Bruise: First Aid

A bruise forms when a blow breaks blood vessels near your skin’s surface, allowing a small amount of blood to leak into the tissues under your skin. The trapped blood may cause a bruise that at first looks like a black-and-blue mark and then changes color as it heals.

You can enhance bruise healing with a few simple techniques. Remember RICE, for rest, ice, compress and elevate:

Rest the bruised area, if possible. Ice the bruise with an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Leave it in place for 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat several times a day for a day or two as needed. Compress the bruised area if it is swelling, using an elastic bandage. Don’t make it too tight. Elevate the injured area.

If your skin isn’t broken, you don’t need a bandage. Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.

Keep reading this article on Mayo Clinic.