Bruises: what are they and why do they change colour?
- nakshatrah2
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
I broke my toe recently and found myself with a huge bluish green bruise occupying the whole side of my leg. It was interesting to watch the myriad of colours that followed before the bruise disappeared. But it got me thinking - what causes this colour carousel and why does it happen exactly?
What Exactly Is a Bruise?
A bruise or ecchymosis happens when tiny blood vessels under the skin because of an impact or injury, aging skin and certain medications. The blood leaks into the surrounding tissue but doesn't leak out onto the surface. This is why the skin looks discoloured even if there's no cut on the surface.
Bruises can feel tender or may hurt because the blood in the tissues and the swelling puts pressure on the surrounding nerves. While some people are just more prone to bruising, children, older adults, having cancer or certain liver conditions, bleeding disorders or vitamin deficiencies, and regular users of NSAIDs and blood thinners can be more affected.
Why Bruises Change Color?
The color change is the body clearing out the leaked blood. Think of it like stain removal. The stain on a piece of cloth goes through different shades of discoloration until it finally goes away.
1. Red or Purple
This is present almost immediately after the injury. The red colour of the blood is because of the hemoglobin molecule. Hemoglobin is a molecule thats present in the red blood cells and is responsible for carrying oxygen. When this leaks out, it gives the red/purple colour of the bruise.
2. Blue or Black
When the hemoglobin begins to lose oxygen, the trapped blood turns darker giving the bruise a bluish black appearance.
3. Green
This is essentially the cleaning up stage. Your body starts breaking down the hemoglobin. Biliverdin is the first product to be formed. It gives off a greenish colour.
4. Yellow
Biliverdin then breaks down into bilirubin, which is yellow. Once the yellow fades, the bruise is usually close to healed.
The entire process is usually completed by 2 weeks.
When You Should See a Doctor:
Bruises are usually harmless, but it’s important to get checked if:
• They appear without any injury
• They are very large or painful
• They don’t fade after a few weeks
• You have frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• You’re on blood thinners and bruise very easily
• You're on chronic medications or have a previous history of liver diseases.
Once you see your doctor, they may conduct tests to see if you have any conditions that cause bruising. For example, you may need to get checked for vitamin deficiencies, enzyme levels, blood tests or clotting factors. If you have a history of injury or fall, you might be advised to get an x-ray to check for fractures.
How To Help Your Bruise Heal Faster:
The most helpful and the 'first aid' way to deal with a bruise is to use the RICE Method.
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
1. Rest: be sure to rest the area where your bruise is. If you've injured or broken a limb, be sure to get it checked out and treated. Avoid moving the area too much and limit mobility.
2. Ice: Apply ice to the area to reduce the swelling. Use ice packs and make sure to use a cloth or thin barrier to prevent direct skin contact. After that you can apply a warm compress to help the pain and improve blood flow.
3. Compression: you may need to apply a compression bandage to help with the swelling. Especially if the bruise is because of an injury or fracture. Make sure the compression isn't too tight and doesn't cut off blood flow. If you're feeling tingling or numbness or even pain, remove the bandage immediately and reapply loosely.
4. Elevation: If the bruise is on a limb or area that can be raised, keep the area elevated slightly. This helps to reduce the swelling.
Bruises usually heal on their own and don't need much treatment. You can take an additional OTC pain medication to help with the pain if required. Rest assured, a bruise might look scary but its usually nothing to worry about.
References:
Bruises (Ecchymosis): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention https://share.google/YaBrO9XQ1viJXUmXx
Image credits: Google
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