3 Ways To Reduce Bruising

To make a cold compress, use an ice pack, a couple of ice cubes wrapped in a towel or rag, or even a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a clean towel. Do not apply the cold compress directly to your skin; you should always wrap it in a towel or cloth to protect your skin from damage. [2] X Expert Source Vlad Gendelman, MDBoard Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon Expert Interview. 17 July 2020. Hold the compress against the bruised area for 10 minutes, then give your skin a break for 20 minutes before reapplying. Do this several times a day, up to 60 minutes of cold compress application daily.

If the bruise is on your leg, try propping it up on the back of a chair or rest it on a stack of pillows. If the bruise is on your arm, try resting it on an arm rest or the back of the sofa.

Arnica is available in gel, ointment, and cream form at most health food stores. Just rub a little on the bruise according to the instructions on the packaging. It is also available in pill form, which can be taken by mouth daily to help with bruising. [6] X Research source Other natural products you can use include calendula, turmeric root, and aloe. [7] X Expert Source Ritu Thakur, MANatural Health Care Professional Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.

Although ibuprofen-based pain medications can thin the blood and cause an increased flow of blood to the bruise, they can be taken as well. However, if you have other issues such as stomach ulcers, heart disease, or are on blood thinning medication, do not take NSAIDs without talking to your doctor. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source

To make a warm compress, you can use a heating pad, a hot water bottle, or a clean washcloth soaked in warm water. Use the warm compress for 20 minutes, two to three times a day. Make sure the hot water bottle isn’t too hot. You don’t want to burn your skin.

While it may not help in the moment, consuming vitamin K, rather than applying it to your bruise, can help reduce future bruising. There is insufficient evidence for St. John’s wort oil, but it has been used for bruises and inflammation. Rub a little St. John’s wort oil directly onto the bruise several times a day. [13] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source You can use a net bag or nylon sticking to hold the parsley before you dip it in the witch hazel. This can make the process less messy.

Rest: Rest your injured body part for at least one to two days. Ice: Apply a cold ice pack to help with pain and inflammation. Apply an ice pack to the area 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Compression: Compression can help limit swelling. Tie an elastic bandage or clothing to the injured area. Elevation: Elevation can help reduce swelling using gravity. Try keeping the injured limb above the level of your heart.

Vitamin C lessens bruising by strengthening capillary walls, making them less likely to leak blood when bumped or knocked against. Severe deficiency of vitamin C (scurvy) can result in bruising. It often occurs in the chronically institutionalized, severely malnourished, and alcoholics. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, pepper, and multivitamin tablets. [16] X Research source Vitamin K promotes blood clotting, which helps bruises to heal faster. People with low levels of vitamin K have a higher rate of bruising. People with a vitamin K deficiency may have a bacterial overgrowth of the intestines, celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or abuse alcohol. Good sources of vitamin K include broccoli, spinach, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. [17] X Research source

Always check your child’s protective gear. Make sure it fits and is comfortable so it can protect them from bruises in sports or during outdoor activities. Put foam pads on sharp edges of counters and coffee tables. You can remove the tables when your child is playing, if possible. Make sure your child wears shoes to protect their feet. High cut sneakers provide ankle support to prevent bruises on their feet.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever possible, which provides an extra layer of protection and padding for the skin when you receive a bump or a knock or protection from the sun.

Bruises can last weeks to months and change color as they heal starting as red, purple/blue then yellow. If there is family history of bruising then, then your doctor may look for a hereditary clotting factor deficiency.

Blood thinners such as Coumadin, Xarelto, aspirin, Warfarin, Heparin, or Pradaxa may cause you to bruise easier than typical for you. While on these medications, bruises may also look worse than before. This is because bruising need blood to clot as it leaks from the broken vessels. Blood thinners prevents clotting and makes it take longer for the blood to start leaking. Other medication such as NSAIDS, corticosteroids, and antineoplastics can lead to platelet dysfunction and easy bruising. Nutritional supplements such as Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Garlic, and Gingko have been connected to easy bruising. Use any of the methods suggested even while on these medications, but talk to your doctor if any bruise spreads or if there is significant swelling or pain.

The bruise is extremely painful and surrounded by swollen skin. Bruises appear suddenly or unexpectedly, for no apparent reason. You are currently taking blood-thinning medication. You are unable to move a joint near the location of the bruise. This may be an indication of a broken bone. You have continued, significant bruising, such as five or more spots without significant trauma. Personal or family history of abnormal bleeding. The bruise is located on the skull or face. You have abnormal bleeding other places, such as nose, gums, or in excrement. Vomit that resembles coffee grounds or black, tarry stools can also indicate GI bleeding.