Every person experiences different types of injuries at least once in their lifetime - walking into sharp coffee table corners, grazing into a wall or even stubbing a toe. And sometimes these injuries, although not life-threatening, can also manifest on the body in the form of a bruise. We’ve all seen one, be it blue and black, splotchy, sometimes big and other times small. But what are they, really, and are they only caused by injuries? More importantly, can they be avoided?
Patches can form on your skin when the capillaries (small blood vessels) under the skin break. This causes the blood they carry to flow into the soft tissue beneath the skin, resulting in discolouration. For fair-skinned individuals, a bruise may appear blue or purplish in colour. For dark-skinned individuals, on the other hand, a bruise may appear to be dark purple, brown or black in colour.1 Bruises are also called contusions. It is important to note that bruises are not usullay acoompanied by external bleeding, unless there is a break in the skin2. That being said, a bruise can still cause pain, or feel tender or swollen.
Bruises can be categorised into several different types, which are mainly dependent upon the location of the bruise, type of injury that caused the bruise, and its appearance. A hematoma is caused by trauma such as vehicular accidents or major falls, and can result in heavy bruising, as well as damage to the skin and tissue. A black eye is often caused by a blow to the head, which causes blood and fluid to flood under the eye and form a ring around it2.
Bruises usually go away on their own in a week or two without any treatment. However, other types of bruises, such as hematomas and other similar severe bruises, may take longer to recover (a month or more)4. Fortunately, first aid for contusions is easy to administer. Just remember to adhere to the R.I.C.E method - rest, ice, compress and elevate. The bruised area must be rested and iced for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Apply ice throughout the day, and as many times as is necessary. If the bruise is also swollen, compress with an elastic bandage and make sure that it is not too tight. Finally, the area must be elevated3. If there is pain, consider taking over-the-counter pain medication4. A great way to help you manage the pain which accompanies a bruise is to use an ointment that contains eucalyptus oil and camphor, which possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Some people are more likely to bruise than others due to age, medical history or conditions, or bleeding disorders. Suffering from a type of cancer or liver disease, or if they have a relative who bruises easily can also put them at an increased risk of bruising2.
Although bruises are a natural response of the body, it is still prudent to avoid them wherever possible. Minimise the number of tripping hazards in one’s house or room, like shoes strewn on the floor or even slippery rugs. Furniture should be placed away from walkways or doorways so there will be less chance of bumping into them. When walking in the dark outdoors, be sure bring a flashlight to see your way through. Wear the appropriate protective gear when playing contact sports, cycling or riding a motorcycle. Ensure that you are getting a sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals daily5. Ensuring all of these boxes are checked can go a long way in helping you to avoid bruises. However, if your symptoms persist or worsens, be sure to consult a healthcare professional immediately.
REFERENCES:
- What are bruises? https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/what-are-bruises/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020
- Bruises: Types, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15235-bruises. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020
- Bruise: First aid. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-bruise/basics/art-20056663. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020
- Bruises Management and Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15235-bruises/management-and-treatment. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020
- Bruises Prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15235-bruises/prevention. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020
- Muscle Contusion (Bruise). https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/muscle-contusion-bruise. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020
