A bruise gets its deep color from a blood vessel or vessels that break under the skin and leak blood into the surrounding area. As it heals, it becomes paler in color and less painful to the touch. Depending on how many vessels were broken, bruises can be the size of a pencil eraser or 6 or more inches across. A black eye is also bruise-if there is no accompanying eye damage or nose breakage, it can be treated just like any other bruise.



Bruises are caused when enough pressure is placed on the skin to break the blood vessels underneath. A few of the ways this can be accomplished are: by being gripped too tightly, by being struck (by a hand, foot, or object), by falling, or by walking into something.

Signs and Symptoms

A deep purple area under the skin that becomes brownish, then greenish, then yellowish as it fades and heals

Tenderness at the site

Conventional Medical Treatment

Unless the bruise is especially large or is accompanied by broken skin or a raised and swollen area, medical attention is rarely necessary. Your doctor also may instruct you to elevate the injured area and ice the site for 30 to 45 minutes several times daily for 2 or 3 days after the injury.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

Studies show that people with vitamin C deficiencies bruise easily, most likely because their blood vessels are weak. Avoid a deficiency and guarantee your consumption of bioflavonoids by eating a diet rich in dark green, leafy vegetables and fresh fruits. To help blood clot, eat leafy greens, such as kale, which is rich in vitamin K. Everyone bruises, but if you bruise frequently for unexplained reasons, see your health care provider.

To speed healing of bruises, consider the following daily suggestions:

vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3000 to 10,000 mg in divided doses)

vitamin K or alfalfa (as directed on label)

coenzyme (60 mg)-essential for construction of body cells

iron (as directed by doctor)-corrects deficiencies

grape seed extract (as directed on label)-protects skin tissues

fish oil or flaxseed oil (as directed on label) promotes healing

(Take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider.)

Aromatherapy

Bruises respond favorably to cool compresses laced with essential oils of lavender, yarrow, hyssop, camphor, or helichrysum (also known as immortelle). Apply several times a day for about 10 minutes.

Herbal Therapy

Witch hazel and arnica (in cream or tincture form) are two topical preparations that can be used to treat bruises. Herba products are availabe in health food stores and in some pharmacies and supermarkets. Follow package for specific directions.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic practitioners may recommend one of the following treatments, depending on your symptoms:

Arnica-for bruising from blunt trauma to the muscles-for example, being struck or falling down; Arnica ointment can be applied to bruises, but not when the skin is broken.

Ledum-if a bruise feels cold and improves when a cold compress is applied

Bellis perennis-if there is blood under your skin (hematoma) or if the bruise is from a blow to the breast or pelvic area

Ruta graveolens-if the bruise is from a kick to the shin

Hypericum-if the bruised area is rich in nerves, such as the fingers or toes.

Hydrotherapy

Apply an ice pack to the bruised areas for 5 minutes on, 3 minutes off, for a total of 16 minutes. To speed healing and reduce swelling, apply contrast therapy (alternating hot and cold cloths) several times a day. You also can try applying a warm compress soaked in strong sage tea. Use the compress for 30 minutes 3 times daily.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupunaure Acupuncture may help alleviate the swelling surrounding a bruise and regulate blood flow to the area. Different points are targeted, depending upon the location and severity of the bruise.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Herbs that can be used to soothe the bruise and hasten healing include aloe vera and achyranthes; these work by improving circulation. Chinese yam can be mixed with water to form a poultice, and decoction of corydalis can help heal bruises caused by a fall or injury.