Bruising, also named contusion or hematoma, refers to the break and leak of small blood vessels in the soft tissues under the skin. When the skin doesn't break, the blood will build up under the skin, causing bruising. A bruise occurs with swelling and pain leaving a blue or purplish scar on the skin. Don't worry though, here are some remedies if you are wondering how to reduce bruising at the moment.
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How to Fade Away Bruising
Ice
When you are thinking of how to reduce bruising, ice compress is one of the easiest and most effective way.
Prepare some ice and wrap it in a cloth.
Press this ice pack on the affected area for 15 minutes every hour.
It will reduce swelling of the bruised area and help you relieve from the pain.
Hot Compress
Like cold compress, hot compress is also effective to reduce bruising and pain. Hot compress is more effective for prolonged injuries and muscle sprains, while cold compress works better for recent swellings and bruises.
Medicine
Don't rely on the painkillers, such as aspirin or warfarin to reduce pain. You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol), an over the counter medicine, to help in muscle, bone and skin bruises cure.
Arnica
As a homeopathy medicine, it is commonly used to treat bruises.
Apply this gel every 3 hours on the bruised area to reduce bruising, swelling, stiffness.
If you suffer from any redness or itching after the first use, stop using it as you may be allergic to it.
Eating Healthy Foods
Increase your intake of foods rich in vitamin K and vitamin C. vitamin K helps blood clotting and healing, while vitamin C can prevent bruising.
Foods rich in vitamin C: lemons, oranges, strawberries, etc.
Foods rich in vitamin K: cabbage, broccoli, spinach, etc. Alternatively, you can also apply vitamin K cream to the bruised area to reduce bruising.
Rest
Among so many ways on how to reduce bruising, taking a rest is most commonly advised by the doctor for faster recovery. Elevation of the affected area can also help blood flow decrease to this area, which reduces the skin coloration.
Vinegar
Vinegar is very effective to drive away the blood pooled in the bruised area. Mix vinegar with warm water and apply it to the bruised area.
Pineapple
Pineapple contains an enzyme called “bromelain”, which can help bruising fade away faster. This enzyme reaches the damage blood vessels to digest the protein that causes bruise and skin inflammation. 500 milligrams of bromelain a day can help reduce bruising faster.
Chocolate
Cocoa bio active compounds contained in chocolates have anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to skin health.
Apply warm melted chocolate on bruised area.
Cover it with a bandage and let it dry over the affected area.
Caution:
Do not apply too hot melted chocolate on the affected area so that you may not get burned or hurt.
Papaya
Papaya is a rich source of an enzyme called “Papain”, which heals many problems related to skin. Therefore, eating a papaya will fix bruising quickly.
Grape Seed
Add grape seed in your diet, as its antioxidant properties can help in reducing chronic bruising. Alternatively, you can apply grape seeds juice on the bruised area or drink the juice.
Take some seeds of the grape and crush them to extract the juice.
Apply this juice on and around the area of the bruise.
Also take the juice orally twice a day for better results.
Warnings
The above-mentioned remedies may help reduce bruising when you are wondering how to reduce bruising. However, if there are large and painful bruises, or even bleeding, you must visit your doctor or seek some medical assistance.
How to Prevent Bruising
Child safety should be ensured. Make them be aware of how they can avoid injuries.
Wear helmet while playing or riding a bike.
Use protective pads such as knee pads and arm pads to prevent bruises.
Be careful to avoid falls when moving, climbing up or down.
Arrange your furniture in your house well organized, so that you can move freely to avoid any hits or bumps.
Wear car seat-belts while driving.
Wear full sleeves shirt, long pants and hats, when exposing to sun for long hours. Use sun-block and sun glasses to protect face and eyes from getting damaged by sun, especially aged people as their skin is more sensitive to sunlight.
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