Bruises: what helps, what does not, and what to watch for
A bruise is bleeding under intact skin. Cold early, warmth later, and patience in between.
Bruising is blood released into tissue from damaged small vessels. The colour changes as that blood is broken down and reabsorbed, which is why a bruise cycles through purple, green and yellow over one to two weeks.
First 48 hours
- Cold pack wrapped in a cloth, up to twenty minutes at a time.
- Rest and elevate where practical.
- Gentle compression if it is a limb.
After 48 hours
Warmth and gentle movement help the area clear. Heat applied too early increases bleeding and makes the bruise larger.
See someone if
- It is very painful and swelling rapidly.
- You bruise very easily, or without any cause you can identify.
- It is over a joint that will not take weight.
- It is on the head and accompanied by drowsiness, vomiting or confusion — treat that as urgent.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.