Bruise:

Treating a Bruise at Home
Reduce Bruising and Swelling:
  • Ice the area on and off for the first 24-48 hours.
  • Apply ice for about 15 minutes at a time, and always put something like a towel or washcloth between the ice and your skin.
  • Rest the affected area.
  • If possible, elevate the affected area.
Treat Symptoms:
  • For pain, take painkillers
  • When to Call a Doctor
  • If bruise is accompanied by extreme pain, swelling or redness
  • If the person is taking a blood-thinning medication
  • If bruises appear on skin for no apparent reason
  • The bruise in on the face or head
  • You can’t move a joint
  • You may have a broken bone
Follow Up:
  • Two days after a bruise develops, apply a heat pack or washcloth soaked in warm water to the area several times a day to promote healing.
  • Pain and tenderness should get better within a few days and the bruise should go away within a couple of weeks