We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Bruises happen when small blood vessels in the skin are damaged.
Over time, a bruise changes color as the blood under the skin breaks down, and as the bruise heals. Bruising typically occurs when a person receives an injury to an area of their skin, such as from falling or bumping into something. The blood vessels between the skin and other tissues in the body burst. The blood pools under the surface of the skin, causing a bruise. It is natural for a bruise to change color during the healing process. Read on to learn more about the usual cycle of bruising, and when a person should see their doctor about a bruise, for example, when it does not heal, returns or the pain intensifies.
A person may be able to estimate how old a bruise is from the color. As the body heals and breaks down the hemoglobin, or compound that gives blood its red color, the bruise will change in color. This is a regular part of the healing process.
However, skin color affects the appearance of a bruise. Those with medium skin tones had more red and yellow to their bruises, while darker skin tones displayed darker bruises.
During the healing process, a bruise will usually go through the following colors :. Finally, once the bruise has turned a light brown, it will begin to fade. Most bruises will disappear without treatment within about 2 weeks. Bruises are not typically something to cause undue worry.
Often, they are a surface injury that requires no medical attention, and people can treat them at home. One common issue is a hematoma.
A hematoma is a large collection of blood that becomes trapped within tissues. It is often related to more significant trauma. When a hematoma occurs, the body cannot heal the bruise as easily or quickly as a minor injury. As a result, a hematoma stays the same color, firmness, and causes the same level of pain even after several days. People may want to try to speed healing or lessen any pain associated with bruising.
I have been told just keep waiting it will heal with more time it just happened after all your dates must be wrong. I am left now with having to go to a place and get an unsafe trip report to prove how I got hurt so I can get treatment.
By Ralph J. Key Facts: Many factors are involved in the appearance of a bruise. Bruise appearances can vary among and within people; color progression is not absolute or accurate for timing. Emergency physicians cannot and should not definitively age a bruise. Red and purple indicate a fresher bruise.
Reflections on Afghanistan November 10, - 0 Comment. About the Author Ralph J. We welcome walk-in appointments 7 days a week from 8 a. What do the colors of a bruise mean? Here are the colors a typical bruise goes through and what it means: Red Bruises often begin as a red mark on the skin because fresh, oxygen-rich blood has pooled under the skin. Blue, purple or black After days the blood that has leaked out begins to lose oxygen and change color. Depending on the size, location and severity of your bruise, it could appear shades of blue, purple or black.
Yellow or green Between days after the initial trauma your bruise will begin to turn a yellow or green shade. These colors are the result of the compounds biliverdin and bilirubin, which are produced when the body needs to break down hemoglobin blood.
Yellowish-brown or light brown This is the final stage of bruising and typically occurs between days after the initial trauma. What is the difference between a bruise, contusion and hematoma Bruises are also called contusions. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a head, face or abdomen trauma, visit State Urgent Care as soon as possible to avoid further complications: Head Intracranial hematomas may cause headaches, vomiting, nausea, slurred speech and confusion.
Face Septal hematomas make the nose and area under the eyes swell and bruise. You may also experience nosebleeds or clear fluid draining from the nose. Abdomen Abdominal hematomas may not initially cause any symptoms but can lead to swelling, tenderness and pain. When to get a bruise checked out Bruises are typically surface injuries that heal on their own without medical attention, and people can treat them safely at home. See your doctor or visit State Urgent Care right away if you notice any of the following symptoms: Abnormal bleeding in the gums, frequent nose bleeds or blood in the urine or stool Frequent very large, very painful bruises Numbness or weakness anywhere in the injured limb Swelling around the bruised skin Loss of function in the affected area joint, limb or muscle Increased size or density Lump under the bruise Pain that lasts longer than days Persistent bruising for more than 2 weeks Potential broken bone Trauma in the head or neck Vision impairment Unexplained or random bruising, especially in the abdomen, head, or trunk, as this may signal a problem with an internal organ Conditions that increase your risk of bruising People taking prescription blood thinners should also talk to their doctor if they suffer a fall or significant injury, as they have a higher risk of bruising and complications from bruising.
Here are additional conditions that increase your risk of significant bruising and complications: Aged 50 years or older Bleeding disorders e.
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