Bruises
What are bruises?
Bruises (also called ecchymoses or contusions) happen when small blood vessels break under the skin, but the skin itself doesn’t open. The trapped blood shows through as discoloration.
A new bruise usually looks red or purple, then often turns blue-black within a day. Over several days, it fades to yellow-green as your body clears the blood. In older or thinner skin, bruises may leave a rust-brown spot for months—this is iron left behind in the skin.
Why do I have bruises?
Most bruises are caused by minor injuries. Your skin has three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and fat. Most small blood vessels sit in the dermis, which usually acts like a shock absorber. As we age—or when skin is damaged by the sun—the dermis thins and offers less protection, making bruising more likely.
Many factors can make you bruise more easily, including:
Genetics
Sun damage
Aging
Chronic diseases
Medicines (especially blood thinners and aspirin)
Low Vitamin C or Vitamin K
Long-term use of steroid creams
How do I treat a bruise?
There isn’t a cure for bruises, but you can lessen their severity and help them heal faster.
To reduce bruising (right after injury):
Apply ice as soon as possible to constrict blood vessels and limit bleeding under the skin.
Elevate the area to prevent blood from pooling (for example, rest your leg on a pillow if the bruise is on your leg).
For pain, use Tylenol (acetaminophen). Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin since they can worsen bruising.
To speed healing:
Apply arnica gel (or cream) several times a day.
Vitamin K cream may also help.
Once the bruise is fully formed, apply heat (heating pad 10–15 minutes, a few times a day) to boost blood flow and clearance.
Eat a whole-food, plant-based diet rich in vitamins to speed and support healing.
How do I prevent bruises?
The key to preventing bruises is keeping your skin and dermis healthy:
Wear sunscreen or a daily moisturizer with SPF every day.
Choose sun-protective clothing (I often wear a hooded sun shirt myself).
Eat a whole-food, plant-based diet rich in vitamins to strength the skin.
What if my bruises aren’t getting better?
If you bruise easily or your bruises aren’t healing, check with your primary care doctor to rule out underlying causes. If you have a lot of sun damage and are bruising, look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area to check them. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah or me virtually with Honeydew.
DISCLAIMER
The statements expressed and content of this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should seek their own professional counsel for any medical condition or before starting or altering any treatment, exercise, or dietary plan. Please see our full disclaimer here.