The Classic Bruise

A bruise occurs when small blood vessels break and leak their contents into the soft tissue beneath the skin, causing an area of discoloration. People typically get bruises when they bump into something (or when something bumps into them). A bruise begins as a pinkish red spot that can be very tender to touch. Eventually, the bruise turns a bluish color, then greenish-yellow, before finally reverting back to the skinís normal tone as the blood is reabsorbed into the system.

The level of injury required to produce a bruise varies with age. While it generally takes a much force to bruise a young child, many elderly people bruise without even suffering an injury. This is because blood vessels become more fragile as we age. At the same time, the protective layer of fat in the skin breaks down, growing thinner over time. Here are few tips to help you prevent or minimize bruising:

• Immediately after an injury occurs, apply a cold compress, such as an icepack or a bag of frozen peas, to speed healing and reduce swelling. Make sure to wrap the icepack in a towel to protect the skin.

• Once the swelling has gone down, apply a warm compress to help speed re-absorption of the blood.

• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, as instructed on the bottle. Avoid aspirin, which slows the blood from clotting, and could actually prolong the bleeding.

• If the bruise covers a large area of the leg or foot, the leg should be kept elevated as much as possible during the first 24 hours after the injury.

• Be mindful to avoid falls around the house. For example, be careful when climbing on ladders or other objects. Avoid standing or kneeling on counter-tops. Eliminate household clutter that could cause bumps or falls.

• Wear proper sports equipment to pad frequently bruised areas. Wearing long sleeves and pants can also provide an extra layer of protection.

As with any injury, seek medical treatment if there is no improvement.