Contusion

Bruising

A bruise is usually caused by blunt impact on some part of your body which damages capillaries, letting blood to seep into the surrounding tissue. There may be swelling to start with, and then blue-black-purple colouring, and sometimes yellowing as it heals. Bruising can also be caused by repeated blows, pressing too hard on one point, or on the thinning skin of elderly people. Chronic bruising may indicate a problem with blood clotting

Bruises can be painful, but are not normally dangerous unless the trauma caused additional injury such as a fracture or internal bleeding

• The most important thing with trauma injuries is to apply ice as soon as possible. The sooner you can do it, the less pain and blackening you will have, and the quicker it will heal. Gently apply an ice pack for 10 - 30 minutes to the injured area. Repeat every 2 - 3 hours during the first day (or two days if there is swelling) after the injury. During the first two days avoid activities that might increase swelling such as taking hot showers or using a heat pack
• The treatment changes after the first one or two days of using ice packs. If the swelling is reduced, you can apply a warm compress to dilate blood vessels, improve circulation, relieve pain and speed healing