When is a bruise a concern

Everyone gets bruises now and then, some more often than others. They start off black and blue, then change to shades of purple, green, and yellow as they heal. Most of the time, bruises heal on their own within a week or two. But there are different kinds of bruises and blood spots under the skin. When you get a bump from falling or walking into a coffee table, blood vessels under your skin rupture. That causes blood to leak into the tissue under your skin, creating a bruise or, medically speaking, a contusion.

Older adults and women tend to bruise easier than men or younger people. Other types of bruises and blood spots under the skin are:.

If they appear suddenly without an injury, these can be signs of an infection or another problem that needs immediate medical attention. But if you experience unexplained bruising more often than usual, talk to your doctor. This can make you bruise more easily. It takes a few weeks for a bruise to completely disappear. The color transition looks something like this:. A bruise may clear in the center before the outer edges. The coloring and healing process vary from person to person.

If you have darker skin, you may also have darker bruises. The location of the bruising, plus other symptoms, can provide your doctor with diagnostic clues. A bruise changes color and shrinks as it heals. Easy or frequent bruising could be the result of low or abnormal blood platelets or blood-clotting problems. This could be due to an underlying condition. It could also be a side effect of medication. For example, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and aspirin interfere with blood clotting.

Corticosteroids can thin the skin. Even dietary supplements, such as gingko, can thin your blood. Your doctor can also order blood tests to check platelet levels or measure your blood-clotting time.

Some conditions that can cause this are:. Always see your doctor after a chest injury. Complications can include infection and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms of leukemia include:. Inflammatory breast cancer can look like bruising on the breast.

Your breast may also feel tender and warm. Inflammatory breast cancer may not involve lumps like other types of breast cancer. Feeling very dizzy or lightheaded, 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. Shock is a life-threatening condition that may occur quickly after a sudden illness or injury.

Babies and young children often have several symptoms of shock. 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 thinners that prevent blood clots.

Also, taking a nonprescription 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. Shaking chills. Symptoms of serious illness in a baby may include the following: The baby is limp and floppy like a rag doll. The baby doesn't respond at all to being held, touched, or talked to.

The baby is hard to wake up. Long-term alcohol and drug problems. Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer. Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.

Medicines taken after organ transplant. Not having a spleen. Call Now Based on your answers, you need emergency care. Call or other emergency services now. Seek Care Today Based on your answers, you may need care soon. Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today. If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.

If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner. Seek Care Now Based on your answers, you may need care right away. Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour. You do not need to call an ambulance unless: You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.

You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down. Make an Appointment Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care. Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks. If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.

If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. Home Treatment 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. Rest and protect a bruised area. Ice will reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice or cold packs immediately to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day. For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.

After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between hot and cold treatments. Compression , or wrapping the bruised area with an elastic bandage such as an Ace wrap , will help decrease swelling.

Don't wrap it too tightly, as this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage. Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours.

A more serious problem may be present. Elevate the bruised area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling. Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the bruised area if it causes pain.

Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine. If desired, apply a natural product directly to the bruise. Witch hazel may help heal damaged veins. Arnica may stimulate healing. Do not smoke or use other tobacco products.

Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.