21 Effective Home Remedies For Bruises

Soothe and get rid of those unexpected bruises at home with some natural ingredients.

Reviewed by Dr. Abby Kramer, DC Dr. Abby Kramer Dr. Abby KramerDC facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MS (Biotechnology) Kushneet Kukreja MS (Biotechnology) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Edited by , MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by , MA (English Literature) Swathi E MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
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A bruise is a form of injury in which blood vessels beneath the skin break, causing skin discoloration. Bruises are a common occurrence. Thankfully, there are many remedies for bruises. Since they start taking their first steps, children stumble and fall and get bruises. A majority of kids are quite proud of them, and they wear the blue-black bruises that turn yellow-purple like badges of pride. We are too busy as grownups to be cautious. Some bruises we get as adults are small, while others are not. Not all of them are harmful, and they can be eliminated quickly and easily.

For the most part, there are straightforward solutions, which may simply require taking some rest and letting it heal on its own. It is unrealistic to rush to the pharmacy or the doctor for every bruise. The best thing you can do is look after them at home. But before we learn how to heal bruises and get into the best home treatments for bruise removal, let’s talk about what bruises are.

What Is A Bruise?

Being the largest organ system in the body, the skin’s primary function is protection. Often, it gets caught in the middle and experiences cuts, bumps, and blows. ‘Bruise’ is the term used to identify the effect of any traumatic incident on the skin. It is a common type of injury in which discoloration of the skin occurs.

What Is A Bruise
Image: Shutterstock

This discoloration is because the blood vessels beneath the skin burst and leak blood into the surrounding tissue. This blood collects near the surface of the skin, resulting in a black/blue mark (1).

Home Remedies For Bruises

The home remedies for bruises in this article are effective in treating subcutaneous bruises that affect the superficial layers of the skin. Hematoma and inflammation are the two most common forms of subcutaneous bruising. Hematoma refers to the discoloration of the skin, wherein the capillaries in the underlying layers are injured, and the skin turns a range of colors from blue to red, yellow, and purple. Inflammation refers to swelling, which may or may not accompany a bruise (2).

Marie Wilson, an adventure blogger, shares her tried and true method to manage bruises. She writes, “So the first thing is if you know that you’ve got a bruise developing is to try and stop the bleeding. You can do this by cooling the area with a cold compress (a flannel or cloth soaked in cold water) or an ice pack wrapped in a towel (don’t put ice straight on the skin as ice burns and a bruise is even worse!) (i).”She uses an arnica cream to speed up the healing process and also suggests using a cold compress, Epsom salt, and a vitamin-rich diet, particularly vitamins C and B12, to reduce bruising.

Some of the remedies that can be used for subcutaneous bruising are listed below.

How To Get Rid Of Bruises Overnight

1. Ice Or Heat

a. Treat Bruise With Ice

Treat Bruise With Ice
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

Ice pack or ice compress

What You Have To Do

  1. Apply the ice pack for 15 minutes. Repeat this thrice a day.
  2. The best method of applying an ice pack is to move it continuously around the bruised area in a circular motion, so as not to freeze a vein or increase the pain.

When You Need To Do This

Do this for two to three days.

How This Works

If the skin is inflamed after injury, an ice pack can help reduce the swelling. An ice pack can also be made by wrapping an ice cube in a piece of soft cloth. Applying an ice cube on a bug sting or insect bite also aids healing, reduces irritation, and decreases the inflammation (3). Dr. Sanul Corrielus, MD, MBA, FACC, says, “Apply ice to the area immediately following the injury to stop the flow of blood there. The amount of blood that seeps into the tissue around it can be reduced by cooling the blood vessels. This can lessen swelling and make the bruise less obvious.”

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables instead of an ice pack. However, make sure the vegetables do not come in direct contact with your skin.

b. Treat Bruise With Heat

Treat Bruise With Heat
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • A hot pack
  • Hot water

What You Have To Do

  1. Pour hot water carefully into the hot pack.
  2. Steadily move it over the area in a gentle manner while applying some pressure.

