Bruises

Recently Answered

• QWhat is a brain bruise (contusion?)

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  A Barbara Ficarra, RN , Nursing, answered

  A brain bruise or contusion results from bleeding and swelling inside the brain where an injury occurred. It is a type of traumatic brain injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “a TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.” It can result when the head violently and suddenly hits an object. However, not all bumps, blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI.
  
  The CDC declares traumatic brain injury (TBI) a public health problem in the United States. In 2010, about 2.5 million emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations or deaths were associated with TBI—either alone or in combination with other injuries—in the United States.
• QWhat can a doctor do for a bruise?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Unless your bruise is very serious, there is likely little a doctor can do for it. But there are several steps you can take at home:
  

  • Apply ice or a cold pack, wrapped in a towel, for the first 24 hours after the injury.
  • Elevate the area to reduce swelling.

  Talk to your doctor if the bruise is near your eye, is becoming more painful or swells, is not gone in two weeks, or is part of a pattern of unexplained bruising.

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• QWhat are bruises (contusions)?

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  A RealAge answered

  A bruise occurs when broken blood vessels bleed into the tissue beneath the skin, causing local discoloration. The bruise usually occurs as a result of a fall, blow, or knock against a hard surface. Sometimes a person knows exactly how he or she got a bruise, and sometimes the bruise is a complete surprise. A bruise generally starts as a red mark and then turns from blue to brown to yellow-green as the blood is reabsorbed into the body. Some bruises are accompanied by a bump or swelling. This is most common if the bruise is on the forehead or somewhere else where the bone is very close to the skin. Most bruises are not serious, and they disappear on their own.

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• QWhat can I do to help a bruise heal faster?

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  A Aaron Nelson , NASM Elite Trainer , Sports Medicine, answered

  The best treatment for a bruised heal is ice and rest. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be used to treat the pain and inflammation. You can also use heal cups in your shoes to help protect and cushion the bruise while it heals. Heal cups can be found in different styles and sizes at most stores that have a medicine and bracing section.

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• QDo blood thinners make people bruise more easily?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  Medications that thin your blood like aspirin and or Coumadin (warfarin) can increase the risk of bruising. Watch as Dr. Oz talks about medications and bruising.
  
  
  
  

  

  Find out more about this DVD:

  Can Ginseng Cause Bruises On Your Skin?
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• QCan fruit be used to treat bruises?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  Enzymes called bromelain and papain, found in pineapple and papaya can both be helpful for treating injuries such as bruises. Watch as Dr. Oz discusses their use.
  
  
  
  

  

  Find out more about this DVD:

  Is Arnica Effective for Treating Bruises?
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• QCan herbal supplements increase the risk of bruising?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Some herbal supplements may increase your risk of bruising. Herbs including gingko biloba, ginseng, ginger, glucosamine, turmeric, angelica and clove all have the potential to thin the blood slightly. This can make bruising more likely, especially if more than one of these herbs are taken together. In addition, if you're on a prescription medication that thins your blood, these herbal supplements may cause excessive blood thinning and bruising. Consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, and tell him about any supplements you already take.
  

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• QWhich medications can cause easy bruising?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  Among the medications that can make you bruise more easily are blood-thinning medications like aspirin and Coumadin (warfarin). Watch Dr. Oz talk more about medications and bruising.
  
  
  

  

  Find out more about this DVD:

  Can Ginseng Cause Bruises On Your Skin?
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• QWhy are bruises purple?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  Bruises get their red or purplish color from blood that collects underneath the skin after tiny blood vessels break. Watch as Dr. Oz talks more about bruises.
  
  
  

  

  Find out more about this DVD:

  Why Are Bruises Purple?
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• QWhy do bruises form?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  When the body is struck and small blood vessels near the skin’s surface rupture, the trapped blood forms a red or purplish mark. Watch Dr. Oz explain more about bruising.
  
  
  

  

  Find out more about this DVD:

  Why Are Bruises Purple?
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