Body Bruises: Find out the causes and watch out for the dangers
body bruises
We go through many situations and situations that may cause bruising to the body, such as falling to the ground or colliding with a table. It may also result from certain medical conditions or from taking certain medications. The chances of bruising increase with age, as a result of skin thinning and losing some of the protective fatty layer, which in turn protects blood vessels from the risk of injury. Although most body bruises It is harmless and heals with time. However, some of them may be an indication of a more serious disease problem.
Reasons for the appearance of bruises
Body bruises usually appear when small blood vessels near the surface of the skin are damaged as a result of a blow to that area. This causes blood to leak into the area around the injury. This leads to the appearance of colored bruises. However, there are some medical drugs that affect blood clotting and help bruises appear easily, such as:
So if you are taking any of these medications and are exposed to bruising. You should consult a doctor.
Surprising causes of bruising
The appearance of bruises on the body may be due to a sudden injury, or it may be due to:
Stages of the appearance of bruises in the body
The color of the bruises varies from one stage to another and according to the severity of the injury. Among its stages:
1. Red bruises
Bruises usually turn red or purple soon after the injury. As a result of blood collection under the skin. However, during the healing process, the body breaks down the blood and fluids that have accumulated under the skin. During that stage, the bruises take on different colors.
2. The appearance of blue bruises on the body
During the first days of a bruise, the skin in the affected area turns black, blue, or purple.
3. Green bruises on the body
Five to 10 days after the bruise occurs, the affected area may turn green or yellow.
4. Brown bruises
Either during the final stage of symmetry to recovery. The body bruises take on a brown color, within about 10 to 14 days of the occurrence of body bruises.
How to treat body bruises?
Bruises take their natural stages in order to complete the healing phase. However, there are some simple steps that can be followed in order to reduce the effects of the bruise.
1. Cold and warm compresses
- Use a cold compress on the affected area, in order to constrict blood vessels, reduce fluid leakage and prevent swelling from the impact.
- If you do not have cold compresses, you can use frozen cans, after placing them in a towel before use. This is because using the cold pack directly on the skin may cause it to stick to the skin, which you do not want to happen.
- Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the cold pack or compress from the affected area for 30 minutes.
- Then put it back again after the expiration of that period.
Cold compresses are used during the first days of body bruises. After two days, warm compresses are used on the affected area. This is to reduce pain and speed up the healing process. Minor bruising usually heals within two weeks of the injury.
2. Creams and balms
Where anti-inflammatory creams can be used, which contain:
- vitamin K
- Vitamin B3
- quercetin
- Arnica extract
- Calendula flower extract
It is also possible to use some painkillers that do not require a prescription in order to obtain them, such as:
However, it is recommended to avoid using aspirin, as it reduces the blood’s ability to clot. This leads to a slower healing process, and it takes longer than usual.
It is also recommended to avoid using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and to consult a doctor. And this is in the case of body bruises after surgery or the appearance of bruises on a large scale. It is preferable not to use this type of antibiotics also, except in a limited range and for the shortest possible period. This is to avoid an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes.
3. Cover bruises
Covering bruises (lightly) during waking hours and in the early days after the injury can help reduce the appearance of bruising.
When are bruises dangerous?
Bruising may be serious in the following cases:
- When the bruising gets worse after the day of the injury.
- Bruising of the leg or arm that causes swelling and numbness in the leg or arm.
- If the body bruises last for more than two weeks without signs of improvement in the affected area.
- If it is cured and reappears again for no known reason.
- Eye bruising. Any bruises that occur around the eye, and lead to the inability to see clearly, need immediate medical care.
- If the bruises are associated with suspicion of a possible bone fracture.
- If the bruise is on the brain, abdomen, or torso. It may lead to damage to the internal organs.
Therefore, it is recommended not to be underestimated and to consult a doctor immediately in the event of any of the aforementioned possibilities to avoid any complications or health risks.