First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

Chest Pain
Difficulty Breathing
Severe Bleeding

Sudden Weakness or Numbness
A Medical Emergency

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Treatment for Bruises

Treating a Bruise at Home

1. Reduce Bruising and Swelling

Ice the area on and off for the first 24-48 hours.
Apply ice for about 15 minutes at a time, and always put something like a towel or wash cloth between the ice and your skin.
Elevate the area above the heart.

2. Treat Symptoms

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For pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol). Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), which can prolong bleeding.

3. When to Call a Doctor

If bruise is accompanied by extreme pain and swelling, especially if the person is taking a blood-thinning medication.
If bruises appear on skin for no apparent reason.

3. Follow Up

Two days after a bruise develops, apply a heat pack or wash cloth soaked in warm water to the area several times a day to promote healing.
Pain and tenderness should get better within a few days and the bruise should go away within a couple of weeks.

WebMD Medical Reference

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