Bruises: Care Instructions

Overview

Bruises (contusions) occur when small blood vessels under the skin break open, most often from a fall or if something hits you. Blood leaks into tissues under the skin and causes a black-and-blue color that often turns colors, including purple, red, yellow, or green, as the bruise heals.

Bruises hurt, but most aren't serious and will go away on their own within 2 to 4 weeks. Sometimes gravity causes them to spread down the body. For example, a bruise on the leg may spread down into the ankle or foot. A leg bruise usually will take longer to heal than a bruise on the face or arms.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to stop swelling. Put a thin cloth between the ice or cold pack and your skin.
• If you can, prop up the sore area on pillows as much as possible for the next few days. Try to keep the sore area above the level of your heart.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your pain gets worse.
• You have new or worse swelling.
• You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in the area near the contusion.
• The area near the bruise is cold or pale.
• You have a bruise on your leg and symptoms of a blood clot, such as:
  • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in the leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.
• You have concerns about how the injury happened.