Everyone has bruised themselves at least once in their life. It’s a natural response to a bump or fall. However, a bruise does not look pleasant on our skin, and can be sensitive to the touch. Therefore, we want bruises to go away as soon as possible. Sometimes, bruises can appear seemingly without a reason. These may be a sign of an underlying health condition, though usually bruises are nothing to worry about. To offer support to patients and alarm users, we have created this guide to help you get rid of bruises.
What Causes a Bruise?
A bruise forms when small blood vessels burst beneath the skin. This causes blood to leak into the tissues of the skin. Another name for this is a haematoma. Where the blood gathers, you will notice discolouration of the skin. The body will gradually break down and reabsorb this blood, and the bruise will fade with it.
In most cases, a bruise will be triggered by a sudden impact. This could be from a fall or bumping into something hard. Old age, vitamin deficiencies, and some medications can increase the risk of developing bruises.
To get rid of bruises you need to take steps to improve the healing process.
How to Get Rid of Bruises
Bruises will go away on their own, usually within two weeks. To get rid of bruises faster, you will need to take steps to treat them. Here are ten treatments to reduce bruising or alleviate the pain.
1. Ice
Using ice on injuries is a tried and tested method that can also help get rid of bruises. It is best done early in the development of a bruise. When applied to a bruise, the cold ice slows the blood flow in the affected area. This reduces how much blood leaks into the skin. The less blood that leaks, the less apparent the bruise will be and the less the bruise will swell.
When applying ice to a bruise, it should be separated from the skin by a bag, cloth, or towel. If you don’t have ice, frozen vegetables can be used instead. Do not keep the ice on the bruise for more than ten minutes at a time, and leave twenty minutes between applications.
2. Heat
Conversely, using heat on a bruise can also aid with healing. Once a bruise has formed, you will want to help speed up the process of reabsorbing blood that has leaked from the damaged blood vessels. Heat boosts circulation and stimulates blood flow. This helps to speed up the process of reabsorbing blood from a bruise.
Heat can also loosen tense muscles and relieve pain. The best ways to apply heat to a bruise are with a heating pad or hot water bottle. Like applying ice, you should ensure there is a layer between your skin and the heat source. However, a hot bath could also have the same effect.
3. Vitamin K
Our body needs vitamin K to aid with blood clotting. This makes it ideal for getting rid of bruises. Many green foods, such as broccoli, asparagus, spinach, and kiwis, are rich in vitamin K. Eating these could help to improve the speed at which bruises heal.
However, you can also buy creams containing vitamin K. Rubbing these creams onto a bruise at least twice a day has been shown to reduce the severity of bruises.
4. Elevation
Raising a bruise above heart level helps to drain blood away from it. Doing this not only speeds up the process of reabsorbing blood, but it also reduces the pain caused by swelling. With less pain in a bruise, it is easier to relax. Resting can also help you get rid of a bruise.
5. Aloe Vera
According the the National Library of Medicine (USA), aloe vera is effective at reducing pain and inflammation. This makes it an ideal treatment for bruises. It is advised that aloe vera products used for treating bruises contain pure aloe vera without any additives.
6. Bromelain
Another treatment that reduces inflammation is the enzyme called bromelain. This can be found in pineapples and is also available as supplements. By reducing the swelling of the bruise, bromelain helps to make it appear less severe. If you don’t want to take supplements or eat more pineapple, you can also purchase bromelain creams. This cream should be applied directly to the bruise.
7. Compression
Best done early in the development of a bruise, wrapping the injury in an elastic bandage can help to prevent leakage from damaged blood vessels. With less blood flow in the affected area, the bruise will be less severe and therefore heal faster. A further advantage of preventing the further development of a bruise is the reduction of swelling, making the bruise less painful.
8. Arnica
For a herbal remedy to bruising, consider arnica. Evidence shows that arnica reduces inflammation and swelling around bruises. Like aloe vera, arnica ointments or gels should be applied to any bruising several times a day. This will help to get rid of bruises.
9. Comfrey
This plant has been used for many years as a treatment for skin conditions. It also helps to reduce inflammation. This is a treatment that has been used for centuries because it works.
A more recent development is a comfrey cream. Like other ointments, gels, and creams mentioned in this article, you apply this cream to the bruise several times a day. However, another way to get rid of bruises with comfrey is to use dried comfrey leaves. Boil the leaves for ten minutes, strain them, and wrap them in a towel or cloth. Apply this to the bruise.
10. Vitamin C
One of the most important nutrients for your wellbeing is vitamin C. One of its main functions is to help your body repair itself. This makes it ideal for helping your body get rid of bruises. Furthermore, vitamin C can, like many of the other entries on this list, help reduce inflammation.
Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables is the best way to make sure you have enough vitamin C in your body. You can also get gels, creams, or serums containing vitamin C that will help to get rid of bruises.
Keep an Eye on Bruises
In most cases, bruises are only minor injuries and will clear up soon enough. However, you should keep an eye on them. Sometimes, bruising can form over a fracture. If a lump forms over a bruise, or if it does not heal after four weeks, this could be a sign of a more serious injury. Moreover, if you cannot get rid of bruises with these treatments, it may be worth getting your injury checked by a doctor.
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Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 12th March 2024 to reflect current information.
