After a few days, the bruise will appear blue or black. After days, the bruise will turn a greenish or yellowish color as it begins to fade. After days, the bruise appears light brown and color and gets lighter each day until it fades completely. How to Get Rid of Bruises The only way to get rid of bruises is to speed up the healing process to lessen the pain and reduce visibility. Speeding Up the Healing Process to Reduce Pain and Visibility Bruises can be challenging to treat because the damage is beneath your skin.

Should You Ice a Bruise? Apply Heat Once the bruise has already formed, you can apply heat to help clear up the trapped blood under your skin. Elevate Your Injury Elevate the bruised injury above the level of your heart. Use Compression If possible, wrap the bruised area with an elastic bandage. There are two ways that the foods we eat can help with bruising: Some foods strengthen the blood vessels in your body, which may minimize bruising altogether.

This can help prevent and heal bruises. To aid in minimizing, preventing and healing bruises, incorporate the following foods into your diet regularly: Pineapple gives your body a natural dose of bromelain.

This has been known to help heal bruises faster, reduce the severity of bruises, and combat inflammation. Fruits with natural quercetin , such as apples, citrus, red onion, leafy green vegetables, and dark-colored berries, help strengthen the blood vessels and reduce inflammation. Lean protein also helps strengthen the blood vessels. Stick to protein sources that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol, such as fish, poultry, tofu, and other lean meat.

Foods with vitamin K help prevent deficiency and reduce the presence of bruising. Excellent sources of vitamin K include kale, spinach, broccoli, lettuce, soybeans, Brussel sprouts, blueberries, and strawberries. Foods rich in Zinc help the body heal and strengthen the body tissues.

Some people bruise easily , with little impact to their body. Women are also more prone to bruising. In most cases, this is nothing to be alarmed about. However, if this is a recent development, talk to your healthcare provider about potential causes and treatment options. Sometimes bruising is caused by an underlying condition not related to injury. A number of bleeding disorders can cause frequent bruising. These conditions include:.

Use pads on your knees, elbows, and shins when cleaning or playing sports to avoid bruising in these areas. Reduce the risk of getting bruised when playing sports by wearing:. Occasional black and blue marks from bruises are a normal occurrence.

Bruises are common and usually disappear with time. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. Learn about how to get…. Damage to blood vessels can cause bruising and blood clots, but the two conditions have many differences. Learn more about them. An injury is often followed by an unsightly and painful bruise, but can you do anything to prevent bruising? You may be eager to minimize the appearance or tenderness of a bruise.

These essential oils for bruises are worth a try. Cauterization is the process of destroying tissue with electricity or chemicals. See your doctor or visit State Urgent Care right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:. People taking prescription blood thinners should also talk to their doctor if they suffer a fall or significant injury, as they have a higher risk of bruising and complications from bruising.

Here are additional conditions that increase your risk of significant bruising and complications:. While the occasional bruise is not normally a cause for concern, easy bruising could be. If you notice more frequent or more serious bruising, talk to a medical professional, as they can help you diagnose and treat the root cause of your bruising.

Mild to moderate bruises typically heal after 2 weeks, though some may heal more quickly. If you have mild to moderate bruising and would like to speed the healing process or lessen any pain associated with it, here are a few things you can try at home:.

If you need medical attention for your bruise , visit State Urgent Care. We welcome walk-in appointments 7 days a week from 8 a. What do the colors of a bruise mean? Here are the colors a typical bruise goes through and what it means: Red Bruises often begin as a red mark on the skin because fresh, oxygen-rich blood has pooled under the skin. Blue, purple or black After days the blood that has leaked out begins to lose oxygen and change color.

Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today. If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning. If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner. Seek Care Now Based on your answers, you may need care right away. Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour.

You do not need to call an ambulance unless: You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you. You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down. Make an Appointment Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks. If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment. If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. Home Treatment If your bruise does not require an evaluation by a doctor, you may be able to use home treatment to help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness. Rest and protect a bruised area. Ice will reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice or cold packs immediately to prevent or minimize swelling.

Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day. For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.

After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility.

Some experts recommend alternating between hot and cold treatments. Compression , or wrapping the bruised area with an elastic bandage such as an Ace wrap , will help decrease swelling. Don't wrap it too tightly, as this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage.

Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours. A more serious problem may be present. Elevate the bruised area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling. Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the bruised area if it causes pain. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine. If desired, apply a natural product directly to the bruise. Witch hazel may help heal damaged veins. Arnica may stimulate healing. Do not smoke or use other tobacco products.

Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment: A bruise lasts longer than 2 weeks. Signs of skin infection develop. Symptoms become more severe or frequent. New symptoms develop.

Prevention You can't always prevent bruises , but most of the time bruises are not a cause for concern. If you take aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , or blood-thinning medicines anticoagulants , keep regular appointments with your doctor so that he or she can monitor your medicine dosages and make any necessary changes or adjustments.

Eat a variety of foods to avoid dietary deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins C, K, or B12, or folic acid can affect blood clotting.

Include a daily selection of: Whole-grain and enriched breads, cereals, and grain products. Milk, cheese, and yogurt.

Meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dried beans and peas, and tofu. Do not take dietary supplements that may increase bruising, particularly if you take a blood-thinning medicine. Dietary supplements that may increase bruising include fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginger, and ginkgo biloba. Call your local child or adult protective agency, police, or clergy or a health professional such as a doctor, nurse, or counselor if you suspect abuse.

Seek help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence. Seek help if you have trouble controlling your anger with a child in your care. You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions: Do you have a personal or family history of bleeding disorders or bruising easily?

Are you taking any prescription or nonprescription medicines? Bring a complete list of your medicines with you to your appointment. Do you take any vitamins or dietary supplements?