First Aid & Emergencies
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.
- Rest the affected area.
- If possible, elevate the affected area.
2. Treat Symptoms
Treating Dehydration in Children
Is less than 1 month old Has extreme lethargy Has skin that doesn't bounce back when pinched Is breathing fast Is confused
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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
- The bruise in on the face or head
- You can’t move a joint
- You may have a broken bone
4. 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
Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on March 19, 2013
© 2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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