Bruises Symptoms

Bruises are probably the most common of all injuries and there are none among us who have not experienced some kind of bruising or the other. Bruises are minor injuries in most cases and bruise treatment for healing bruises is not really required in most cases, but it can certainly help minimize the risk of infection and scarring and also hasten the healing process.

Bruise treatment for healing bruises and swelling naturally or with medications will quite naturally depend on the nature of the bruise and the causes of bruising. Bruising itself does not involve lesions or cuts and bleeding, but very often trauma that causes skin lesions and bleeding may be accompanied by bruising.



Bruises are common skin injuries that cause temporary discoloration of the skin. Blood gets collected at the affected area. This causes the discoloration. Bruises are also known as Contusion or Ecchymosis.



Bruises are generally surface injuries that develop from mild trauma such as a bump or fall, and are the result of ruptures or tears in the small blood vessels just beneath the skin. As a result of such injuries blood escapes beneath the skin causing the distinctive blackish or bluish color associated with bruising. Under normal circumstances in healthy individuals bruises will heal naturally, and depending on the size of the bruise this could take anywhere from two to four weeks. During this period of healing the bruise may change colors that include purplish, reddish, bluish or even black and yellowish green. Bruises on the legs may take a little longer to heal as compared to bruises on the arms or face.



Bruises are usually not a serious cause for a concern and home treatments with bruise remedies would suffice to help get rid of bruises on the face, hands, legs, or any area of the body pretty fast. It really doesn’t take an expert to understand how to treat bruises and no matter what the causes of bruising and whether in children or adults or whether on the hands or legs, home treatment can help to relieve swelling and soreness that accompanies bruising. Bruising that occurs without any apparent injury or trauma, or on account of some medical condition or if very severe should however be treated seriously.

If the bruising is severe with pronounced swelling or pain that develops within half an hour of the injury could be indicative of a more serious injury such as a fracture or a bad sprain. Certain medical conditions like diabetes can cause bruising to occur very easily and may also make it harder for bruises to heal and in some conditions bruises may not even heal. In any of these scenarios medical attention is necessary. Frequent and easy bruising does not always indicate a health problem however, so don’t hit the panic button just yet. Some of us just have delicate skin that is more susceptible to bruising.



Bruises can afflict absolutely anyone irrespective of age, gender or race. Children are more prone to bruising simply because they spend a lot more time playing and engaging in physical activities that can cause minor injuries. These are for the most part harmless, but treatments to hasten healing, prevent and minimize itching can help as kids tend to pay little attention to hygiene. Elderly or rather aged adults also tend to bruise very easily because the skin becomes a lot thinner as you age and it also loses its flexibility to a large extent.

The loss of fat beneath the skin also reduces the cushioning effect. These changes with aging along with the weathering of your skin from exposure to the elements like sunlight also increase the risk of bruising. Women also tend to bruise more easily than men, particularly from minor injuries on the upper arms, thighs and buttocks. Sometimes your susceptibility to bruising may also be determined by hereditary factors.

Symptoms for Bruises

Common Symptoms

Causes for Bruises

Common Causes for Bruises

Bruises almost occur as a result of mild trauma such as from bumping or dashing into objects such as into a chair or table and so on.



Bruises can also develop as a result of microscopic tears in the tiny blood vessels that are just beneath the upper layer of skin. Sports persons, athletes and any other fitness enthusiasts who exercise rigorously or excessively may be likely to suffer this type of bruising.



Bleeding disorders could at times be the cause for bruising, particularly when there is no apparent cause and if the individual also experiences frequent nosebleeds or gum bleeding.



Bruises on the shin and thighs are particularly common as we often unwittingly bump into objects like furniture such as beds or chairs and at most times we may not even recall any such incident.



The effects of aging on your skin are known to increase the risk of suffering bruising as the skin loses its flexibility and also becomes a lot thinner.



Generally bruises are caused when a minor skin injury occurs. However some other reasons that may cause bruises are as follows.

Extreme Strain

Heavy and rigorous exercise may cause bruises, which results from microscopic tears in blood vessels underneath the skin.

Bleeding Disorders

Bleeding disorders,could be one of the reasons for inexplicable bruises.

Common Among Elderly People

Bruises in elderly people may be due to thinning of the skin.

Freak Accidents

Bumps (often unnoticed) cause bruises in areas such as the shin or thigh.

Remedies for Bruises

Use of Comfrey Tea

Apply buchu or Comfrey tea on the bruise. This will prevent discoloration of skin and reduce the pain.

Ice Pack

Apply ice pack to the bruise. This will reduce pain and inflammation. Please do not try this remedy on broken skin.

Heating Pads

A day after using ice packs, apply heating pads to the affected area, this will dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.

Application of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apply apple cider vinegar and cold water on the bruise.

Heinz Vinegar

Apply Heinz vinegar to the bruise using a cotton ball. This will speed up the healing process.

Help of Herbal Flowers

Steep mullein flowers into olive oil and apply it on the bruise.

Raw Egg

Break a raw egg and apply the content on the bruise.

Arnica Benefits

Leaves of Arnica plant may be used in an ointment and can be applied to skin to treat bruises.

Bruises Remedies

Bruises may be a minor problem that most of us don’t take very seriously but they can be prevented quite easily without much effort. To prevent severe bruising you need to apply a cold compress as soon as you suffer the injury before the signs of bruising even become apparent. Bruise treatment with ice is in fact the most commonly used home treatment. Before you attempt to learn how to get rid of bruises in any area such as on the arm, face, lips, or under the eyes with ice you should keep in mind that ice should never be applied directly to your skin as this could cause further damage to the tissue.

No matter what the causes of bruising you can try treating bruises particularly under the eye or on the arms, face and legs with cold compresses by simply wrapping some ice in a towel or plastic bag and applying it to the affected area of skin. This remedy works as the extreme cold reduces blood flow into the region, thus reducing the bleeding and thereby the swelling and other signs of bruising. Elevating the affected area will also help as it will reduce the blood flow to the region.

Diet for Bruises

Healthy Vitamin C

Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin C and iron. Foods rich in vitamin C are broccoli, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits and cauliflower. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.

Garlic Rich Diet

Include garlic and onions in your diet. Garlic is also a natural antibiotic.

Drink Fluids

Drink plenty of fluids. Pure water, herbal teas, and soups are all good choices.

Avoid Dairy Products

Avoid mucus-forming foods such as dairy products, processed foods, sugar, sweet fruits, and white flour.

Suggestion for Bruises

Ban Smoking

Avoid smoking since smoking may delay healing because it interferes with blood supply and collagen metabolism.

Be More Careful

Avoid accidental situations and places.

Be Cool

Avoid activities that might increase swelling such as taking hot showers, using hot tubs, hot packs, and drinking alcohol. During the first 48 hours, these things may actually increase bruising and swelling