What should a bruise look like




















Abnormal bleeding means any heavy or frequent bleeding or any bleeding that is not normal for you. Examples of abnormal bleeding include:.

When you have abnormal bleeding in one area of your body, it's important to think about whether you have been bleeding anywhere else. This can be a symptom of a more serious health problem. Many prescription and non-prescription medicines may reduce your blood's ability to clot and cause bruising or bleeding under the skin. A few examples are:. Symptoms of infection may include:. Symptoms of serious illness may include:. Symptoms of serious illness in a baby may include the following:.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:. Based on your answers, you need emergency care. Call or other emergency services now. Sometimes people don't want to call They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them.

But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call for medical transport to the hospital. Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care. Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care. 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. Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:. You can't always prevent bruises , but most of the time bruises are not a cause for concern.

Bruises are often the first sign of abuse. You may be able to prevent further abuse by reporting it and seeking help. To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:. Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Topic Overview Bruises Bruises develop when small blood vessels under the skin tear or rupture, most often from a bump or fall.

Older adults often bruise easily from minor injuries, especially injuries to the forearms, hands, legs, and feet. As a person ages, the skin becomes less flexible and thinner because there is less fat under the skin. The cushioning effect of the skin decreases as the fat under the skin decreases. These changes, along with skin damage from exposure to the sun, cause blood vessels to break easily. When blood vessels break, bruising occurs. Women bruise more easily than men, especially from minor injuries on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms.

A tendency to bruise easily sometimes runs in families. Blood spots Blood spots under the skin may be either purpura or petechiae. Sudden unexplained bruising or blood spots under the skin or a sudden increase in the frequency of bruising may be caused by: A medicine , such as aspirin or blood thinners anticoagulants. Infection that causes the buildup of toxin in the blood or tissues sepsis. A bleeding or clotting disorder , such as hemophilia , von Willebrand's disease , thrombocytopenia , or another less common bleeding or clotting disorder.

Other diseases that affect clotting. Examples include: Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as lupus. Liver disease, such as cirrhosis. Some types of cancer, such as Hodgkin's disease , leukemia , or multiple myeloma. Inflammation of a blood vessel vasculitis. Malnutrition, such as deficiencies of vitamins B12 , C, or K, or folic acid. Check Your Symptoms Do you have bruises or blood spots under the skin? If a bruise is rapidly spreading, you need try to stop the bleeding under the skin.

Wrap the area not too tightly with an elastic bandage, such as an Ace wrap, and keep it on until you see a doctor. You can also put direct pressure on the area for 15 minutes at a time.

How old are you? Less than 3 years. Share on Pinterest. What different types of bruises are there? What are the symptoms and signs of bruises? What causes bruises? How to treat bruises.

How to prevent bruising. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Medically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD. Is It a Blood Clot or a Bruise? Medically reviewed by Modern Weng, DO. Is It Possible to Prevent Bruising? Essential Oils for Bruises. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. What Is a Contusion? Medically reviewed by Angela M. Wound Dehiscence: When an Incision Reopens. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.

The symptoms in an adult or older child are different than the symptoms in a young child. Has there been a decrease in how alert or aware you are or how well you can think and respond?

Do you have symptoms of a serious illness? The symptoms in an adult or older child are different than the symptoms in a baby or toddler. Are there any symptoms of infection? Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it? Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system , peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area?

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area. Do you think you may have a fever? Do you have any abnormal bleeding? Do you feel light-headed or dizzy, like you are going to faint? It's normal for some people to feel a little light-headed when they first stand up.

But anything more than that may be serious. Are you bleeding now? Do you think that the bruising may have been caused by abuse? Has the number or size of bruises or blood spots increased for no clear reason? Was the increase in bruises or blood spots fast? Do you take a medicine that affects the blood's ability to clot? This may include blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

These medicines can cause bleeding and can make it harder to control bleeding. Were the bruises caused by an injury? Did a large, painful, very swollen bruise develop within 30 minutes after the injury? Have you had bruises or blood spots for more than 2 weeks? These include: Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker. Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.

Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners anticoagulants , medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, or natural health products can cause symptoms or make them worse. Recent health events , such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious. Your health habits and lifestyle , such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment You have answered all the questions. Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms. Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect. You may need care sooner. These include: Passing out losing consciousness. Feeling very dizzy or light-headed, like you may pass out. Feeling very weak or having trouble standing. Not feeling alert or able to think clearly. You may be confused, restless, fearful, or unable to respond to questions.

Being very sleepy or hard to wake up. Not responding when being touched or talked to. Breathing much faster than usual. Acting confused. The child may not know where he or she is. Examples of abnormal bleeding include: Nosebleeds. Vaginal bleeding that is different heavier, more frequent, at a different time of month than what you are used to. Rectal bleeding and bloody stools. Bloody or pink urine. Gums that bleed easily when you eat or gently brush your teeth. A few examples are: Aspirin and other medicines called blood thinner that prevent blood clots.

Also, taking a non-prescription medicine with a blood thinner may increase your risk of bruising and bleeding. Medicines used to treat cancer. Steroids, such as prednisone. Symptoms of infection may include: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.

Red streaks leading from the area. Pus draining from the area. A fever. Symptoms of serious illness may include: A severe headache. A stiff neck. Mental changes, such as feeling confused or much less alert.

Extreme fatigue to the point where it's hard for you to function. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a head, face or abdomen trauma, visit State Urgent Care as soon as possible to avoid further complications:. Bruises are typically surface injuries that heal on their own without medical attention, and people can treat them safely at home.

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?



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