What will make bruises go away fast?
There are several things you can do to get rid of a bruise faster at home.
Bruises are commonly caused due to blunt trauma. When we hit a heavy object, the small blood vessels near the skin surface are broken and they bleed under the skin. The blood then leaks out of the vessel causing a bluish-black discoloration that slowly gets reabsorbed by the body and becomes yellowish green before finally disappearing. While this can take 24 to 48 hours for smaller bruises, some larger bruises can last up to 14 days.
- Apply a cold compress for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. The quicker you ice, the more you minimize bruising. Avoid massaging the bruise or applying heat because it may make the bruise larger. After 48 hours, a warm compress can be used to help break the bruise apart and to encourage lymphatic drainage.
- Taking over-the-counter (OTC) Tylenol twice a day for the first two days may help reduce the pain associated with bruising and limit the spread.
- Healing from bruises can be accelerated with vitamin E, which is responsible for bolstering the body. In combination with vitamin C, it increases the rate of cell and tissue reconstruction.
- Bromelain, a supplement derived from pineapples, may reduce swelling and bruises as well.
- Vitamin K, applied topically, can help bruises fade and will help make you less prone to bruising. Vitamin K clarifying cream is recommended.
- A pulse dye laser can be used to help clear bruises within 24 to 48 hours after the bruise appears.
- Arnica gel is an herbal remedy that has proven to help reduce inflammation and bruising. Arnica should never be used on broken skin and people who suffer from eczema or other skin conditions should use it with caution.
- Bruising occurs when small blood vessels called capillaries rupture. A diet that is rich in vitamin C will help strengthen capillaries and make the skin less susceptible to bruising. Increase your vitamin C intake by eating plenty of fresh kiwis, oranges, berries and other fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C. Supplements containing vitamin C will also be beneficial.
- If you bruise your leg, try to take a break and sit on a sofa or armchair with your leg up on a pillow so that your leg is above heart level. If your arm is bruised, try to keep it propped up above heart level whenever you are sitting.
- Some experts believe that parsley aids the healing process. Take a handful of fresh parsley leaves, crush them and spread them over the bruise. Wrap the area with an elastic bandage.
- Hirudoid cream contains mucopolysaccharides (MPS), which promote tissue regeneration and reduction of swelling and inflammation. The cream is gently massaged into the bruised area twice daily, avoiding the incision line.
- After 24 hours, it's safe to apply heat to increase circulation to the bruise and to start to clear away the pooled blood. Try placing an electric heating pad, warm compress or hot water bottle on top of the area for 20 minutes several times a day.
What is a bruise?
A bruise, medically referred to as a hematoma, is caused when a part of the body gets banged or squeezed, causing the blood vessels to break and bleed just underneath the surface of the skin. When bruising first occurs, it is usually red in color due to the blood collecting at the site of the injury. Then, over the course of about 10 days to 2 weeks, the body begins to break down the pooled blood and reabsorbs it. This process causes bruises to change color before they eventually disappear. The lifespan of a bruise looks something like this
- Day 1: The bruise is red.
- Day 2 to 3: The bruise turns a blue or black color.
- Day 6 to 10: The bruise becomes more green or yellow.
- Day 10 to 14: The bruise is now yellowish-brown or light brown in color before fading completely.