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Bruises - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

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Overview

  • Bruises are injuries to the soft tissue
  • It is an 'area of discoloration' on the skin
  • Other names - Hematoma, Contusion
  • Can last for days to several months

Causes

  • Sports Injuries
  • Accidents
  • Falls
  • Blows from objects/people
  • Chances increase if taking medications, like Aspirin

Types

  • Subcutaneous-underneath the skin
  • Intramuscular - within the underlying muscles
  • Periosteal-bruise related to bone

Related events

  • Small veins and capillaries under the skin breaks
  • Blood escapes and collects under skin
  • In the beginning bruises look purplish or red
  • In 2 days it may change to black or blue color
  • It changes to a green/yellow color in 5 days
  • Changes to a brown shade in 10-14 days 
  • It further lightens and fades away
  • The changing colors indicates red cell metabolism
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Symptoms

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration

Treatment

  • Most bruises vanish in 2 weeks time
  • No bandage required if skin is not broken
  • Keep bruised area raised
  • Apply cold compress, ½ hr to one hr at a time
  • Continue this for two days
  • Do not apply ice directly on skin
  • Can take pain killing medications, like acetaminophen 
  • Avoid draining the bruise using needle
  • Avoid using the bruised part
  • For more serious injury consult a doctor
  • Consult also in case of spontaneous injury/infection
  • Protein-bioflavinoids-Vit C rich food helps healing
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Prevention

  • Teach children safety measures
  • Avoid falls around house
  • Wear seat belts while driving
  • Wear helmet while riding
  • While sporting, pad frequently- bruised areas
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