Accidents do happen, whether it’s a slip and fall, a mishap while playing, or an injury from sports. Getting bruises, those ugly spots of discolouration, is a common result. But even though they’re usually not dangerous, they can be painful and embarrassing. A lot of us want to know how to get rid of bruises quickly and effectively. Luckily, there are a lot of natural remedies that are easy to get that can help reduce their look and make the healing process go faster.
How to Understand Bruises
To figure out how to get rid of bruises, you should first know what makes them happen. When small blood vessels under the skin break because of impact, you get a bruise, also called a contusion. This causes blood to leak into the tissues around it, which is what causes the discolouration. The bruise changes colour over time, going from red and purple to blue and then yellow as the body takes the blood again.
The Right First Steps
The time right after getting a bruise is very important for taking care of it. A lot of people suggest the term RICE, which stands for “Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation”:
Rest: Don’t put any weight on the hurt spot to keep it from getting worse.
Ice: Use an ice pack or cold treatment wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This helps narrow the blood vessels, which makes pain and swelling go away.
Compression: Gently press down on the hurt area with a bandage to reduce swelling even more. Do not put too much pressure on the object.
Elevation: Keep the hurt place above heart level to keep blood flowing and prevent fluid buildup.
The Healing Power of Nature
Natural chemicals that are known to heal bruises are available in large amounts. Here are some choices that are easy to find:
Arnica is a well-known homoeopathic medicine that is thought to lessen swelling and help the body heal. You can put arnica on your skin with creams, gels, or tea.
This is bromelain: This enzyme is found in pineapple and can help reduce inflammation. It can be eaten or put on the skin.
Aloe vera: The juice from this succulent can help with pain and swelling. Fresh aloe vera gel should be put on the bruise directly.
Vitamin C: This strong antioxidant helps the body make collagen, which is needed to fix tissues. Eat foods that are high in vitamin C, like leafy greens, citrus fruits, and nuts.
Vitamin K: This vitamin is very important for clotting blood and can also help bruises heal faster. Broccoli, spinach, and kale are all good sources.
Get better by moving and massaging your body.
Massage and light exercise can help get more blood to the bruised area, which speeds up the healing process. Start with light stretches and slowly increase the range of motion as your body can handle it. You can also help yourself by massaging gently with your fingers.
Some extra tips
Hydration: Getting enough water in your body helps get rid of toxins and supports its natural mending processes.
Healthy Diet: A well-balanced diet full of fruits, veggies, and whole grains gives your body the nutrients it needs to heal.
Don’t smoke. Smoking cuts off blood flow, which can slow down the mending process.
When you need to see a doctor
Within two weeks, most bumps will get better on their own. That being said, it’s important to see a doctor if:
It hurts or the bruise is very big.
It feels like the area is numb or tingly.
You have trouble moving the part that is hurt.
It looks like a black and blue half moon, which is how the bruise looks.
If you follow these tips and do the right things, you can lessen the effects of bruises and speed up the healing process. Remember that if you have any worries, you should talk to a medical professional.