Bruises
A bruise, medically known as a contusion, is a common condition resulting from an injury, such as a fall or a direct blow to the body. It occurs when small blood vessels beneath the skin break, causing blood to leak into surrounding soft tissues, which leads to the characteristic black-and-blue discoloration. Bruises can manifest in three forms: subcutaneous, intramuscular, and periosteal, and their appearance typically changes over time, transitioning from dark to light colors as they heal. Most bruises are benign and resolve on their own without medical intervention, lasting from a few days to several weeks.
Initial care for bruises includes ice application to reduce bleeding and swelling, along with pain control using over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Elevating the affected area can also help minimize swelling. While many bruises are harmless, unexplained or persistent bruising may suggest underlying health issues, such as clotting disorders or liver disease, warranting medical attention. Understanding the nature and treatment of bruises can help individuals manage their symptoms effectively while remaining mindful of the potential for more serious health concerns.
Bruises
Also known as: Ecchymoses, contusions, hematomas
Anatomy or system affected: Blood vessels, lymphatic system, skin
Definition: An area of unbroken skin that has become discolored due to burst blood vessels underneath, usually as a result of trauma (a fall or hit to the affected area)
Causes and Symptoms
A bruise is a usually benign condition that happens when an individual has an injury. It may be a fall or a direct blow to any body part. As a result of the trauma, the affected body part undergoes various changes. A bruise can also occur spontaneously (a more serious illness or disease state) or from an allergic reaction. In most cases, bruises are not serious and resolve without any medical treatment.
Bruises occur when small blood vessels that are just beneath the skin are broken. They then begin to leak their contents (blood) into the surrounding soft tissue underneath the skin, which produces the characteristic black-and-blue discoloration. There are three types of bruises: subcutaneous (just beneath the skin), intramuscular (in the underlying muscle), and periosteal (in the bone). Bruises can last from several days to months. The typical black-and-blue mark begins to fade as the blood that leaked into the surrounding tissue is reabsorbed. The discoloration turns to a light yellowish-green and then fades completely.
Treatment and Therapy
The initial treatment of bruises should include decreasing the bleeding, minimizing any swelling, and controlling the pain. Ice is very effective and should be applied to the affected area for thirty to sixty minutes at a time. This can be done several times a day for two to three days. The ice should be in a container and covered by a towel to prevent damage to the skin. If possible, the affected area should be elevated above heart level. This helps in minimizing the swelling, which also helps decrease pain. If there is still discomfort after this period, then heat can be applied for twenty minutes at a time. The application of heat will help the blood to be reabsorbed into the tissue. The last component of the treatment regimen should include pain control. Pain can be easily controlled by using acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Several homoeopathic treatments for bruising exist as well.
Medical care should be sought if there is increased pain, decreased function (the affected part can no longer be used), headache, dizziness, fever (101 degrees Fahrenheit or more), a noticeable change in vision, or if the symptoms continue.
Perspective and Prospects
Bruises are benign conditions that usually resolve without treatment. Simple self-care therapies will generally decrease discomfort and aid in a complete return to normal. Bruises are significant, however, in an individual experiencing bruising without any clear reason for the occurrence. In this case, bruises can indicate something more serious, such as clotting disorders, liver disease, certain cancers, or other diseases.
Bibliography
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