How To Get Rid Of Bruises?

Applying ice packs is perhaps the most widely used natural remedy on how to get rid of bruises at home. However, it works best when followed immediately as it helps limit the size of the bruise by restricting the blood flow.

For this, you can use a piece of ice wrapped in a towel, a bag of frozen peas, refrigerated tea bags, or simply ice-cold water on the affected area for about ten minutes a few times in a day.

It may seem uncomfortable in the beginning but it will reduce the pain by numbing the bruised area temporarily.

However, before exploring more on how to get rid of a bruise, you should first try to understand what a bruise is. Simply, put, a bruise consists of ruptured blood vessels present beneath the skin.

In medical terms, a bruise is also called a contusion. It is usually caused by an injury wherein a hard blow on a particular area ruptures the underlying blood vessels without causing a break on the skin surface.

Hence, the broken veins and capillaries do not ooze blood out of the skin. Rather, it leaks blood within the surrounding skin tissue which gives bruises their typical bluish discoloration.

Symptoms of Bruises

More often than not, bruises begin with red or purple discoloration on the skin. The condition may also be accompanied by swelling and tenderness. After a few days, the affected area becomes bluish or blackish in color.

Finally, the color changes to green, light brown and then fades away. Bruises usually heal within 2-3 weeks. Severe bruises, however, take months to heal.

Individuals with soft skin tissues are usually more prone to bruising. Vitamin C deficiency is another factor that increases the chances of developing Bruises. However, it may also be a sign of coagulation or platelet disorder.

Depending on the type and severity of injury, a bruise can be classified as light, moderate or critical. Light bruises, as the name suggests are most common, take less healing time and are not dangerous whereas the latter two can cause serious complications.

How to Get Rid of Bruises?

• • Applying hot compresses on the affected area, two to three times in a day (15 minutes at a time) is an excellent natural cure to get rid of Bruises. Make sure you follow this treatment after initial 2-3 days of the injury in order to stimulate circulation. 
• • Keeping the affected area elevated tends to reduce a bruise and its swelling by preventing pooling of blood around the area. This is particularly beneficial in case you have bruise on the leg. 
• • Applying Arnica gel on the affected area about 3-4 times in a day is one of the most popular homeopathic home remedies for Bruises. It helps reduce pain and inflammation. 
• • Massaging the affected area gently with an essential oil like rosemary, thyme, fennel, marigold or lavender oil is useful in getting rid of Bruises. You can use Vitamin E oil, too. 
• • Another Bruise home remedy is to spread freshly crushed parsley leaves around the bruised area and wrap it with an elastic bandage. Similarly, you can use a poultice prepared from Hyssop leaves. 
• • Those interested in herbal remedies can try applying a solution of 15 drops of comfrey tincture mixed in warm water. 
• • You can also apply a solution of vinegar or witch hazel mixed with warm water to help dissipate blood and clear the Bruise naturally. 
• • Taking a diet rich in vitamin C, E and K is helpful in facilitating the process of healing a Bruise through cell and tissue reconstruction. Vitamin C, in particular, helps build collagen.Besides, you can take medications like Acetaminophen to get rid of Bruise pain and smear vitamin K cream on the area to clear coagulation. However, avoid taking Aspirin as it is likely to prolong the bleeding.

If you want to make a bruise disappear fast, consider hiding the discolored patch with intelligent makeup through a concealer or choose appropriate clothing to cover the area.

Here’s a video giving information on how to use makeup to cover bruises.

When following these home remedies on how to get rid of bruises, do not apply any treatment to increase blood flow to the area unless the internal bleeding stops.

Thus, continue with the ice compress therapy for the initial couple of days. Plus, needless to say, take adequate rest to control the inflammation so that it does not get worse.