How to Get Rid of a Bruise

Ok so you fell down the stairs, or stumbled off your bike, or just plain clumsy like I am, and you ended up with an UUUUGLY bruise on your leg, arm, etc and you have a big event coming up. Youre freaking out and thinking "Oh no! How do I get rid of this mess? I dont want it to show!" Well heres some help~!

So.. What is a bruise anyway?

A bruise, also known as a contusion; is an injury in which the capillaries underneath your skin become ruptured, allowing blood to flood the surrounding tissue giving the reddish-purple appearance common to most bruises.

Why do I bruise so easily?

Some people seem to bruise at even the slightest nudge, and if you’re one of them I’m sure it gets old. Here are some of the most common reasons a person may bruise easily:

People with platelet and blood coagulation disorders can bruise easily.

Deficiency in vitamin C can make a person more susceptible to bruising.

2. Treatments For Bruises

There’s not a whole lot that you can do to make a bruise heal overnight, though you can minimize the swelling and cover up the mark itself. Following are some tips to help you deal with the pain and speed healing.

Bruise Pain Remedies

tylenol

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken to help deal with the pain. Follow the usage instructions on the label.

An ice pack applied directly to the bruise will help with the pain and minimize swelling. Placing some Play-Doh in a zip-lock and then into the freezer makes a handy form-fitting cold compress.

Bruise Treatments

Applying a cold compress or ice pack will reduce swelling. (Learn how to get rid of swelling)

Elevating the bruise above heart level will reduce swelling as well.

Applying a compression bandage (such as an ACE bandage) will restrict blood flow and keep the swelling down, but may hinder proper healing.

Use Arnica cream on the bruise to hasten healing. Arnica is a herb that will help the body flush out the trapped blood.

Apply melted chocolate directly to the bruise and wrap it in gauze overnight. Clean it off the next morning.

Apply vitamin E and/or K cream directly to your bruise.

If you’re bruise is excessively painful or accompanied by headaches, nausea, or disorientation you should see your doctor immediately. This may indicate a more serious injury!