Bruises: Overview of Symptoms and Treatment
Get a clear overview of bruises. Learn how to identify common symptoms like discoloration and pain, and discover effective home treatments to help them heal faster.
Written by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 24th Aug, 2025
Bruises are a common occurrence that most people experience at some point in their lives. While they are usually harmless and heal on their own, understanding what causes them, how to treat them, and when to seek medical help can be helpful. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about bruises in simple, easy to understand terms.
What Are Bruises?
A bruise, also known as a contusion, appears when small blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin break due to an injury. This causes blood to leak into the surrounding tissues, leading to the familiar black and blue mark. Over time, the body reabsorbs the blood, and the bruise fades.
Common Symptoms of Bruises
Bruises can vary in appearance and sensation depending on their severity. Here’s what you may notice:
- Discoloration: Initially red or pink, then turning blue, purple, or black within a few hours. As it heals, it may change to
green or yellow before fading. - Tenderness or Pain: The area may feel sore, especially when touched.
- Swelling: Some bruises may cause mild swelling around the injured area.
- Limited Movement (in severe cases): If the bruise is over a muscle or joint, movement may be slightly uncomfortable.
Most bruises heal within 1–2 weeks, but deeper bruises may take longer.
What Causes Bruises?
Bruises typically occur due to:
- Minor injuries (bumping into furniture, falls, or sports related impacts).
- Medical conditions that affect blood clotting (e.g., hemophilia, vitamin deficiencies).
- Medications like blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) or steroids, which make bruising easier.
- Aging skin, as blood vessels become more fragile with age.
When Should You Worry?
While most bruises are harmless, certain signs may indicate a more serious issue. Consult a doctor if you notice:
- Frequent, unexplained bruising (without any injury).
- Bruises that don’t heal after two weeks.
- Severe pain or swelling (could indicate a fracture or deep tissue injury).
- Bruising along with bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or unusual fatigue (possible blood disorder).
Consult a General Physician For The Best Advice
How to Treat Bruises at Home?
You can speed up healing and reduce discomfort with simple home care:
- Cold Compress – Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling and pain. Repeat every few hours for the first 24–48 hours.
- Rest & Elevation – Keep the bruised area elevated (if possible) to minimize swelling.
- Pain Relief – Overthecounter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Paracetamol) can help. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen if you’re on blood thinners.
- Warm Compress (After 48 Hours) – Once swelling reduces, a warm compress can improve blood flow and speed up healing.
- Arnica Gel – Some people find relief using natural arnica gel to reduce bruising.
Preventing Bruises
While you can’t always avoid bruises, these tips can help reduce their occurrence:
- Be cautious in high risk situations (sports, walking in dim light).
- Wear protective gear (knee pads, elbow guards) if prone to injuries.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, K, and iron to support blood vessel health.
- Stay hydrated to keep skin resilient.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience:
- Large, painful bruises without any known cause.
- Bruises that keep coming back without injury.
- Signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus).
- Bruising along with dizziness or weakness (possible internal bleeding).
It’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
Need Expert Advice?
If you’re concerned about frequent bruising or need personalized care, you can book a consultation with a doctor on Apollo 24|7. Early diagnosis can help rule out underlying conditions and provide peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Bruises are usually nothing to worry about and heal with time. However, paying attention to unusual bruising patterns can help detect potential health issues early. With simple home care and preventive measures, you can manage bruises effectively.
Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if something feels off!
Got questions? Schedule a consultation with an expert today on Apollo 24|7 for personalized guidance.
Consult a General Physician
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Consult a General Physician For The Best Advice
Dr. Harshendra Jaiswal
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine)
Kolkata
108 DHANA DHANVANTARI Clinic, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Swagata Sircar
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine
Kolkata
HealthYou Speciality Clinic & Diagnostics., Kolkata
Dr. Swarna Deepak K
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
17 Years • MBBS: MD (Internal Medicine) MRCP (UK), EDIC (European Diploma in Critical Care), IDCCM, IFCCM (Critical Care), FID (Royal Liverpool Academy)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
(375+ Patients)
Dr. Gunashree V L
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
