New Health Guide
Bruise is a bluish black area visible on the skin that is formed by the collection of blood in the space between the skin and the muscle tissue. The blood comes from an injured blood vessel and collects there. Facial bruising is serious and also embarrassing until it heals and the blood is absorbed completely. The severity of a bruise can be reduced and healing can be fastened by applying some simple first aid steps.
There are various steps that you can take right after the formation of a bruise. Some of these steps are described below.
Parsley ice to reduce bruising:
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken for pain relief. While taking these medicines, the dosing instructions mentioned on the medicine bottle should be followed and in case you are not sure about the safety of these medications, it is always better to consult your physician. You should avoid the use of aspirin as it decreases the clotting of blood, thereby, increasing the bleeding from the injured blood vessels.
Rest is very important in the days following facial injury and bruising. You should elevate your head while sleeping by placing additional pillows so that facial swelling gets reduced. In case the bruise is present in the region of the eye, avoid performing heavy lifting or exercise for 2 days following the injury. Monitor your injury and bruise for aggravation of symptoms of pain, swelling, redness, nose bleed etc. and immediately consult your physician if you note any worsening of symptoms.
Applying an ice pack on a bruise for 15-20 minutes every hour during the first 24 hours after injury can help you to greatly reduce the swelling, pain, inflammation and redness associated with bruising. You can make an ice pack by putting crushed ice in a bag or by wrapping frozen vegetables in a cloth. Avoid direct application of ice to the skin. Also avoid applying excessive pressure to the bruised area and sleeping with the ice pack still on. This may cause frostbite and damage skin of your face.
After the initial 24 hours following injury, ice packs should be replaced with warm compresses so as to increase the blood circulation to the injured area. This causes the immune system cells to reach the place of injury and promote healing. Take warm water and soak a clean wash cloth in it. Wring excess water and apply the wash cloth on the bruise for 15-20 minutes. You can re apply it after every one hour or as required.
6. Arnica oil
According to WebMD, applying arnica oil or gel to the bruised area may diminish swelling, redness and pain associated with it. You can get arnica in most of the health-food stores. It is suggested to follow the directions mentioned on the package.
According to WebMD, Vitamin K is used to fasten the skin healing process after surgery and also to reduce swelling and bruising. Hence, use an over-the-counter Vitamin K cream on the bruise according to the instructions mentioned on the package.
According to WebMD, witch hazel consists of tannins, which help in reducing swelling, healing broken skin and even fighting bacteria after an injury. You can apply witch hazel on your bruise according to the directions mentioned on the package.
Eating a diet rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K also helps in healing the bruise at a faster rate. Vitamin C helps in preventing further bruising and Vitamin K helps in blood clotting and promoting healing of an injury. Eat foods that are high in Vitamin C such as lemons, oranges, lime, black currants, strawberries etc and in Vitamin K such as dark green vegetables including cabbage, spinach, lettuce, broccoli etc. Grape seed has excellent antioxidant properties that aids in preventing and reducing chronic bruising; hence, including grape seed in your diet is also beneficial.
Ancient Chinese secret to get rid of bruises:
Facial injury and bruising can be very serious and you should look out for the signs and symptoms of when to seek immediate medical attention. In case a fracture is suspected, contact your physician immediately. Immediate medical attention is also needed in case you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: dizziness, nausea and vomiting, mental confusion, vision changes, difficulty in walking or moving, and loss of consciousness, even for a short duration. In some cases the symptoms of head injury may not appear immediately. Hence, even in cases of mild injury, the patient should be closely monitored for at least 24 hours. He/she should not be allowed to sleep for 2-3 hours at one time and his/her level of alertness should be checked periodically by questioning him/her. Immediate medical attention is needed in case there are signs of mental confusion or any of his/her responses are not adequate and raise concern.
