DEFINITION

A Bruise is an injury involving the rupture of small blood vessels, causing discolouration of the underlying tissues without a break in the overlying skin. Bruises usually start out as a red or black-and-blue skin Discolouration. Depending on the depth of the bruise, it may change colour to a yellow-green due to chemical decomposition as the body works to remove dead cells and replace tissue. Healing can take days or weeks, depending on the severity.

DESCRIPTION

The skin is not broken but is discoloured due to bleeding in the underlying tissues. Some people bruise very easily. A vein or an artery may rupture as a result of an injury. Easy bruising indicates that the blood vessel walls are brittle or blood clotting factors are inadequate.

CAUSE

Bruises occur as a result of a blood vessel breaking and leaking blood into the skin. Superficial bruises are caused by bumps, pinches, suction or a minor fall. Deeper bruises may occur as a result of broken bones, sprains and falls.
Bruises can also be caused by certain blood thinning medication (anticoagulants). These medications are usually prescribed to people who have had strokes or heart attacks.
Obesity, anaemia, haemophilia and leukaemia may cause bruising. In all cases of multiple bruising, it is important to see your Doctor for a correct diagnosis.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. In no way is this information intended to replace the advice of a medical practitioner.
Bruising may be a sign of more serious conditions. Easy or widespread bruising, especially in the absence of trauma (a fall etc.) should be investigated by a Doctor as soon as possible.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice:
- Follow the Diet Hints.
- Ask your Pharmacist for a cold pack to put on the bruising immediately. This will help stop the spread of the Bruise.
- Ask your Pharmacist for a suitable anti-bruise cream. This can be applied frequently on Bruises to help them disperse. Two examples are Hirudoid and Lasonil.
- A reminder: never take aspirin to help ease the pain, as this may interfere with the clotting of the blood.
- Smear on a suitable amount of moisturising cream e.g., Sorbolene with Glycerine on the Bruises if the skin starts to dry out.
- If possible follow the RICE Technique - Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Remember not to apply ice directly to the skin because of a possible burn. Apply after wrapping in a towel or cloth.
- Consider some Vitamin C as a supplement, particularly if the diet is thought to be inadequate. Vitamin C is used by the body to help repair skin tissue and strengthen blood vessels.

Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age unless specified by a Doctor.

DIET HINTS

- Eat dark green, leafy vegetables, alfalfa sprouts, soybeans, kelp and cabbage to ensure adequate amounts of vitamin K. This may decrease bleeding in the tissues.
- Try to include foods high in iron to reduce the risk of anaemia (a cause of bruising). These include dark green, leafy vegetables, liver, prune juice, oysters, almonds, sesame seeds, pecans and apricots (fresh).
- Foods high in vitamin C may increase iron absorption and also strengthen blood vessels. Sources include capsicum, citrus fruits, guava, oysters, berries, tomatoes and mangoes.
- Fish, such as salmon, mackerel and halibut, may help promote blood clotting.
- Enzymes found in fresh pineapple may be beneficial.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Nutritional supplements are only to be used if the dietary vitamin intake is inadequate.
- Vitamin C with bioflavonoids strengthen blood vessels and aid in prevention and treatment of bruising.
- Comfrey as an external poultice or ointment can be applied on the affected area to aid in healing.
- Vitamin E may help in restoring vascular integrity and heal bruises.
- Bromelain (an enzyme derived from pineapple) may accelerate healing.

AROMATHERAPY

The listed oils are suggested for the health management of Bruises. The most specific oils are shown in capitals.
ARNICA, FENNEL, Geranium, HYPERICUM, LAVENDER
Application
DIRECT: The infused oils of Arnica and Hypericum can be applied neat. These two oils also make excellent carrier oils as they are specific for assisting the dispersal of blood in bruises.
MASSAGE: Blend any single essential oil listed or combination of several essential oils - 5 drops (total) to 10mL (1/3 fl oz) carrier oil such as Arnica, Hypericum. Massage gently onto bruised area twice daily.

* Arnica - not to be used where skin is broken.

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