Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Heal Bruised Skin?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

In most cases there is nothing in particular you have to do to heal bruised skin. Your body is fully capable of doing all the work required for proper healing, assuming you have no underlying medication conditions. If you have other symptoms alongside the bruising, you can treat those accordingly to speed up the process of overall healing. In addition, you should eat plenty of healthy foods with antioxidants and vitamins to allow for faster healing.

Since bruising takes place internally, there is not much you can do at home to heal bruised skin yourself. While you can be sure to eat healthy foods in order to boost your body’s natural defenses, it is still up to your cells to regenerate and repair damaged tissue. Sometimes bruising can occur with other symptoms which may be treatable. By helping your body along I these areas, it may be able to heal itself faster and reduce the bruising.

Bruised leg.
Bruised leg.

Most bruises occur when some kind of brunt force is inflicted to the area. This can also cause torn skin or scrapes and swelling. You can take action to reduce swelling by using ice packs and by elevating the area and avoiding pressure to the swollen tissue until it has gone down. Open wounds can be treated using a healing balm and bandages to help prevent infection. By aiding the body in these areas, it may be more able to heal bruised skin in less time.

An ice pack can help with healing bruised skin.
An ice pack can help with healing bruised skin.

The body is generally able to heal bruised skin with no issues, and the bruising may slowly begin to fade or change colors as the process occurs. Bruises may start out being blue or purple in color and slowly fade to green, yellow, or light brown. If you experience any bruising that is an abnormal color, such as red or black, consult a health care professional.

When bruised, the body is typically able to heal itself.
When bruised, the body is typically able to heal itself.

To relieve soreness associated with bruising, you should avoid putting direct pressure on the area. Severe injuries may result in more time being needed for the body to heal bruised skin, and pain may be more pronounced. Sometimes bruising can cause pain in surrounding areas. This may be helped by using an over the counter pain reliever.

If you find that you are becoming bruised in response to injuries that do not generally warrant bruising, you may wish to speak with a medical professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions. You should also get checked out if bruises take longer than usual to heal or seem very dark or large in comparison with the injury sustained. If these things occur, there are various medical conditions which may be to blame. Some are easily treated, while others are more dangerous.

Discussion Comments

anon337983

I just wanted to share that I read numerous posts about using amica to help the unsightly bruising. I purchased some at the health food store yesterday and, wow! I am impressed!

I had tripped and fallen coming out of a patient's home a couple of weeks ago and have some very ugly, nasty bruises on my left arm and leg. I applied it yesterday and my bruises are noticeably lighter today! This is great stuff and I would highly recommend this.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Bruised leg.
      Bruised leg.
    • An ice pack can help with healing bruised skin.
      By: Marc Dietrich
      An ice pack can help with healing bruised skin.
    • When bruised, the body is typically able to heal itself.
      By: Harald Biebel
      When bruised, the body is typically able to heal itself.