A bruise forms when a blow breaks small blood vessels near your skin's surface, allowing a small amount of blood to leak out into the tissues under your skin. The trapped blood appears as a black-and-blue mark. Sometimes, there also are tiny red dots or red splotches.
If your skin isn't broken, you don't need a bandage. You can, however, enhance bruise healing with these simple techniques:
- Elevate the injured area.
- Apply ice or a cold pack several times a day for a day or two after the injury.
- Rest the bruised area, if possible.
- Consider acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) for pain relief.
See your doctor if:
- You have unusually large or painful bruises — particularly if your bruises seem to develop for no known reasons.
- You bruise easily and you're experiencing abnormal bleeding elsewhere, such as from your nose or gums, or you notice blood in your eyes, your stool or your urine.
- You have no history of bruising, but suddenly experience bruises.
These signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious problem, such as a blood-clotting problem or blood-related disease. Bruises accompanied by persistent pain or headache also may indicate a more serious underlying illness and require medical attention.
Last Updated: 01/08/2008
