First Aid For Bruises Treatment: How To Minimise Pain And Swelling Quickly

Bruises are one of the most common minor injuries and can occur at any time—whether from bumping into furniture or sustaining a sports injury. Medically known as contusions, bruises develop when small blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin break due to trauma, leading to blood leakage into surrounding tissues. This results in discolouration, swelling, tenderness, and pain.

Understanding how to properly manage a bruise can reduce discomfort, speed up healing, and prevent complications.In this article, we will discuss bruise treatment methods and how you can swiftly reduce pain and swelling.

Understanding Bruises

A bruise is medically known as a contusion. A bruise forms when blunt trauma damages capillaries under the skin, allowing blood to pool in the soft tissue. The discolouration changes as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood: from red and purple, to green, yellow, and finally fading away. Most bruises heal within 2–4 weeks, although this depends on their severity and individual health conditions.

People with bleeding disorders, on blood thinners, or with fragile skin (such as the elderly) may bruise more easily.The severity of a bruise is influenced by several factors, including the force of the impact, where it has occurred on your body, and even individual health conditions like blood disorders, which may make you bruise more easily. Understanding these aspects is crucial for effective bruise wound treatment and quick recovery.

Types of Bruises

Bruises can appear in many forms on our bodies.  Let’s understand the three main types of bruises:

1. Subcutaneous Bruises: These are the most common type and occur just beneath the skin.  Minor injuries, such as bumps or falls, can cause these bruises. You’ll often see them as flat, discoloured spots on your skin, which change colour over time as they heal.
2. Intramuscular Bruises: These bruises occur within your muscle tissue. A hard hit during a sporting activity or any significant trauma can cause these bruises. They’re usually more painful than subcutaneous bruises, and you might experience swelling and limited movement due to the pooling of blood within the muscle fibres.
3. Periosteal Bruises: These occur on the periosteum, a dense layer of connective tissue that surrounds our bones. A hard fall or collision is usually responsible for these bruises. They can be very painful due to the high nerve supply in this area and may mimic the pain of a fracture.

Read More: Bruises: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Immediate First Aid for Bruises

Having first-aid knowledge for bruise treatment is useful for everyone. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the initial treatment of bruises:

Step 1: Rest

Avoid activities that may worsen the injury. Giving the bruised area time to heal is important, especially if it involves joints or muscles.

Step 2: Applying Ice

As soon as you get a bruise, apply ice or a cold compress within the first 24 hours, if possible. Ice can be used for up to 48 hours after the injury for continued swelling control. Remember to wrap the ice in a cloth or use a cold pack to avoid direct contact with your skin. Apply it on your bruise for 10-15 minutes at a time, taking breaks to prevent skin damage. This step is crucial as it helps reduce swelling and slows down blood flow to the area, minimising the size of the bruise.

Step 3: Elevation of the Injured Area

Elevate the bruised area above your heart level. You can do this by propping it up with pillows or cushions while you rest. Elevation helps reduce blood flow to the bruise, thereby minimising swelling and preventing further discolouration.

Step 4: Rest and Compression

Giving your body time to heal is essential. Avoid using or putting pressure on the injured area to prevent aggravating the bruise. If necessary, gently wrap the bruise with an elastic bandage for compression; ensure it is snug but not too tight to avoid restricting circulation.

Home Remedies for Bruises

When it comes to treating  bruises, you might be surprised to discover that natural methods can effectively reduce bruising and promote healing. Here are a few home remedies you can try:

1) Arnica

Arnica montana is a plant extract with anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically as a gel or cream, it may help reduce bruising and swelling. Evidence supports its effectiveness, particularly when used early. 

2) Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has mild anti-inflammatory and astringent effects. It may offer temporary soothing benefits when applied to a bruise. 

3) Essential Oils

Certain essential oils can also aid in healing a bruise.

• Lavender Oil: Lavender oil may help reduce discomfort, but must be diluted in a carrier oil before skin application. 
• Frankincense Frankincense oil is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, though evidence in bruise treatment is largely anecdotal. 

Caution: Never apply essential oils directly to broken skin or use undiluted.

Over-the-Counter Bruise Treatments

In addition to home remedies, there are various over-the-counter treatments available that can assist in treating bruises  on your body.

1) Topical Creams and Gels

If you’re seeking first aid for bruises, consider products containing arnica or vitamin K. They can help improve the appearance of bruises and speed up healing. For instance, arnica gels and creams are widely available at chemists and can be applied several times a day to the affected area.

2) Pain Relief Medication

Over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pa3) When to Use and the Right Dosagein associated with bruises. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging or consult with a doctor for an appropriate dosage based on age and overall health condition. NSAIDs, ibuprofen, should be used cautiously immediately after injury, especially if you’re prone to bleeding.

3) When to Use and the Right Dosage

For maximum benefit, use topical treatments as soon as possible after the bruise occurs. Pain relief medications can be taken as needed, but it’s essential to adhere to the recommended dosages and consult a doctor to avoid potential side effects.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Not all bruises are the same, and they can sometimes indicate a more severe issue.

Here are some situations when you should consult your family doctor:

• Severe Pain: Bruises are usually accompanied by mild pain that subsides on its own. However, if the pain is severe and does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief, it might indicate a more severe injury, like a fracture.
• Large or Unusual Bruises: If your bruise is unusually large, appears without an apparent reason, or continues to grow in size, these could signal an underlying issue, like a bleeding disorder.
• Frequent Bruising: It’s common to get a bruise wound now and then, but frequent bruises without significant trauma should not be ignored. They might indicate an underlying issue that needs medical attention.
• Signs of Infection: If the bruised area becomes red, warm, swollen, or develops pus – these are signs of infection. It’s advisable to seek medical help urgently.
• Joint Involvement: If you experience difficulty in moving a bruised area near a joint, it’s important to consult a doctor immediately. This could indicate further damage apart from the visible bruise.

Dealing with bruises can be tricky. Understanding how to heal a bruise through home remedies for bruises or how to treat bruises on legs effectively can significantly reduce discomfort and promote faster healing. However, the key is knowing when to opt for bruise treatment at home and when to seek professional help. Recognising when to seek medical attention for your bruises can prevent complications and ensure faster recovery.

FAQs

References:

• Treatment of acute wounds and injuries: Cuts, bites, bruises and sprains | SA Pharmaceutical Journal. (2022). SA Pharmaceutical Journal. https://doi.org/10.10520/mp.sapj.v89.n1;page:string:Article
• Rohan, C., & Vaschalde, J. (2021, March 24). Evaluation of frequency of use and presumed effectiveness of home remedies by patients. Policycommons.net; >. https://policycommons.net/artifacts/15481406/evaluation-of-frequency-of-use-and-presumed-effectiveness-of-home-remedies-by-patients/16374762/
• Sherban, A., Wang, J. V., & Geronemus, R. G. (2021). Growing role for arnica in cosmetic dermatology: Lose the bruise. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(7), 2062–2068. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14191