Solve the bruising
Sometimes you suddenly have one, it seems to have appeared out of nowhere. At other times it arises after a nasty fall or because you have hit yourself hard and it is accompanied by pain and swelling. The bruise is familiar to everyone, but how do you get rid of it quickly?
A bruise is a bruise that is caused by falling or bumping. The underlying blood vessels are destroyed by that blow, causing the blood to leak into the tissues. Under the skin, the bruise is red, but because your skin acts as a kind of filter, the spot looks blue and sometimes purple.
Such a spot can take on different colors during the healing process, ranging from black and purple to yellow and green. The released red blood cells are cleaned up by macrophages, a kind of vacuum cleaner for the immune system. In addition, enzymes ensure that the red blood cells are converted into the yellow substance bilirubin. This substance is responsible for the color change.
Appearance
Women generally suffer from bruising more often than men. In the elderly, the subcutaneous fat layer is thinner. You will also see a bruise more often with them, sometimes even those deep purple spots (hematomas).
Preventing bruising is almost impossible. You can get a bruise anytime, anywhere unless you wrap yourself completely. However, you can reduce the chance of large bruises and you can ensure that you get rid of that bruise as quickly as possible. Treatment of a bruise is not necessary.
Peace
Usually it is enough to just leave a bruise alone, then it will heal on its own. Large bruises on the legs in particular benefit from real rest. If you make sure to rest such a spot above heart level, the blood flows back to the heart. For example, in bed you can put a pillow under the leg.
cooling
After a fall or impact, you will often be advised to cool the painful area. And that has a reason. By cooling, the blood vessels contract and the blood can flow less quickly; the bruising will then be less great. Ice provides relief from redness and pain. Place an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables (wrapped in a tea towel) on the bruise for at least fifteen minutes. You can also hold the painful area under the running cold tap.
To heat
It is better to heat than cool a day after the fall or impact. Heating causes the blood vessels to expand, increasing blood circulation. This benefits the healing process.
Once the bruise is yellow in color, you can also sit with the spot in the sun. The dye bilirubin disappears from your body under the influence of UV light. The sunbed has the same effect.
Arnica
Do you want a bruise to heal quickly? Perhaps the herb arnica montana can help you. This herb contains a compound that reduces inflammation and swelling and improves blood flow. You can buy an arnica ointment at the pharmacy or drugstore. Apply this ointment to the affected area once or twice a day. There are also drops and tablets that you can take. Drinking plenty of water also speeds up the healing process.
Vitamin C
Research shows that people who get little vitamin C through their diet are more likely to bruise. In addition, the spots heal more slowly. Vitamin C helps build protective collagen tissue around blood vessels.
Healthy
An occasional bruise is very normal, but if you notice that you bruise very easily, it may be worth talking to your doctor. Sometimes bruising is a sign of an illness. For example, certain blood diseases can cause unexplained bruising.
Long-term use of aspirin or blood thinners also often causes bruising. Anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, and asthma medications inhibit blood clotting and can cause bruises to get bigger.
