Everyone gets bruises, but how many of us actually know what a bruise is? Here’s our guide to all things black and blue.
What is a bruise?
A bruise, also known as a contusion or ecchymosis, is an injury that results in purple, black or blue discolouration on the surface of the skin covering the injured area. The discolouration occurs when blood vessels known as capillaries burst as a result of a cut, bump, or trauma of some sort, and the blood gets trapped under the upper layers of your skin.
Bruises usually change colour over time and fade away gradually. Fresh trauma may appear red at first, before turning blue or black due to low oxygen levels at the site. Over time the bruise will turn green and then yellow as the injury heals and the haemoglobin in your blood starts to break down.
Types of bruises
Bruises can be categorised depending on where they occur. The three most common types of bruises are:
- Subcutaneous: Subcutaneous bruises occur under your skin
- Periosteal: Periosteal bruises or periosteal contusion are bruises that occur on your bones. Because a periosteum has nerve endings and a periosteal bruise is an injury to its blood vessels, you may feel quite a bit of pain in the injured area.
- Intramuscular: Intramuscular bruises occur when trauma causes blood to collect around your muscles. This can interfere with a muscle’s ability to function properly.
What causes a bruise?
Medical conditions that cause bruising
Haematoma
When a bruise doesn’t heal, grows in size, or feels firm to the touch, it could be a haematoma. A haematoma occurs when blood collects under the skin and forms a lump. The blood has nowhere to go and cannot be released, so it doesn’t heal. If you think you have a haematoma, see a doctor. They can drain the blood from the site to help it heal.
Liver disease
People who drink alcohol excessively may find they bruise a lot, but it’s not always down to tripping over while tipsy. Your liver plays a part in the clotting process, so if you drink heavily and you’ve damaged your liver, you might bruise more easily. A disease known as cirrhosis could be the cause, and it’s a serious illness that needs medical attention. If you drink a lot and you notice regular bruising, see your doctor.
Should I worry about a bruise or a cut?
Should I worry about a bruise or a cut?
Bruises are usually harmless. They’re common and often heal on their own without medical intervention. However, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice your bruises are not healing, seem unusually frequent, or appear without any clear reason.
Sometimes, a bruise may come with a cut, which might require a closer look. Cuts, depending on their severity, can pose a risk of complications such as infection or significant bleeding.
If you experience a cut along with your bruise, visit the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) if:
- Your cut is deep and the bleeding does not stop
- You see exposed bone or tendon tissues in your wound
- You suspect a foreign body is left in the wound
- You develop an infection from the cut with symptoms such as fever, swelling, pain, or pus in the wound
- The cut is caused by an animal or rusty object
- You have been hit on the head or ear
- You feel dizzy, nauseous or faint
By understanding when to seek medcal help for bruises or cuts, you can prevent complications and focus on healing effectively.
