Why is bruising bad

Apply a cold compress to the bruise to help slow down the blood that's flowing to the area, which decreases the amount of blood that ends up leaking into the tissues.

It also helps keep the inflammation and swelling down. All you have to do is apply cold to the bruise for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for a day or two after the bruise appears. You don't need to buy a special cold pack, although they're great to keep on hand in the freezer. Just get some ice, put it in a plastic bag, and wrap the bag in a cloth or a towel and place it on the bruise don't apply the ice directly to the skin.

Another trick is to use a bag of frozen vegetables. It doesn't matter what kind — carrots, peas, lima beans, whatever — as long as they're frozen. A bag of frozen vegetables is easy to apply to the bruise because it can form to the shape of the injured area. Also, like a cold pack, it can be used and refrozen again and again just pick your least-favorite vegetables and label the bag — you don't want to keep thawing and freezing veggies that you plan to eat!

To reduce swelling and bruising, elevate the bruised area above the level of your heart. In other words, if the bruise is on your shin, lie down on a couch or bed and prop up your leg. Products and services. Easy bruising: Why does it happen If you're experiencing easy bruising, you might have questions about what's causing the problem and what you can do about it.

By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Kraut EH. Easy bruising. Accessed Jan. Skin care and aging. National Institute on Aging. Muscle contusion bruise. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Hoffman R, et al. Clinical approach to the patient with bleeding or bruising.

In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Philadelphia, Pa. Easy bruising and bleeding. American Family Physician. Goldman L, et al. Blue bruises on your legs may come from varicose veins , but black bruises can indicate deep vein thrombosis DVT , which is the development of a blood clot. This can be life-threatening. Unexplained bruises that appear on the shin or knee may come from bumping the area on a doorframe, bedframe, post, or chair without noticing.

Bruises that develop after a cut , burn , fall, or injury are normal. However, if you have a wound that bruises, reopens , and produces pus, clear liquid, or blood, see a healthcare provider promptly. These can be signs of an infection. If a child has unexplained bruising, take them to their healthcare provider to determine the cause. Unexplained bruising on a child can be a sign of serious illness or even abuse.

Certain medications also make it more likely for you to bruise. This is especially the case with blood thinners and corticosteroids. Some herbal supplements, such as fish oil, have similar blood-thinning effects and may lead to bruises. You may also notice bruising after receiving an injection or wearing tight clothing. Bruises also tend to be more common in older adults. As you age, your skin becomes thinner, and the capillaries under your skin become more prone to breaking. Some people bruise easily , with little impact to their body.

Women are also more prone to bruising. In most cases, this is nothing to be alarmed about. However, if this is a recent development, talk to your healthcare provider about potential causes and treatment options. Sometimes bruising is caused by an underlying condition not related to injury. See your doctor or visit State Urgent Care right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:. People taking prescription blood thinners should also talk to their doctor if they suffer a fall or significant injury, as they have a higher risk of bruising and complications from bruising.

Here are additional conditions that increase your risk of significant bruising and complications:. While the occasional bruise is not normally a cause for concern, easy bruising could be. If you notice more frequent or more serious bruising, talk to a medical professional, as they can help you diagnose and treat the root cause of your bruising. Mild to moderate bruises typically heal after 2 weeks, though some may heal more quickly. If you have mild to moderate bruising and would like to speed the healing process or lessen any pain associated with it, here are a few things you can try at home:.

If you need medical attention for your bruise , visit State Urgent Care. We welcome walk-in appointments 7 days a week from 8 a. What do the colors of a bruise mean? Here are the colors a typical bruise goes through and what it means: Red Bruises often begin as a red mark on the skin because fresh, oxygen-rich blood has pooled under the skin.

Blue, purple or black After days the blood that has leaked out begins to lose oxygen and change color.