What signs of a bruise require medical attention?

Bruises are a common occurrence when the body has suffered physical trauma. In some cases, these bruises should be closely monitored because they can be a sign of a number of serious medical conditions.

Recognize the "age" of a bruise by its color

When the body's soft tissues are slightly injured, tiny veins and capillaries under the skin (the smallest blood vessels in the body) sometimes rupture, causing red blood cells to leak out and accumulate, turning the area red, blue, purple, or black. The size and severity of a bruise depends on the force applied during the injury.

According to Dr. Pham Thi Thu Thao, Department of Internal Medicine, Thu Duc City Hospital (HCMC), we can often know the "age" of a bruise through its color:

Bruises : Usually fresh, caused by fresh oxygen-rich blood pooling under the skin.

Blue, purple, or black : After 1-2 days, the blood that leaks out begins to lose oxygen and change color. Depending on the size, location, and severity of the bruise, it can appear shades of blue, purple, or black.

Yellow or green : Five to 10 days after the initial injury, the bruise will begin to turn yellow or green. These colors are the result of the compounds biliverdin and bilirubin, which are produced when the body needs to break down hemoglobin (blood).

Yellow or light brown : This is the final stage of a bruise and usually occurs about 10-14 days after the initial injury.

New bruises are usually red.

Related diseases and signs of dangerous injuries

According to Dr. Thu Thao, the following are conditions that significantly increase the risk of bruising and complications, which need attention:

• People aged 50 and over.
• Bleeding disorders: Associated with medical conditions such as liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or genetic disorders.
• Vascular disease.
• Platelet disorders.
• Kidney disease.
• Leukemia, Blood cancer.
• Malnutrition.
• Hemophilia A/B.
• Cushing's syndrome (related to adrenal cortex dysfunction).

“Bruises are usually superficial injuries that heal without medical attention and can be safely treated at home. However, if you have a serious injury or trauma and have a bruise that does not go away after two weeks, you should see a doctor. People who take prescription blood thinners should also talk to their doctor if they have a fall or a serious injury, as they are at higher risk of bruising and complications from bruising,” Dr. Thu Thao noted.

Accordingly, people with bruises that appear with the following symptoms should see a doctor:

• Unusual bleeding of the gums, frequent nosebleeds, or blood in the urine or stool.
• Often very large and painful bruises; Numbness or weakness in any part of the injured limb.
• Swelling around the bruised area; Loss of function in the affected area (joint, limb, or muscle).
• Increased size or density of the bruise; Lump under the bruise.
• Bruising that lasts longer than 2 weeks; Pain that lasts longer than 2-3 days.
• Bones are likely to break.
• Head or neck injury.
• Visual impairment.
• Unexplained or random bruising, especially on the abdomen, head or trunk, as this may signal a problem with an internal organ.

One of the first steps to help a bruise heal faster is to apply ice to the affected area.

How to Help Bruises Heal Faster at Home

Mild to moderate bruises usually heal in 2 weeks or less. If you want to speed up the healing process or reduce the pain associated with a bruise, here are some things doctors recommend you do at home:

Apply ice. One of the first steps to help a bruise heal faster is to apply ice to the affected area. Wrap an ice pack in a clean, dry cloth and press it against the bruise. Ice slows bleeding by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation, which can help reduce the overall size of the bruise. It is important to note that ice should never be applied directly to the skin, as this can cause further injury (frostbite).

Topical creams. Over-the-counter topical creams such as arnica, quercetin, vitamin B3, or vitamin K have anti-inflammatory properties that can help speed up healing. Talk to your doctor about which cream is right for you.

Note: Never use arnica on broken skin, eczema, or other skin conditions.

Wrap. A soft elastic bandage may help reduce pain and bruising for the first 1-2 days. The bandage should be secure, but not too tight. If you experience numbness, tingling, or discomfort, loosen or remove the bandage.

Elevate the bruised area. Elevate the bruised area above your heart in a comfortable position if possible. This helps slow bleeding and may reduce the size of the bruise.

Difference between bruise and hematoma

According to Dr. Thu Thao, hematomas are similar to bruises, but more severe and symptoms develop quickly: Larger, deeper and tend to swell more significantly than normal bruises.

Hematomas in the head, face, and abdomen can cause serious symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a head, face, or abdominal injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid further complications:

Head : Blood clots in the skull can cause headaches, vomiting, nausea, slurred speech, and confusion.

Face : A septal hematoma causes swelling and bruising of the nose and the area under the eyes. There may be nosebleeds or clear fluid draining from the nose.

Abdomen : Abdominal hematoma may not cause any symptoms initially but can lead to swelling and pain.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-dau-hieu-nao-cua-vet-bam-can-phai-di-kham-185250114233501003.htm