First Aid & Emergencies
Call 911 NOW if you are having:
- Chest Pain
- Difficulty Breathing
- Severe Bleeding
- Sudden Weakness or Numbness
- A Medical Emergency
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
Has flu symptoms and a fever that go away and return Is not more comfortable or alert once the fever goes down Doesn't wet diapers or hasn't urinated within 8 hours Cries without tears Is less than 1 month old Has a rash Has a seizure
Read the Influenza (Children) article > >
- 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
Reviewed by
Robert L. Norris, MD on March 09, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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