Bruises, also known as contusions or ecchymosis, are those familiar purple, black, or blue marks that appear on your skin after an injury. They happen when tiny blood vessels called capillaries burst due to a cut, bump, or trauma, causing blood to pool beneath the skin’s surface. While bruises are usually harmless and fade over time, they can sometimes signal a deeper issue, especially if they appear unexpectedly or don’t heal properly.
When a bruise first forms, it often looks red due to fresh blood under the skin. Over time, it turns blue or black as the oxygen levels in the trapped blood drop. As the injury heals, the bruise changes to green and then yellow as the body breaks down the hemoglobin in the blood. This colorful transformation is a normal part of the healing process.
Bruises can occur in different parts of the body, and their location can determine how they feel and heal. Subcutaneous bruises are the most common, forming just under the skin. Periosteal bruises, on the other hand, occur on the bones and can be quite painful because the periosteum (the outer layer of bone) has nerve endings. Intramuscular bruises happen when blood collects around muscles, potentially affecting their function and causing discomfort.
While most bruises are harmless and heal on their own, there are times when you should seek medical attention. If your bruises don’t heal, appear frequently without explanation, or are unusually large, it could be a sign of an underlying condition. Additionally, if a bruise is accompanied by a cut, it’s important to monitor the wound carefully. Deep cuts, especially those that won’t stop bleeding, expose bone or tendon, or are caused by animal bites or rusty objects, require immediate medical care. Infections, characterized by fever, swelling, pain, or pus, also need prompt attention.
Head injuries are another concern. If you’ve been hit on the head or ear and experience dizziness, nausea, or fainting, it’s crucial to seek medical help right away. These symptoms could indicate a more serious issue, such as a concussion or internal bleeding.
By understanding when to seek medical help for bruises or cuts, you can prevent complications and ensure proper healing. While most bruises are nothing to worry about, staying vigilant about your health is always a good idea.
