Bruises are caused by damage to tissue, usually a blunt injury in the area, under the skin that allows blood to leak from the capillaries into the surrounding tissue. Bruises, also called contusions, result in discolorations of the tissue and appear black and blue or purple. Bruises may appear unsightly. They usually are not fatal, however, and resolve on their own.
Significance
Bruises usually have little or no serious effect on your health and require no treatment. The blood that has leaked out of the capillaries will eventually be reabsorbed by the body and disappear. Rarely bruises may become significant if they are infected with bacteria or become large enough in a closed space to exert excessive pressure on surrounding tissue or organs. In these cases, medical treatment may be required.
Time Frame
The time it takes for a bruise to appear after an injury can be immediate or require several hours up to a day. This depends on the location and severity of the injury. Injuries close to the surface will appear much more quickly than deep injuries, which may never appear. The time it will take for a bruise to disappear is much longer. Bruises may require days or months to completely be absorbed by the tissue and disappear.
Features
The main feature of a simple, uncomplicated bruise is its color. Usually blacks and blues are present at the beginning. Bruises may become pink and red as it resolves. The size of a bruise is directly related to the area of injury at the beginning; it and decreases in size as it is absorbed by the body. These bruises are sometimes sore but usually not painful.
Features of complicated bruises that may require medical treatment include redness, which may indicate infection, unusual spreading from the site of injury and pain. Bruises that swell may also indicate that medical attention is needed.
Considerations
Actions to be considered in the event of a bruise range from doing nothing to seeking medical care. Small, uncomplicated bruises will require no medical consideration. Depending on the location, a bruise have social effects because its unsightly nature. Cosmetic makeup to hide or cover up the bruise may be considered. Large, complicated bruises or bruises that are not disappearing normally may require medical treatment.
Prevention/Solution
The only way to prevent bruising of the tissue is to avoid injury. Wearing protective equipment when participating in high impact activities may help to prevent injuries and bruising. Sometimes bruising can be caused by simple bumps that occur in everyday life. Applying ice immediately after an injury may help prevent or decrease the bruising effect. Elevation of the injured part may also help. Major bruises may require antibiotic treatment and/or surgical evacuation of the blood.
Tags: medical treatment, require medical, after injury, bruises that, complicated bruises, help prevent