How Do Bruises Form?

Bruising is a minor form of internal bleeding. It is commonly caused by a sharp blow or knock that is painful when it happens, but can also occur after a blow that, at the time, went unnoticed. Bruising is also common around the sites of other injuries. Before treating bruising, check for other injuries such as a fracture.

Bruising that occurs apparently spontaneously can be a sign of several different conditions. Consult a physician immediately. Most bruises are not at all serious; if the victim is in good health, generally, there should be no cause for alarm. The bruise should eventually disappear of its own accord. All bruises are individual; there is no set healing time, although the process of healing can be gauged, to some extent, by the coloration.

Persons with such blood disorders as hemophilia bruise easily, sometimes without apparent cause. A hemophiliac should avoid contact sports and any activity in which minor injuries are likely. Any medical operation, either surgical or dental, requires an injection of the missing clotting factor at least a week prior to the operation. Hemophiliacs should wear an identity tag or carry a card stating that they suffer from hemophilia.

Rest a bruise as much as possible. This may be difficult on the face or at a joint, but immobility allows the blood to clot more rapidly. This in turn prevents further bleeding beneath the skin. To discourage swelling, apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the bruised area. Some supplements that may be taken to help bruising are :

Vitamins : C
Minerals : Iron (if anaemia is a possible cause)
Food Supplements : Rutin + Bioflavonoids

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