A.Vogel Talks Bruising

Bruises result from injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments and other body tissues



S.A.C. Dip (Diet, Exercise & Fitness), Advanced Human Anatomy & Physiology Level 3
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An introduction to bruises

Bruises, medically known as contusions, are small collections of blood under the skin and surrounding tissue. They normally appear as blue or purple patches and arise as a result of injury.

Bruising comes about because pressure from the injury causes very small blood vessels, known as capillaries, to burst under the skin, leading to a minor form of internal bleeding. Blood leaks out and spreads into the surrounding tissue giving rise to the characteristic skin discolouration we call a bruise.

Although bruises normally appear blue or purple, they may develop a green or yellow tinge a few days after the injury as the process of healing takes place.

Causes of bruising

Bruises are mostly caused by minor injuries damaging the small blood vessels lying under the skin. These vessels are thin and lie close to the surface, making them very vulnerable to damage.

The most common causes of bruising are:

Less common causes of bruising include bone fractures as well as problems or abnormalities with the blood’s clotting mechanism.

The time taken for a bruise to appear and disappear varies depending on the individual and the severity of the injury. Discolouration usually appears within an hour of the injury and may last for up to seven or ten days.

During this time, the bruise will change in colour from a dark red, to blue or purple, then green, yellow or brown shades. These changes occur as blood cells and fluid released into the tissues break down and tissues heal.

Bruises and swelling

Bruising may sometimes be accompanied by swelling, especially if the injury is severe. There are two reasons for this:

  • Blood leaking from damaged blood vessels may be  sufficient  in quantity to cause swelling – this is referred to as a haematoma or an ‘internal blood clot’
  • Damaged tissue triggers an inflammatory response as the body heals and this may lead to an accumulation of fluid in affected tissue.

In response to the injury, immune system cells mop up the red blood cells and release anti-inflammatory substances and over time, swelling reduces.

How to treat a bruise

The body is very accomplished at self-healing and most bruises will disappear within a few days or a week of injury without the need for any treatment. However there are a number of steps you can take to limit the amount of damage and speed up healing:

  • Apply an ice pack as soon as the injury occurs. Commercial ice packs are available but may not always be easily to hand. A good alternative is a bag of frozen peas or anything similar you can find in your freezer. Whatever is used, ensure that a towel or a piece of cloth is wrapped around the frozen item before applying it to the skin. This to avoid the risk of frostbite. Cold reduces blood flow to the area, limiting the amount of bleeding from the injured capillaries, thereby reducing the size of the bruise
  • If possible, elevate the damaged area above the level of the heart as this will also decrease blood flow and leakage
  • Apply an arnica extract such as A.Vogel's Arnica Skin Cream. As well as decreasing the amount of bruising and accelerating healing time, arnica cream will also reduce pain and inflammation.

My Top Tip:

Arnica Skin Cream contains fresh extracts of Arnica flowers, Comfrey and Chamomile. It is incredibly soothing for the skin and can be used when bumps and knocks leave the skin sore or bruised.

Arnica Skin Cream can be used as long as it is needed but be careful not to get it on any cuts or irritated skin. 

“Excellent product, always like to have some in the house.”

 

Read what other people are saying about Arnica Skin Cream.

Bruising easily

Some people seem to bruise more easily than others. For most, this should not indicate a serious health problem.

Certain groups of people are more susceptible to bruising:

  • An older person will have thinner skin and walls of blood vessels
  • Women bruise more easily than men
  • Young children often sport a bruise or two

Some medicines thin the blood and may lead to an increase in bruising. If this is the case with you, make sure that your doctor is aware of the problem.

Occasionally, bruising easily can indicate more serious conditions. If you are not sure of the cause of your bruising, you must see your doctor.

Unexplained bruising

Just as with bruising easily, unexplained bruising is not usually something to worry about. We bump ourselves more than we realise, not even noticing the time and nature of the injury.

Unexplained bruising occurs most often on the arms or legs as these are the parts of the body that are the most active. Like easy bruising, children, the young and women are more likely to experience unexplained bruising.

If you start to notice an increase in unexpected or unexplained bruises, consult your GP for advice as this may indicate a serious condition which must be dealt with as soon as possible.

Arnica Skin Cream

Gentle nurturing, silky cosmetic cream Arnica skin cream is the perfect way to soothe those pesky …
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What's being asked

I suffer easy bruising to my forearms which make red patches. Can I use arnica to (a) prevent this and (b) to treat the bruises already there?

Hello. If you are taking blood thinning medication, please check with your Doctor or pharmacist ...
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My six year old is very active and she keeps bruising her legs and arms. What can I use to help with the pain and speed up the disappearance of the bruises.

Hi. Our Arnica Gel is licensed for pain, stiffness and bruises and is safe to use with children. If ...
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Here's what I recommend

As the A. Vogel Muscles and Joints advisor, I recommend Atrogel® Arnica gel to help ease the discomfort of bruising.

Learn more

Did you know?

Redheaded women are more prone to bruising than brunettes or women with black hair, according to researchers and it is also generally thought that women also bruise more easily than men.

7 reasons you bruise easily

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