How to Heal Bruises

A bruise is the clotting of blood in the inner tissues of our body. It is caused by internal bleeding owing falls, accidents, allergies or even surgeries. The formation of blue or purple appearance on the skin indicates formation of this condition. Awareness of the simple methods of treatment for light to moderate bruises prove very handy in odd times. Severe bruises are handled only by health care professionals.

How to Heal Bruises
The first and foremost method of dealing with bruises is known as RICE. It stands for rest, ice compression and elevation. It is a first-aid treatment for soft tissue injuries. It manages internal bleeding and discomfort caused to the patient. It involves proper usage of ice for 20 minutes every hour to stop the inflammation. It is followed by using an elastic bandage to compress the hurt area and inhibit excessive swelling. Elevating the affected region also helps in reducing the swelling and the removal of the waste products from the area. Finally, adequate rest helps the body to repair the damage caused to the tissues naturally.

The speed of healing can be improved by applying medicated cream containing mucopolysaccharide polysulfuric acid. According to the gate control theory of pain, applying heat and giving a gentle massage on the affected area improves the circulation of the blood. This approach however should be carried out only after three days of the injury when the internal bleeding ceases completely. Care should be taken to prevent re-injury.

If the bruise is severe, then painkillers like NSAIDs can be taken to get relief from pain. However, it is advisable to seek the consent of a family physician before buying these over the counter medicines.

Home Remedies to Treat Bruises

• Apply a mixture of vinegar and water in the blood clotted area. The acetic acid is known to increase the speed of blood flow and remove the stagnant blood from the affected area
• Rub the oil of St.John’s Wort herb over the bruised skin. Tannins and astringents are the active active ingredients in this herb which have the property of reducing the diameter of the capillaries. This reduces the internal bleeding. The treatment can be commenced as early as possible can be continued for three days for obtaining best results
• Fresh Presley leaves can be crushed to form a paste and applied over the bruised skin using elastic bandage. This provides relief from pain, reduces the swelling and brings back the natural color of the skin
• One of the oldest methods of treating bruises according to Ayurveda is preparing a paste of lime powder and turmeric. The paste can be heated and applied over even severe bruises to get relief from pain and swelling in very short time
• Intake of food items rich in Vitamin K also helps in treating bruises. Some of the best sources of Vitamin K are fish, eggs, meat, liver and fortified cereals

Conclusion: Though bruises are mostly light to moderate in nature, they can be severe or indicators of some other conditions too. For instance, a collection of blood beneath the skin can be one of the symptoms of the dreadful cancer. Any bruise received by people suffering from diabetes, blood disorders or other immune system compromised diseases should be handled extremely carefully. The condition should be immediately brought to the notice of doctors to avoid unnecessary complications.