Bruises usually occur in a form of “black and blue mark” and they are the result of a skin injury. If the injury is minor, bleeding only occurs on the surface of the skin. However, if the bleeding occurs beneath the surface of the skin, close to the bones and muscles, the consequences can be more severe.
When it comes to bruises, they generally appear as small, evenly colored marks. Some people have more sensitive skin than others, so that a very small injury can leave a large mark. The increased sensitivity of the skin is caused by increased sensitivity of capillaries, but it can also be hereditary. If the injury is small, and a bruise is not too visible, there is no need for a special treatment. In case of swelling of the tissues and pain, it is advisable to use creams, gels or ointments containing heparin or similar substances which prevent blood clotting.
In severe cases, if the temperature rises on the injured area, anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended. They are taken orally and are prescribed by a doctor. In order to relieve the pain and swelling, apply an ice pack to a sore spot – cold will tighten the blood vessels and the blood flow will be reduced.
Large bruises without a specific reason
Bruises that appear suddenly and are not caused by a skin injury must not be ignored, and in such cases medical advice is mandatory.
Large bruises that occur after a minor injury or without any reason should be checked. As people get older the skin becomes thinner and blood vessels become weaker, which may cause the appearance of bruises on the thighs, the upper side of the hands and arms, etc. Usually you do not need any special treatment, but sometimes the cause can be a reduced number of platelets, which can cause a viral infection. If you get bruises frequently, that do not go away even after two or three weeks, be sure to consult your doctor, because it is possible that you have weak blood vessels, which increases the risk of varicose veins in the legs or on the face. People who do not consume enough vitamin C are more likely to get bruises.
Possible causes of such bruises are:
• Kidney or liver diseases and certain medications can cause a smaller amount of platelets. When the amount of platelets in the blood decreases, bruises and swellings appear very easily, after weak punches that we almost never notice.
• If bruises appear on your feet, it may be the first sign of venous disease or other similar problems.
• In the case of aplastic anemia, when the production of red and other blood cells is reduced, there is a higher probability for bruises and bleeding.
• When bruises are accompanied with swollen and bleeding gums, the cause may be a lack of vitamin C, riboflavin and folic acid.
Home remedies for bruises
Ice and vitamin C
It is best to act immediately after injury. Apply ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth, the next day the bruise will be less visible for sure. It is also recommended to consume drinks rich in vitamin C.
Method:
• Wrap a handful of ice cubes in a cloth.
• You can also use frozen vegetables, if you don’t have ice.
• Place it on a sore spot and hold it for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the process a few times a day.
Vegetables
When it comes to bruises treatment, on the top of the list are: cabbage, parsley, onions and potatoes.
Cabbage method:
• Take a couple of cabbage leaves and apply them to a bruise.
• Wrap it with gauze or a bandage and hold for a few hours.
Parsley method:
• Take a handful of fresh parsley leaves and chop them.
• Spread them over the bruise, secure them with gauze and hold for a few hours.
Onion method:
Onion is excellent for bruises, because it has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves pain.
• Take one medium onion, chop it and spread over the bruised area.
• Cover with gauze to hold it in place. Remove it after a few hours.
Potato method:
• Cook one medium, unpeeled potato.
• Peel it and mash it, and add a bit of honey and water.
• Cover the bruise with the mixture, and then wrap it in gauze or cheesecloth.
Butter, oil and vinegar method:
• Make a mixture of 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 teaspoon of oil and 1 teaspoon of vinegar.
• Take a cotton pad, dip it in the mixture and apply it to the sore spot.
• Repeat the procedure a few times a day, until the bruise disappears.
Vinegar improves circulation and butter relieves the swelling.
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