You can also use a soft cloth dipped in hot water. Wring out the excess water and keep it over the bruise.

When You Need To Do This

Do this several times a day.

How This Works

A warm compress acts on a bruise by inducing blood flow to that area, speeding up the healing process.  This heat therapy can be used on bruises after the inflammation subsides. The warm compression also releases shock and the pain of the injury (4). You can also rub a warm hard boiled egg on the bruise. Dr. Corrielus adds, “Heat can improve blood flow and circulation by applying heat. After the bruise has already formed, this will aid in the removal of the blood that has become trapped. Heat can also help relax tight muscles and alleviate pain.”

2. Essential Oils

Essential Oils
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

A few drops of lavender oil or tea tree oil

What You Have To Do

Take one to three drops of the essential oil and gently massage it into the bruise. You can use either one type of essential oil, or mix both of them in equal quantities and then use them. To avoid skin irritation, add the drops to one teaspoon of coconut oil before applying to the skin.

When You Need To Do This

Do this every few hours.

How This Works

Lavender oil has soothing effects on the body, along with being an analgesic and having healing properties (5). Tea tree oil sinks into the deeper layers of the skin and speeds up the healing process (6).

3. Vinegar

Vinegar
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • A few drops of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the vinegar in the water, and gently massage this mixture into the bruise.
2. You can also dip a cloth in the solution and apply it to the bruise.

When You Need To Do This

Repeat this twice a day for five to six days.

How This Works

Vinegar, when mixed with water, forms an effective solution that increases blood flow and aids the healing process. Applying this mixture on the bruised area allows the blood that has gathered below the skin to circulate and prevents blood spots (7).

4. Epsom Salt

Epsom Salt
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • Epsom salt
  • Hot water

What You Have To Do

  1. Add plenty of Epsom salt to a mug of hot water and dip a cotton ball in it.
  2. Remove the excess water from the cotton and apply it to inflamed skin.

When You Need To Do This

Do this every few hours.

How This Works

Epsom salt helps relax the muscle tissue and reduce the swelling. It is easily absorbed into the body, where it reaches the damaged tissue and relieves soreness (8).

Caution

This method can only be applied if there are no open wounds on or near the wounded region. Otherwise, the salt on the cut will sting pretty badly.

5. Vitamins

Vitamins
Image: Shutterstock

a. Vitamin C

You Will Need

Vitamin C tablets

What You Have To Do

  1. If you get bruises easily, start taking vitamin C tablets daily.
  2. You could also eat foods rich in this vitamin.

When You Need To Do This

Take one tablet daily for three months.

How This Works

A diet rich in vitamin C is essential for the body’s recovery. This vitamin facilitates tissue building and recovery (7).

b. Vitamin K

You Will Need

Ointment containing vitamin K

What You Have To Do

Apply the ointment to the bruise in gentle circular motions.

When You Need To Do This

Do this twice daily.

How This Works

Creams and ointments containing vitamin K are readily available in the market. They are handy for treating cuts. The properties in vitamin K encourage blood clotting and prevent further blood loss (7).

c. Vitamin D

You Will Need

Vitamin D supplements

What You Have To Do

  1. Take vitamin D supplements every day.
  2. You could eat vitamin D-rich foods like salmon and mackerel.

When You Need To Do This

Include vitamin D supplements or vitamin D-rich foods in your regular diet.

How This Works

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to easy bruising. In combination with vitamins C and E, vitamin D promotes tissue healing and regrowth (9).

6. Arnica Oil

Arnica Oil
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • Arnica oil
  • Warm compress

What You Have To Do

  1. Gently rub some of the oil on the bruise in circular motions.
  2. Apply a warm compress for better absorption of the arnica into the skin.

When You Need To Do This

Do this two to three times a day.

