Skin Bruises

Statement Describing the Challenge

Bruises occur under the skin because of the breaking or tearing of blood vessels. Blood is released from the blood vessels and remains in tissue under the skin. As a result, there is discoloration in the skin such as purple-ish black, blue-ish red, or yellow-ish green. Often times the blood will travel through tissue with gravity and create a bigger bruise because of it. Bruises in the lower part of the body tend to take longer to heal. Most often bruises are caused by a bump or a fall. Skin bruises generally heal without any medical treatment necessary. However, some bruises can be an indicator of a more serious injury such as a sprain or fracture. If pain, swelling, extended period of time of discoloration, or any other abnormality persists because a bruise, professional help is necessary.

Non-Drug Treatments

- Eat a balanced diet with enough vitamin C, K, B12, and folic acid as those vitamins effect blood clotting abilities. To do this, a great variety in diet is necessary. Include food items from: whole grains fruits vegetables dairy (such as milk, yogurt, and cheese) protein (such as meat, dried beans, soy, and tofu) - Rest, Compression, Ice, and Elevation are easy treatments to do at home to reduce swelling, stiffness, and pain. - Apply a warm cloth if pain persists for more than 48 hours.

Alternative Medicine Treatments

- Take medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain, not anticoagulants such as aspirin. - Witchhazel or Arnica may be applied to stimulate healing in the tissue. - Vitamin supplements are a good idea for those who do not gain the recommended amount in their daily diet.

Drug Therapy

- Bruises themselves are not harmful, but excess bruising due to side affects to a medication, or blood that will not clot due to a disease is harmful. There is not any drug-therapy for actual skin bruising, but there is treatment for those who suffer from anticoagulation of the blood.

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