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

• 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.