How This Works

One of the most popular home remedies for minor bruises and cuts is arnica. This herb is known to have many medicinal properties, and should find a place in homes where the members are prone to injuring themselves frequently. Arnica prevents infection, reduces swelling, and, if regularly applied, speeds up the healing process to a great extent (10).

protip_icon Did You Know?
In Europe, the flower heads of arnica have been used since the 16th century to heal bruises and strains.

7. Toothpaste

Toothpaste
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • Toothpaste
  • Bandage

What You Have To Do

  1. Apply a dab of toothpaste on the bruise and cover with a bandage to avoid staining of clothes and bedding.
  2. Leave it overnight. Remove the bandage in the morning and wash with water.

When You Need To Do This

Do this every night for two to three days.

How This Works

The toothpaste helps in breaking up the clot and increasing blood flow to the bruised area. You will notice a lighter bruise mark in one night. It also helps to reduce the swelling (11).

8. Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • Witch hazel solution or cream
  • Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

  1. Apply witch hazel solution on a cotton ball and rub this gently on the bruise.
  2. Do not wipe off the witch hazel.

When You Need To Do This

Do this two to three times a day.

How This Works

Witch hazel is a very popular herb when it comes to healing injuries such as a contusion or a bruise. Applying the extract of this herb heals wounds and reduces swelling. A bath with witch hazel can also greatly induce healing (12).

9. Crushed Parsley

Crushed Parsley
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • Parsley leaves
  • Elastic bandage

What You Have To Do

  1. Wash a handful of parsley leaves and crush them. Apply on the bruised area of the skin.
  2. Wrap with an elastic bandage. Leave it on for seven to eight minutes.

When You Need To Do This

It should be applied at regular intervals until the skin returns to its normal temperature and color.

How This Works

Parsley reduces inflammation and pain and also helps in getting rid of the bruise coloration (13).

10. Crushed Ginger

Crushed Ginger
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • A small piece of ginger
  • Soft cloth or gauze and plaster

What You Have To Do

  1. Without peeling off the skin, wash the ginger thoroughly, crush it and apply on the swollen surface.
  2. Hold it in place with a soft cloth/gauze and plaster.
  3. For obtaining the most effective results, this should be left on overnight.

When You Need To Do This

Repeat this for a day or two.

How This Works

Ginger is another herb that works wonders on inflamed skin. Most people who apply this method use cold compress during the day to speed up the healing process (14).

11. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla Extract
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

Concentrated vanilla extract

What You Have To Do

  1. Apply one or two drops of vanilla extract to the bruise.
  2. Massage gently for a minute and let it be.

When You Need To Do This

Repeat this two to three times a day.

How This Works

Applying vanilla extract on a bruised area helps to prevent it from turning blue-black. The antioxidants present help in promoting regeneration of cells and thus, in quicker healing of bruises. Vanilla extract also has anti-inflammatory properties (15).

Caution

Do not apply vanilla extract on burns.

12. Papaya

Papaya
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

A slice of papaya

What You Have To Do

  1. Place the slice of papaya on the bruise surface. This is the most effective home remedy for bruises caused by insect bites or stings.
  2. Keep the slice over the bruise for an hour or so.

When You Need To Do This

Do this as soon as possible after the insect has stung.

How This Works

This fruit contains certain enzymes that are known to neutralize insect venom (16). To treat such bites, you need to first to take out the stinger (if it is lodged in the skin) and then apply the papaya slice.

13. Onion And Garlic

Onion And Garlic
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • A slice of onion
  • A clove of garlic

What You Have To Do

  1. As soon as you bump into something, immediately rub a slice of onion on the bruised surface.
  2. You can crush a garlic clove and apply it to the affected area.

When You Need To Do This

Do this immediately after you bump into something. You can also reapply the crushed garlic two to three times a day.

How This Works

Rubbing a slice of onion on a bruised surface is often recommended to prevent blood from accumulating under the skin and also to reduce inflammation (17). Garlic is also applied by many individuals for the same purpose and effect. Additionally, it promotes fresh cell growth (18).

