Your Prescription Drug Destination
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Bruises
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
A bruise, known medically as a contusion (cun-TOO-shun)
or hematoma (HE-muh-TOE-muh) is an injury that does not break
the skin. A bruise may take 2 or 3 weeks to
heal.
Causes
A blow that breaks small blood
vessels under the skin.
Signs/Symptoms
Bleeding under the skin causes it
to turn black and blue. As the bruise heals the skin color
changes from purple to green to yellow. Bruises may be
accompanied by pain or swelling.
Care
Wrapping the injury with an ace
wrap may slow the bleeding under the skin. If the bruise is
really bad, you may need a splint to keep the area from moving
during the healing process.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
You may continue your normal daily activities, but
you should rest the injured area for a few
days.
-
Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each
hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic
bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your
skin.
-
After the first 1 to 2 days, you may put heat on the
injury to help ease the pain. Use a heating pad (set on
low), a whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 15 to 20
minutes every hour for 48 hours.
-
For 48 hours, keep the injury lifted above the level
of your heart whenever possible to reduce pain and
swelling.
-
If you have a splint, wear it until your doctor says
you may take it off or until your follow-up visit. If the
fingers or toes near the bruise become numb or tingly, you
may need to loosen the splint. Call your doctor for
instructions if you are not sure how.
-
You may use over-the-counter medicines to relieve the
pain. Always take as directed.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
The pain becomes worse.
-
You develop a high temperature.
-
The swelling around the bruise gets
worse.
-
You see redness or red lines near the
bruise.
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