First Aid Treatment for Bruises

In these times of natural calamities, emergencies happen. Accidents occur. Acquiring a bruise or bruises is one of the things that is likely to happen among affected people. It is not only in accidents one can have a bruise. Sometimes, a bruise may just appear. A bruise forms when a blow breaks blood vessels near the skin’s surface, allowing a small amount of blood to leak into the tissues under the skin. The trapped blood appears as a black-and-blue mark. If skin isn’t broken, a bandage is not needed, but one may enhance bruise healing with simple techniques. To help send immediate help and assistance, first aid tips on treating bruises may save life! Here are they.

1. Reduce Bruising and Swelling

* Ice the area on and off for the first 24-48 hours.
* Apply ice for about 15 minutes at a time, and always put something like a towel or wash cloth between the ice and your skin.
* Rest the affected area.
* If possible, elevate the affected area.

2. Treat Symptoms

For pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol). Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), which can prolong bleeding.

3. When to Call a Doctor

* If bruise is accompanied by extreme pain and swelling, especially if the person is taking a blood-thinning medication
* If bruises appear on skin for no apparent reason
* The bruise in on the face or head
* You can’t move a joint
* You may have a broken bone

4. Follow Up

* Two days after a bruise develops, apply a heat pack or wash cloth soaked in warm water to the area several times a day to promote healing.
* Pain and tenderness should get better within a few days and the bruise should go away within a couple of weeks.

Source: www.webmd.com, www.mayoclinic.com

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