14. Sugar

Sugar
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • Sugar syrup
  • Bandage
  • Ice pack

What You Have To Do

  1. Pour hot sugar syrup on the bruise and cover with the bandage.
  2. You can also apply cooled down sugar syrup and wrap the bruise in a bandage lightly. Let the sugar syrup solidify. Then, apply an ice pack on it.
  3. Honey can also be used instead of sugar syrup.

When You Need To Do This

Change the dressing every few hours.

How This Works

While most people concerned with healthcare are not huge fans of refined sugar, a little bit of sugar, mixed with a few drops of water, works well on the site of an insect sting. Honey and sugar have antibacterial properties (19, 20).

15. Cabbage Leaves

Cabbage Leaves
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • Cabbage leaves
  • Hot water

What You Have To Do

  1. Peel the outer leaf of the cabbage and dip it in really hot water carefully.
  2. Take the leaf out of the water and once it has cooled down a bit, place it over the bruise for 45 minutes to an hour.
  3. You can hold it in place with the help of a bandage.

If you are scared of the hot water burning your skin, you can simply remove the main stem from the leaf and gently roll a rolling pin or glass over it.

When You Need To Do This

Repeat this with a new cabbage leaf two to three times a day.

How This Works

Cabbage leaves work well in getting rid of bruises on the face. Dipping in hot water releases the natural juices of the leaves. The pressure from the rolling pin also has the same effect. The anti-inflammatory properties of berteroin present in cabbage helps in reducing swelling and healing bruises quickly (21).

16. Fenugreek

Fenugreek
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • Fenugreek seeds
  • Water
  • Cotton or sponge

What You Have To Do

  1. Crush a couple of fenugreek seeds coarsely and boil them in water for a few minutes.
  2. Strain the water and with the help of a cotton ball or sponge, apply this warm water to the bruise.

When You Need To Do This

Repeat this twice in a day.

How This Works

The seeds of this medicinal plant have been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The concoction prepared from them reduces pain and swelling (22).

17. Garden Thyme

Garden Thyme
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 15-20 fresh thyme leaves
  • Water

What You Have To Do

  1. Boil the thyme leaves in water for about 10 minutes. Strain the water and let it cool down.
  2. Add this water to your bath and soak in it for 20 to 30 minutes.

When You Need To Do This

Repeat the soaking two times a day.

How This Works

Thyme works effectively in fading away bruises (23). As this home remedy is a bath soak, it is easier for the herb to reach the bruises in difficult to reach places.

18. St. John’s Wort Oil

Johns Wort Oil
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • St. John’s wort oil
  • Bandage

What You Have To Do

  1. Apply a few drops of the oil to the bruised area and massage for a minute. Leave it on for a few minutes.
  2. You can also cover the area with a bandage.

When You Need To Do This

Repeat this a few times during the day.

How This Works

This is a tested and tried method to fade away bruises. The oil contains tannins and astringents that aid in the quick healing of the bruised tissue. It can also be applied on cuts and burns (24).

19. Vaseline And Cayenne Pepper

Vaseline And Cayenne Pepper
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • One part cayenne pepper
  • Five parts vaseline

What You Have To Do

  1. Melt the vaseline carefully. Once it has cooled down, mix in the cayenne pepper.
  2. Apply this mixture to the bruise and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.

When You Need To Do This

Do this once every alternate day.

How This Works

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin that helps in fading away bruise marks and reduce the pain. It also speeds up the healing process of the damaged tissues (25, 26).

Caution

If you have a cut in your bruise, do not apply cayenne pepper as it stings badly.

20. Olive Oil And Mullein Flowers

Olive Oil And Mullein Flowers
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • A few mullein flowers
  • One cup virgin olive oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Steep the flowers in the oil for a few minutes. Strain the oil once it has cooled down.
  2. Apply this oil to the affected area and massage for a minute. Leave it on.

