Claúdio Ferreira Nurse Coordinator LUZ 24 Bruises are more commonly due to bumps and falls although they can have other causes. When children start controlling their balance and begin walk and also in their games and games, bruises are particularly common. Associated trauma ruptures superficial small blood vessels; Blood spreads and infiltrates the tissues under the skin; The affected skin area turns red, then becomes dark, bluish or purple, then greenish, yellow and finally regains its normal appearance; The bruise remains painful for a few days. In a bruise there is no skin lesion . However, simultaneously with a bruise there may be skinned skin or sores, depending on the cause; The affected site may also become swollen, either immediately or within 1-2 days. Not everyone forms bruises as easily. Some diseases related to blood clotting and some medicines make bruising easier and can be more serious. How to treat bruises Bruises without associated lesions does not have a particular treatment. Just wait for it to pass, the time it takes depends mainly on its dimension, but it will be at least 1-2 weeks . To help: Apply ice or other cold source to the affected area, about 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours, during the first 12 hours after the trauma; Do not apply ice directly to the skin, protect it with a cloth, towel or something similar; If possible, elevate the affected area to reduce swelling; When the pain warrants and if there is no contraindication, an over-the-counter analgesic at an age-appropriate dose may be taken. Apply an arnica-based ointment to the affected area , several times a day for the first 24-48 hours after the trauma. In a bruise you should not: Apply heat; Puncture or cutting the skin. Seek for medical care In some, rarer circumstances, bruising can also mean that other problems of varying severity are present. Thus, medical care should be sought when : The bruise area is very swollen; A hematoma forms in the bruise area; There is fever; A bruise causes severe pain that does not relieve after 3-4 days; The bruise is on a joint and the joint is swollen; The bruise prevents the normal movement of the area; There are bruises on the body without any reason to justify it, especially on the head and trunk; Bruises form very easily, even with very slight trauma; Bruise on the body appear suddenly without this happening previously, or recurrently and without a plausible explanation; Simultaneously with the bruise, there is unusual bleeding elsewhere, for example from the nose, or it is difficult to stop bleeding even if it is very slight. Prevent bruises General measures to prevent falls (and bruises) at home are: Ensure good lighting; Avoid mats without under anti-slip protection; Avoid walking wearing socks without under anti-slip, slippers or shoes that do not fit your feet; Do not assemble equipment with cables, allowing them to pass through places of usual passage; When moving furniture, ensure good lighting in the area until everyone in the house is used to the changes. Maintaining a proper supervision of children when they start first movements, being aware of their development and abilities and making the necessary furniture and protection adjustments is the best way to protect them from falls at home. If you need to, call LUZ 24 – 217 104 424 – the Hospital da Luz clinical triage service, by phone, available 24 hours, 365 days, for adults and children. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
