise, discomfort may be avoided, and recovery will be faster.
Common Causes of Bruises
Daily Activities
- Accidental falls and bumps: A common cause for everyone at any age, especially children who are always moving around.
- Clumsiness or balance impairment: Older persons bruise more readily due to decreased stability and thinner skin.
Sports and Exercise
Some activities have a higher risk of bruising due to physical contact, falls, or blows. Some sports practiced in the US, with high rates of bruise-type injury are:
- American Football: The players frequently develop bruises, sprains, and fractures due to high-impact collisions.
- Basketball: Bruises on the arms and legs may result from jumping, running, and recurrent body contact.
- Soccer: Repeatedly getting kicked or falling produces shin and thigh bruising.
- Cheerleading: Bruising and other trauma result from tumbling, falling, and stunting.
- Martial Arts & Boxing: Blows to the face, arms, and trunk produce bruising.
Medical Factors
- Aging: Thinning skin and poor blood vessel quality in older adults make them more prone to frequent bruising.
- Blood Thinners & Medications: Aspirin, warfarin, and certain anti-inflammatory drugs predispose to bruising.
- Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of Vitamin C, K, or iron may lead to easy bruising.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like hemophilia, leukemia, or other clotting disorders can facilitate bruising.
How to Care for a Bruise
Even though most bruises heal on their own, proper care can speed up recovery and reduce pain. These are the best methods:
Immediate Care (First 48 Hours)
- Use Ice: Use a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for 10-20 minutes an hour. Cold compresses constrict blood vessels, which reduce bleeding and swelling.
- Rest & Elevation: Raise the bruised area above the level of the heart to prevent pooling of blood, which reduces swelling.
- Avoid Heat: Heat will increase blood flow and exacerbate bruising in the first 24-48 hours.
- Pain Management: Use acetaminophen for pain instead of aspirin or ibuprofen as they will thin the blood and make bruising worse.
Healing Stage (beyond 48 hours)
- Application of Heat: Apply a heating pad or warm compress to increase circulation of the blood and to loosen the stagnant blood that becomes trapped underneath the skin.
- Massaging Gently: Gentle massaging of the area (beyond the first 48 hours) can encourage healing through improved circulation.
- Use Arnica or Aloe Vera: Arnica reduces swelling because of its anti-inflammatory nature, while aloe vera heals and soothes the skin.
- Stay Hydrated & Eat Vitamin-Rich Food: Fluids, vegetables, and fruits loaded with vitamin C and K (citrus fruits, spinach, and broccoli) mend blood vessels.
Severe Bruising or Complications
Seek medical attention if the following occurs:
- The bruise is extremely painful or bad swelling is associated with it.
- You are unable to move the affected area.
- The bruise appears for no apparent reason.
- There is a swelling (hematoma) forming over the bruise.
- You have unusual bleeding from your gums or nose.
Register for CPR or First Aid Training
R.I.C.E. Method for Severe Bruising
For severe bruising with sprains, strains, or possible fractures, the R.I.C.E. method is useful:
- Rest: Keep the injured part still to prevent more injury.
- Immobilize: Apply a splint or support to the affected area to prevent more injury.
- Cool: Use ice for 20 minutes per application, holding it on the area with a cloth to not touch directly. Cooling reduces swelling and relieves pain.
- Elevate: Keep the involved area elevated to reduce blood pooling and promote correct circulation.
Bruise-Related Injury Statistics
Knowing how prevalent bruising-related injuries are can put prevention and treatment into proper perspective:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 30 million children and adolescents play organized sports in the U.S., and 3 million suffer from sports-related injuries annually.
- 2 million injuries are sustained by high school athletes, resulting in 500,000 physician visits and 30,000 hospitalizations each year.
- Older adults are more likely to fall, with more than 3 million seniors visiting emergency departments for fall injuries annually.
Preventing Bruises
Although certain bruises cannot be avoided, steps can be taken to minimize risk:
- Use Protective Gear: Use padding, knee pads, and helmets for contact sports.
- Improve Strength & Balance: If you exercise regularly, you will develop muscle tone and lower the risk of falls.
- Modify Your Environment: Clear the floors, use handrails, and provide adequate lighting in the home.
- Take Supplements: If you are a bruiser, it is possible to increase Vitamin C and K consumption in order to maintain healthy blood vessels.
- Stay Hydrated: Maintaining healthy skin and tissues through proper hydration reduces vulnerability to injury.
The Role of First Aid Training in Los Angeles
Knowledge on how to handle injuries, including bruises, is worth it for athletes, parents, coaches, and others who are physically active.
Coast2Coast First Aid and Safety Training in Los Angeles offers American Red Cross-certified training that provides learners with first aid training, including:
- CPR & Cardiac Emergency Training
- Injury Prevention & Wound Care
- Efficient Bruise Treatment Techniques
- Tackling Sprains, Strains, & Fractures
Los Angeles first aid certification is essential for any individual who wants to be armed with the ability to tackle emergencies, be it at home, at the workplace, or in the field. Acquiring basic life-saving techniques will prepare you to deal with injuries in a proper manner and deliver better outcomes for yourself and others.
Whether for the workplace or personal development, first aid training prepares you to handle injuries confidently and safely.
Act Fast, Act Smart, Get Trained
Bruises are inevitable, but understanding how to take care of them properly can make a big difference in healing time as well as pain relief. Try to be cautious, learn proper first aid techniques, and don’t hesitate to get doctor’s help when needed, you can minimize discomfort and heal more easily.
For those eager to enhance their first aid techniques, joining a course at Coast2Coast First Aid and Safety Training in Los Angeles is an excellent move towards being ready for anything.
Stay safe, stay active, and keep your body healthy!
