Duration of the healing process

In most cases it takes one to two weeks until a bruise has disappeared. However, this can also vary individually and depending on age. During this period, the cells that are freely available in the tissue are broken down.

Characteristic for this degradation process is the typical change in the colour of the bruise. From an initial distinct dark red-blue spot, the colour changes from dark green and yellow to brown and gradually fades. The healing and the decomposition process can be promoted by heparin-containing ointments or also by suitable globules.

It also helps to cool down well and apply a little pressure immediately after an injury. Often, this can prevent a larger extent of a haematoma. Otherwise, it only helps to be patient until the body has broken down all the blood cells.

What can I do if a bruise does not go away?

How long bruises remain depends largely on their size and thickness as well as on the location of the bleeding into the skin tissue. The smaller they are and the deeper they are in the tissue, the faster they disappear again. Normally the bruises are no longer visible within one to three weeks.

During this time they are broken down by the scavenger cells of the immune system and even change colour. Large and severe bruises can even be visible for up to two months, as it takes much longer for them to be broken down. In some cases it can even happen that certain components of the blood cannot be broken down and removed, so that they remain visible under the skin in a brownish-red colour for months or even years.

If normal bruises persist for a very long time, a possible cause should first be sought. Possibly also by the treating doctor. The reduction of the bruise can be supported by various measures even after some time.

For example, by applying heat to improve the blood supply to the tissue around the old bruises so that the scavenger cells can work better and faster and remove the old blood. In addition, heparin ointment can still be used for older bruises, although the effect is still controversial. If the reason for the bruise to persist for a long time is an abberation of the bleeding, in a few cases even a small surgical intervention may be necessary. This is then even very advisable, as long existing, encapsulated bruises can always be prone to infection.

Treatment

If you have hit yourself on an object or injured yourself during sports, the extent of a bruise can be reduced if you cool the area immediately after the accident and apply light pressure. By applying cooling packs, the blood vessels under the skin contract and are compressed. This prevents the blood from flowing into the surrounding tissue.

In most cases, the formation of a hematoma cannot be completely avoided, but by cooling the area, you can influence its spread a little. If the bruise is now there, especially if it is visible on the arm or leg, it represents a small cosmetic problem for many people and they want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Here a heparin ointment can help a little.

The heparin promotes the removal and thus the breakdown of free blood cells. The bruise therefore disappears a little faster. Ointments containing arnica have a similar effect.

Arnica is a natural painkiller, which is extracted from a plant of the genus arnica. It counteracts swelling and relieves pain. Some household remedies, such as rubbing it into the skin with rubbing alcohol or a quark wrap, can also be used to treat a minor injury with bruising. These are simple household remedies that have a cooling effect, promote blood flow and thus help the breakdown of blood cells.