When You Need To Do This

Repeat this every few hours.

How This Works

Mullein is a multipurpose medicinal plant that acts as an emollient and astringent and has antibacterial properties. It is extensively used to reduce inflammation due to wounds and bruises (27). Olive oil adds to the mullein flower’s emollient activity and also provides nourishment for the skin cells (28).

21. Aloe Vera

You Will Need

  • Fresh aloe vera gel
  • A soft cloth or gauze

What You Have To Do

  1. You may extract aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf or even use store-bought aloe vera gel.
  2. Apply the gel generously on the bruised area.
  3. Secure it in place with a soft cloth or gauze.

When You Need To Do This

Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for a few days until the bruise starts to heal.

How This Works

Aloe vera is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties (29). When applied to a bruise, it may help reduce inflammation, ease pain, and boost healing. The natural cooling effect of aloe vera may also provide relief from any discomfort associated with the bruise.

Preventive Measures For Bruises

Here are some simple tips you can follow to protect your skin and body from bruising:

  • Wear proper footwear to keep your balance and prevent falls that may lead to injuries and bruising.
  • Keep your surroundings free of clutter to reduce the risk of tripping or bumping into objects.
  • Use soft, silicone brushes and loofahs while washing or exfoliating to avoid damaging your skin.
  • If you engage in activities like sports where you might bump into things or fall, always wear protective gear.

To understand more about how these tips may help you, you need to learn a little more about bruises and their underlying causes, signs, and symptoms, how they are categorized, and a few FAQs to clear your common doubts.

What Causes Bruising?

The blood vessels present beneath the skin can burst or leak either because they have become weak or they are damaged. Some of the most common reasons that contribute to bruising are:

  1. Blows to the body
  2. Bumping onto hard surfaces like a chair, a post, etc.
  3. Cuts while dealing with sharp objects
  4. Bites (mostly animals or insects)
  5. Falling, stumbling, tripping
  6. Burns
  7. Injuries while engaging in sports
  8. Accidents on the road
  9. Side effects of medicines like blood thinners
  10. Viral infection or illness
  11. Allergic reactions

Another common cause of bruises is ‘thinning’ of the skin, which is a natural process that occurs when individuals age. Serious medical conditions like autoimmune disorders, leukemia, and septicemia can also result in bruising (30).

Symptoms And Signs Of Bruising

a. Discoloration Of Skin:

Initially, a bruise appears red in color. Slowly, this transforms into a black and/or blue color. Other colors that have been observed are green, purple, brownish and yellowish (31).
b. Swelling: As a result of the damage the skin tissue has undergone, swelling can be seen at the bruise site.
c. Pain: The high impact with which you bumped into something can lead to pain in the area. This can last for a few hours to a few days.
d. Tenderness: The damaged tissue becomes highly sensitive to touch and tenderness can be observed.
e. Severe Symptoms: These include persistent swelling and pain in the area of bruising or a bruise that doesn’t heal even after four weeks. Please consult a doctor under such circumstances (32).

Some medications like blood thinners, as well as medical conditions like diabetes, may render some natural remedies for bruises ineffective. Besides, as bruises tend to heal themselves on a healthy body after a fortnight naturally and the entire home remedies act as catalysts to the healing process, it is important to seek medical and professional help, if pain or discomfort persists after some time. In some cases, prolonged inflammation may indicate internal injury or bruise too easily may indicate some pre-existing medical condition.

Types Of Bruises

A bruise can develop on any part of your body. We can categorize them into the following major groups:

A. Bruise On Limbs: These include bruise on the leg, bruise on the thighs, bruise on an arm, bruised heels, bruise on the shin, bruised toes, and bruised finger.

