A bruise is a frequent injury that causes discoloration on the skin’s surface. It is also referred to as a contusion or ecchymosis. When trauma, such a bump, tumble, or cut, causes blood vessels called capillaries to burst, the dark colors, which can vary from purple and black to blue, appear. As a result, blood seeps out and is trapped beneath your skin’s outermost layers, leaving a noticeable mark.
A bruise’s discoloration indicates internal bleeding and usually undergoes a number of color changes as the body recovers. Because fresh bruises include oxygenated blood, they may seem red at first. As the blood vessels repair and oxygen is lost, it may become darker blue or black in a matter of hours or days. The bruise turns green and yellow over the course of the following few days as the body breaks down the blood cells and processes the hemoglobin.
Bruises are classified according to the location of the injury. Most often caused by a bump or fall, subcutaneous bruises are the most common type of bruising. The surface of the skin becomes noticeably discolored, swollen, and painful. On the bones, periosteal contusions, another name for periosteal bruises, can develop. The connective tissue that surrounds the bones, known as the periosteum, is injured in this kind of bruise.
Because of the nerve endings in the periosteum, this type of bruise can be quite painful. This kind of injury is more severe since you might feel sensitivity or a sharp pain where the bruise is. Following an accident, intramuscular bruises form as blood pools around the muscles. Muscle stiffness or trouble using the affected muscle may result from intramuscular bruising, which can often be uncomfortable. Until the bruise goes away, this may occasionally restrict range of motion and interfere with daily activities.
Although most bruises are benign and go away on their own, there are several situations in which medical intervention is necessary. The majority of bruises go away on their own in two to three weeks, therefore professional care is not necessary. A bruise should be checked by a healthcare professional if it doesn’t go away, gets abnormally big, or develops for no apparent reason.
Additionally, bruising can sometimes accompany cuts, which can make the healing process more difficult. Depending on how bad the cut is, there could be dangers including infection, heavy bleeding, or deeper tissue injury. If any of the following happens after you sustain a cut with a bruise, you should get medical help. Seeking medical attention immediately is crucial if the bleeding does not stop and the incision is deep. Sutures or pressure may be required to stop the bleeding in order to avoid causing too much blood loss.
Medical attention is required to properly clean and heal the wound in order to prevent infection or further harm if the cut is serious enough to reveal bone, tendons, or other internal tissues. It’s crucial to see a medical professional if you think something foreign, like dirt, glass, or debris, may be stuck in the incision. This will guarantee that it is removed properly and avoid complications. A fever and the appearance of redness, swelling, discomfort, or pus from the wound could indicate an infection. Infections can impede the healing process and result in more serious issues.
Unique hazards of infection, including tetanus, are presented by animal bites, particularly from animals whose vaccination histories are unknown, and cuts from rusty objects. In such cases, seek medical attention right away. A head or ear cut or bruise could be an indication of more severe injuries, like a fractured skull or concussion. It is imperative that you get immediate medical assistance if you have a head injury and also experience nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
Knowing when to get medical help for cuts and bruises will help you prevent problems and make sure the injury heals correctly. Although most bruises are not harmful, it’s important to keep an eye on their development and recognize any warning indications that might call for medical attention. Taking the appropriate actions, whether they involve expert care for more severe wounds or self-care for minor ones, will aid in the healing and recovery process.
