Bruises appear due to seepage of blood under the skin and usually disappear within 2-4 weeks. The healing process of bruises is marked by a gradual change in the color of the bruise, from the beginning the wound is formed until it is completely healed.
When small blood vessels under the skin are damaged or ruptured, blood will seep 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 contusion.
There are a number of factors that put the blood vessels under the skin at risk of damage or rupture and causing bruising, including:
- Collision with a hard object.
- Accident.
- Strenuous exercise.
- Falls or sprains.
- Physical abuse.
- Vitamin C deficiency.
- Old age, where blood vessels are usually already 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 from a hard object can go away in less than 4 weeks. However, in some cases, bruises can take longer to heal.
The speed at which bruises heal depends on how severe the impact is and where the bruise is located. Some parts of the body take longer to heal, especially the feet and hands.
Two things will happen during the healing process of a bruise, namely a gradual discoloration of the bruise and itching that may appear when the bruise is almost healed.
The following are the stages of discoloration of bruises from initial formation to complete healing:
1. Red
Shortly after the blood vessels under the skin burst, the skin will look red and slightly swollen. In addition, the bruised area can also be painful to the touch.
2. Blue to dark purple
Usually within 1-2 days after impact, the color of the bruise will turn bluish or dark purple.
This discoloration occurs due to a lack of oxygen supply and swelling in the area around the bruise. As a result, red hemoglobin will turn blue. This blue or purple color can last up to the fifth day after impact.
3. Pale green
Entering the sixth day, the color of the bruise will turn green. This indicates that the hemoglobin in the blood has begun to decompose and the healing process is underway.
4. Brownish yellow
After a week, the bruise will change to a lighter color, which is pale yellow or light brown.
This stage is the final stage of the bruise healing process. The color of the bruise will then fade slowly and return to the original color of the skin.
Handling Bruises at Home
You can give first aid to bruises to reduce pain and swelling, and prevent bruising from getting worse. The trick is to:
- Rest the body part that is bruised.
- Immediately compress the bruise with ice wrapped in a towel. Compress for 20-30 minutes.
- Wrap the bruised body part with an elastic bandage, but not too tight.
- If the bruise is on an arm or leg, you can position the body part higher than your chest when lying down. Use a pillow to support the bruised arm or leg.
- Consuming paracetamol to reduce pain.
- Compressing bruises with warm compresses, 2 days after bruises appear. Compress 2-3 times a day for 10 minutes. The goal is to increase blood flow to the bruised area and speed up recovery.
In addition to doing the methods above, you can also use topical medication for bruises to relieve complaints and speed up healing. This topical medication is available in the form of a gel, cream, or ointment.
Generally, topical bruises contain heparin, which is an anticoagulant drug that can break down clots in the blood and break up blood clots that have formed in the bruised area.
In addition to being useful in reducing pain and swelling, ointment for bruises containing heparin can also increase blood circulation around the wound, so that it can speed up the healing process of bruises.
Apply a cream or gel containing heparin to bruises 3-4 times a day. Read the instructions for use and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Bruises usually heal and go away on their own. However, with proper treatment, the recovery process will be faster.
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience a bruise that is accompanied by severe pain, fever, severe swelling, blood in the urine and stool, or if the bruise does not heal for up to 2-3 weeks.