It's sometimes hard to even remember where you got them and have to wonder what can you do about bruises. Most bruises occur after an impact. This doesn't break the skin, but it does crush the small blood vessels underneath. Blood then leaks out and becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin, leaving the tell-tale mark. Even something as simple as hitting your leg on a door can also cause a nasty bruise. Additionally, some of them take weeks to disappear or heal. What helps against bruises if you want to get rid of them faster? Luckily, you don't necessarily have to be stuck with covering up bruises with makeup or hiding them under your clothes. Here is some useful information and self-help techniques that you can try at home.
Bruises are nothing to be ashamed of, but no one wants to draw attention to themselves because of a bruise. All people have to deal with such an injury several times in their lives. Whether in physical education class or simply due to your own clumsiness, bruises are a fairly common and mostly harmless problem. In addition, bruises can become discoloredSkin on the bodylead, which is why they tend to change different shades of color over the course of their life cycle.
Tiny blood vessels are damaged by even a mild blow, causing blood to pool and create a dark spot or blood bump beneath the surface of the skin. Also called hematoma, the spots vary in color from gray-blue or purple to green or even yellow. They also often feel painful and tender. There are six different types of bruising that can occur:
- Subcutaneous bruising
- Bruises that appear just under the skin
- Intramuscular bruises
- Bruising in the underlying muscles
- Periosteal bruising
- Bruises on the bones
How long can bruises last?
Most bruises disappear after 2 weeks, some may fade later depending on the damage. The stages of bruising typically consist of four parts. First, you will notice a bump that begins to look reddish or purple where you bumped. This area may also swell and after a few days it will look bluish or blackish. After 5 to 10 days, the stain will begin to fade to a greenish or yellowish color. After 10 to 14 days it will appear light brown and will become lighter over time until it disappears completely.
Should you treat a bruise yourself?
It is advisable to see a doctor if you do not know how to make bruises heal faster for more than two weeks. As described above, bruises go through a number of colorful stages during their healing period. As your body repairs the bruise, its color changes as a sign that blood cells in the skin are breaking down. You may also be wondering whether massaging a bruise will speed up the healing process.
If a bruise develops, it may be tempting to massage the tender skin. However, this is not a good idea. Pressing or massaging the affected area can further damage the blood vessels that sustained the impact. So a bruise can be painful and unsightly-looking, but luckily there are a few simple treatment options to help speed up the healing process. Here are some effective natural products and steps you can follow if you want to get rid of bruises faster.
Could toothpaste help against bruises?
Although there is no scientific evidence to support this, healing bruises is reportedly on most lists of accidental toothpaste uses. Additionally, many people assume that toothpaste helps dissolve the clot and promote blood circulation. People report noticing a difference after just one night, but it may take multiple applications for the bruise to completely disappear.
- Apply toothpaste to your bruise before bed and cover it with a bandage to prevent residue on your clothing.
- Leave the pasta on overnight and remove the bandage the next morning.
- Gently wash the area with water and reapply a bandage in the evening.
- Repeat this treatment method for two to three nights.
Do natural remedies help and what can you do against bruises?
If you're stuck and your skin still has a bruise, it's worth trying some proven remedies. Additionally, you can take tried-and-true steps to ease your pain and reduce the visibility of the spot.
Witch hazel extract, also known as witch hazel, is not only popular in cosmetics as a facial toner, but is also a natural astringent. It is particularly popular because its effect helps heal cuts. Additionally, applying witch hazel to a bruise can help reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
- Apply the solution or witch hazel water to a cotton ball first.
- Then gently rub and dab it onto your bruise.
- Then let the area dry and do not wipe the stuff off. You can do this two to three times a day.
- Depending on how large or how many bruises there are, you can also take a bath with witch hazel to aid healing.
- Witch hazel is often used for subcutaneous bruises on the face and neck.
Use arnica ointment for bruises
This homeopathic herb has been proven to effectively reduce inflammation and bruising. One study found that it was helpful in eliminating bruising after surgery, while other research showed that it speeds up the healing process after laser-induced bruising. In addition, arnica ointment is popularly praised as an effective remedy for various bruises. Arnica is often labeled as a “bruise cream.”
- According to instructions, apply arnica ointment or gel to the affected area as often as necessary throughout the day.
- Arnica can be used for any type of bruise found anywhere on the body.
Creams with vitamin K and what else can you use against bruises?
Scientists have found that vitamin K has certain properties that help promote blood clotting to prevent further blood loss. You can of course buy an ointment or cream enriched with it without a prescription in most drugstores. In addition, such creams containing vitamin K can typically be used for subcutaneous bruises, especially on the face.
- Apply the ointment to your bruise in gentle, circular motions. You can do this twice a day.
- A diet containing foods rich in vitamin K, such as kale, soybeans, strawberries, and blueberries, may also be effective.
Using aloe vera for bruises
Aloe vera extract also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling associated with bruising. However, look for 100 percent aloe vera gel or use the gel directly from an aloe plant.
- Apply aloe vera gel topically to bruises.
- You can also find this natural product in most drugstores and cosmetic stores.
- Like arnica, aloe vera can also be used for bruises that appear anywhere on the body, but is particularly effective for bruises on the face.
What you can do with bromelain and quercetin against bruises
Bromelain is a blend of enzymes that also have anti-inflammatory properties. It occurs naturally in pineapple, but can also be used as a topical ointment or oral pill. For example, pain and swelling after a tooth extraction can be effectively reduced. However, these pills are associated with digestive problems, so using bromelain gel 2 to 3 times per day may be a safer approach. However, if you are allergic to pineapple, you should not use bromelain.
Additionally, quercetin is a fruit-derived flavonoid that has similar properties to bromelain and is often found in bromelain creams. It can also be found naturally in apples, citrus fruits, red onions, dark berries and cherries, and green leafy vegetables. Supplementing your diet with these foods may help if you are prone to bruising easily.
Use comfrey and zinc as natural products against bruises
Comfrey root is an extract obtained from the plant that is often used to treat skin injuries and inflammatory pain. Even researchers praise its use in treating bruises. Comfrey is available in the form of a topical cream, but can also be made into a compress by dipping comfrey leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes, then wrapping them in a cloth and applying to the affected area.
In addition, zinc is an important nutrient for maintaining healthy skin tissue and treating wounds. Good sources of zinc include spinach, pumpkin seeds, as well as seafood such as crabs, lobsters and even legumes.
