Bruises - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

Overview

• s   Bruises are injuries to the soft tissue
• s   It is an 'area of discoloration' on the skin
• s   Other names - Hematoma, Contusion
• s   Can last for days to several months

• s   Sports Injuries
• s   Accidents
• s   Falls
• s   Blows from objects/people
• s   Chances increase if taking medications, like Aspirin

• s   Subcutaneous-underneath the skin
• s   Intramuscular - within the underlying muscles
• s   Periosteal-bruise related to bone

• s   Small veins and capillaries under the skin breaks
• s   Blood escapes and collects under skin
• s   In the beginning bruises look purplish or red
• s   In 2 days it may change to black or blue color
• s   It changes to a green/yellow color in 5 days
• s   Changes to a brown shade in 10-14 days
• s   It further lightens and fades away
• s   The changing colors indicates red cell metabolism

• s   Pain
• s   Swelling
• s   Discoloration

• s   Most bruises vanish in 2 weeks time
• s   No bandage required if skin is not broken
• s   Keep bruised area raised
• s   Apply cold compress, ½ hr to one hr at a time
• s   Continue this for two days
• s   Do not apply ice directly on skin
• s   Can take pain killing medications, like acetaminophen
• s   Avoid draining the bruise using needle
• s   Avoid using the bruised part
• s   For more serious injury consult a doctor
• s   Consult also in case of spontaneous injury/infection
• s   Protein-bioflavinoids-Vit C rich food helps healing

• s   Teach children safety measures
• s   Avoid falls around house
• s   Wear seat belts while driving
• s   Wear helmet while riding
• s   While sporting, pad frequently- bruised areas