Types Of Bruises
Image: Shutterstock

B. Bruise On Main Body: Commonly seen as hip bruise, bruises on the breast, bruises on stomach, and bruises on the back.
C. Bruises On Face: Bruising around the eyes, bruised nose, bruise on the head, and bruise like spots on the cheeks are some common ones.
D. Bruised Bone: Bruises can be internal and on the bones too. Knee bone bruise, ankle bone bruise, and bruised ribs are the most common complaints received by doctors.
E. Bruised Internal Organs: When the physical impact is strong, it can form a bruise not only on the skin surface but also internally on the body organs. Some examples are bruised lungs, bruised liver, and bruised abdomen. These types of bruises can be dangerous as there are chances of internal bleeding.

Each type of bruise has a severity rating depending on how serious it is. Learn more below!

Bruise Severity Rating

Bruises can be scored on a 0-5 scale to categorize their severity. Here is what you should know about these scores.

  • Score 0 is used for light bruises that usually cause no damage.
  • Score 1 corresponds to mild bruises that may cause little damage to the skin.
  • Score 2 features bruises of moderate severity that may cause some damage.
  • Score 3 is a serious bruise that may be dangerous.
  • Score 4 refers to bruises with extreme severity that may be very dangerous.
  • The final score of 5 is for critical bruises that may even be fatal.

Stages Of Bruising

A fresh bruise is swollen and appears red in color. After a day or two, the red color transforms into a blue/black color. This discoloration is one of the major signs of bruising. Every few days, a change in the bruise color can be seen, and this goes from blue/black to green to yellow, and finally, brown. After this, the bruise markings disappear (33).

Stages Of Bruising
Image: Shutterstock

Additionally, bruises can be scored on a scale of zero to five by of how severe they are and how dangerous the injury is.

Harm ScoreSeverity LevelNotes
0Light bruiseNo damage
1Mild bruiseLittle damage
2Moderate bruiseSome damage
3Serious bruiseDangerous
4Extremely serious bruiseDangerous
5Critical bruiseRisk of death

How Long Does It Take For A Bruise To Go Away?

On an average, it takes about 10 to 14 days for the bruise mark to go away, and also for the skin to heal completely. However, this time period depends from person to person, and can be shorter or slightly longer.

What Would Happen If You Cut Open A Bruise?

A bruise is a closed wound. Depending upon how intense and deep the wound is, cutting open a bruise can cause bleeding. In case of deep bruises, you can try home remedies to stop bleeding to deal with the situation at hand. Additionally, this makes it more prone to acquiring infections either from the instrument you used to cut it with or from the environment. It is highly inadvisable to cut open a bruise.

Does Massaging Help In Quicker Healing Of A Bruise?

Massage therapy helps in relieving pain from the body. Gently massage for a few minutes using chamomile oil, aloe vera gel, calendula solution or ointments can be beneficial (34), (35), (36). Please do not apply extreme pressure, as the tissue under your skin is damaged and this might aggravate the pain. You can also take zinc and magnesium supplements to fasten the healing process (37), (38).

Each of the top 21 home remedies for bruises goes a long way in effectively treating inflammation and hematoma. Some of them even take care of minor cuts, stings, and bites. However, sometimes, the effects of an injury may go deeper than the surface inflammation and discoloration of the skin. When pain or swelling persist for too long, it is best to have a doctor take a look at the bruise.

Infographic: 5 Surprising Remedies To Get Rid Of Bruises

Bruises often go away on their own, but you can hasten the process with a few natural remedies, some of which can completely take you by surprise and leave you wondering why and how they work! Check out the infographic below for a brief glance at six such strange ingredients which can help heal your bruise quickly.

5 surprising remedies to get rid of bruises (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Bruise refers to any trauma to the skin that results in discoloration of the surface due to rupture of the blood vessels underneath the skin. Swelling, tenderness, pain, and discoloration are the most common signs of bruising. Remedies for bruises can only be effective in the case of subcutaneous wounds that lie close to the surface. Ice packs, warm compresses, essential oils for bruises, such as lavender or tea tree, vitamin supplements, arnica oil, and toothpaste are a few of the readily available ingredients that can effectively treat bruises. Seek medical attention if swelling or pain around a bruise persists or stays beyond 4 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bruise leave a permanent mark?

