Bruising forms from a blow that breaks the small blood vessels under the surface of the skin. A small amount of blood leaks out and settles under your skin. This appears as a black and blue mark on your skin.

Tips to help speed bruise healing:

  • Apply ice or a cold pack several times throughout the day for the first couple days that you notice the bruised area
  • Elevate the affected area
  • Take a pain reliever (i.e. acetaminophen, ibuprofen, )

Seek a doctor’s advice, if you:

  • Notice that a bruise has developed for no reason and it’s large and/or painful
  • Notice sudden bruising and you have no history of bruising
  • Start bruising easily and you have abnormal bleeding from other areas (i.e. eyes, stool, urine, gums)

These signs could be related to a blood-related disease or a blood-clotting problem. If you experience headaches and persistent pain with the bruising, see your doctor, as this may require medical attention.