What a bruise is
A bruise is a mark on the skin from blood trapped under the surface. It happens when an injury crushes small blood vessels without breaking the skin: the vessels break open and leak blood underneath. Bruises are often painful and swollen.
Kinds of bruise
You can bruise skin, muscle or bone. Bone bruises are the most serious.
How they heal
Most bruises last about two weeks, though some take months to fade. The color changes as it heals:
- reddish;
- bluish-purple;
- greenish-yellow;
- back to normal.
Reducing bruising
- Ice the injured area.
- Raise it above your heart.
When to see a provider
- You seem to bruise for no reason.
- A bruise looks infected.
Sources
Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Bruises," National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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The symptoms of a concussion may not begin right away — they can appear days or weeks later, which is what makes "he seemed fine afterwards" such a poor reassurance. Rest is the treatment, and that includes resting from concentration, not just from sport.