Usually, a bruise does not leave a permanent mark. However, repeated bruising in the same area may leave permanent staining on the skin.

Do banana peels get rid of bruises?

The antioxidant properties and potassium present in banana peels may help get rid of bruises. However, there is not enough research to support this claim.

Does rubbing a bruise help?

No. Indiscriminately rubbing a bruise can worsen it by rupturing more blood vessels in the process. Instead, apply gentle pressure on the wound until you get first aid.

How long should a bruise stay dark purple?

A deep bruise takes one or two days to turn a dark purple but within 5-10 days, it should be turning green or yellowish. Within 10-15 days, it should lighten to a light brown.

How much pineapple should I eat to reduce bruising?

You can eat 2 to 3 servings of pineapple a day to reduce bruising. Pineapple contains a group of enzymes called bromelain (1) that can potentially reduce bruising and associated swelling and pain (2).

What do the colors of bruising mean?

The color of the bruising indicates how much time has passed since the injury. Immediately after the injury, the bruise is red when oxygen-rich blood has gathered under the skin in the injured area. With time, the blood starts losing oxygen which leads to its discoloration. It turns dark red, maroon, or develops a greenish ring, indicating that the healing process has begun. A day or two later the bruise is bluish or dark purple as all the oxygen is gone and the red blood cells start breaking down. When the bruise is in its final stages, it starts fading away to brown and yellow shades.

How can one prevent bruises from recurring?

Bruises are the immune responses of the body against injuries, so if you get injured, it will bruise. However, some people get bruised easily, without any serious injuries. This may be due to underlying blood conditions, medicinal side effects, photodamage, or excessive strain to the body. Consult a medical professional and include bioflavonoids, vitamin C, hesperidin, and rutin in your diet.

How to heal a bruise with toothpaste?

Put on some toothpaste on the affected area and cover it with a Band-Aid overnight to expedite the healing process.

Key Takeaways

  • Use ice cubes to soothe your inflamed skin; they help reduce swelling and heal the bruise quickly.
  • Try using an ointment containing vitamin K, as it encourages blood clotting and helps prevent excessive blood loss.
  • Essential oils like lavender oil help sooth the bruise and act as an analgesic agent to reduce the pain in the injured area.
  • Epsom salt relaxes the muscle tissue and soothes the swelling. It easily works on the bruise and helps relieve soreness.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Bromelain
    https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/bromelain#:~:text=Bromelain%20is%20a%20group%20of
  2. Potential role of bromelain in clinical and therapeutic applications
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4998156/

Looking for simple ways to get rid of your bruises? Check out this video to know how to treat those unsightly bruises quickly, safely, and effectively.

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Dr. Kramer has 7 years of experience as a Chiropractor + Holistic Physician practicing in the Chicagoland area. She has been featured in various publications, including The Huffington Post, Bustle, E Health Radio Network, and the American Chiropractic Association Journal of Rehabilitation.

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  • Dr. Sanul CorrielusMD, MBA, FACC Dr. Sanul Corrielus, MD, MBA, FACC, is a board-certified cardiologist with over two decades of experience in non-invasive cardiology. He is the founder of Corrielus Cardiology and the Community Cardiovascular Initiative and has held faculty appointments at Geisinger Medical Center and Temple University Hospital School of Medicine.
    Dr. Sanul Corrielus, MD, MBA, FACC, is a board-certified cardiologist with over two decades of experience in non-invasive cardiology. He is the founder of Corrielus Cardiology and the Community Cardiovascular Initiative and has held faculty appointments at Geisinger Medical Center and Temple University Hospital School of Medicine.
Kushneet Kukreja
Kushneet KukrejaHealth & Wellness Writer
Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing.

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Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Swathi E
Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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