Contusion

A bruise, also known as a contusion, is an area of discoloration on the skin that occurs when small blood vessels, known as capillaries, are damaged or broken as the result of a traumatic injury.

Pferdekuss

Bruise_Hematoma_from_abuse_of_spouse

Bruising

Causes

Bruises are commonly caused by falls, sports injuries, car accidents, or blows received from other people or objects. Certain people may bruise more easily than others due to various factors including age, sex, and health conditions that affect clotting or the blood vessels.

Symptoms

Initially, a fresh bruise may appear reddish. As the bruise heals, it may darken to blue or purple within hours to a couple of days. As it continues to heal, it may fade to yellow or green. It's also common to experience pain and swelling in the area of a bruise.

Treatment

Most bruises are minor and will heal on their own over a period of two weeks. Home treatment may include applying a cold pack to the area immediately after the injury to reduce swelling and using over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. If a bruise does not improve within two weeks, or if it's accompanied by severe pain and swelling, medical attention should be sought.

Prevention

While it's not always possible to prevent bruises, certain measures can reduce the risk. This includes wearing protective gear during physical activities, maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamin C and K for better blood clotting, and taking care when moving in environments where there is a risk of falling or bumping into objects.

See Also

• Hematoma
• Bleeding disorder
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K

References

• "Bruises and Blood Spots Under the Skin". Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan.
• "Bruise: First aid". Mayo Clinic.
• "Easy bruising: Why does it happen". Mayo Clinic.

Contusion Resources
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