Bruise Health Article

Alternative Names

Contusion; Hematoma

Definition

A bruise is an area of skin discoloration. A bruise occurs when small blood vessels break and leak their contents into the soft tissue beneath the skin.

Considerations

There are three types of bruises:

1. Subcutaneous -- beneath the skin
2. Intramuscular -- within the belly of the underlying muscle
3. Periosteal -- bone bruise

Bruises can last from days to months, with the bone bruise being the most severe and painful.

Causes

Bruises are often caused by falls, sports injuries, car accidents, or blows received by other people or objects.

If you take a blood thinner, like aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin), you are likely to bruise more easily.

Symptoms

The main symptoms are pain, swelling, and skin discoloration. The bruise begins as a pinkish red color that can be very tender to touch. It is often difficult to use the muscle that has been bruised. For example, a deep thigh bruise is painful when you walk or run.

Eventually, the bruise changes to a bluish color, then greenish-yellow, and finally returns to the normal skin color as it heals.

Do Not

• DO NOT attempt to drain the bruise with a needle.
• DO NOT continue running, playing, or otherwise using the painful, bruised part of your body.
• DO NOT ignore the pain or swelling.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

Call your doctor immediately if you feel extreme pressure in a bruised part of your body, especially if the area is large or very painful. This may be due to a condition known as "compartment syndrome." Increased pressure on the soft tissues and structures beneath the skin can decrease the supply of vital blood and oxygen to the tissues. This is potentially life-threatening and you should receive emergency care promptly.

Also call your doctor if:

• You are bruising spontaneously without any injury, fall, or other reason.
• There are signs of infection around the bruised area including streaks of redness, pus or other drainage, or fever.