Bruises
This page will help answer your queries.
What are Bruises?
Bruises are colored marks that appear on the skin as a result of an injury to it or the underlying tissue. The injury causes damage to the blood vessels under the skin, causing blood to leak beneath the surface, and the skin then changes color to blue, black, purple, or yellow.
- Types ofHematomaBruises:
- Hematoma: A localized blood collection that occurs after severePurpuraimpacts like strong hits from accidents or falls,Petechiaeleading to the formation of a blood-filled lump.
- Purpura or Petechiae: Minor bleeding under theSenile purpuraskin that appears as small blood spots.
Senile Purpura: As age advances, the skin becomes gradually thinner, drier, and more prone to tearing, making it more susceptible to bruising, which appears as small, scattered blood spots.
What Causes Bruises?
- Everyone is susceptible to bruising, especially the elderly, who may be prone to bruising from falls, accidents, sports injuries, or medical procedures. However, certain people are more prone to bruising, such as:
- Cancer patients.
- People with liver diseases.
- People with blood disorders.
- Individuals with certain immune diseases.
- Thosetakingblood-thinningmedications..
Those with vitamin C or K deficiency.
How to Deal with Bruises? Tips to Help You Overcome Bruising.
- Most bruises fade within two weeks without treatment; however, severe bruises may take up to a month to heal. These steps can help with a faster recovery:
- Rest and elevate the affected area to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Apply ice packs for 24 to 48 hours immediately after the injury.
- Use a warm compress on the affected area after two days.
Take pain relievers.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- Some situations require medical attention, such as:
- Bruises around the eyes.
- Bruises lasting over two weeks.
- Large bruises that keep returning (recurring bruises).
- Feeling a lump filled with blood in the bruised area (blood-filled lump).
- Pain lasting several days after the injury.
- Recurring bruises in the same spot.
- The appearance of bruises on the body without a clear cause.
- Unusual bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood inurine, blood in stools, or bloody vomit..
- Unexplained weight loss.
Fever occurring with bruises.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do bruises indicate serious diseases like leukemia?
There are numerous causes for bruises, many of which are benign (harmless), but some malignant cancers (serious cancers) can be a cause. Therefore, seeing a doctor is recommended, especially if you experience symptoms that require medical evaluation.
Do bruises indicate a vitamin deficiency?
One of the uncommon causes for bruises is a deficiency in vitamin C or K, which is rare because these vitamins are present in most foods.
Is it possible to prevent bruises?
- While everyone is at risk of bruising, the likelihood of falling—a major cause of bruising—can be reduced by following these steps:
- Clear clutter to reduce the risk of tripping and falling.
- Ensure adequate lighting in the area.
- Ensure there are no liquids on the floor.
