Bruising is a normal part of life, especially for active kids and clumsy adults. Soft tissues of the body are easily injured by bumps, blows, or falls, and when that happens, blood pools under the skin to form a bruise. Other than discoloration and soreness, these kinds of bruises are not a cause of concern and will go away on their own.
Unfortunately, it can take up to 2 weeks or more for unsightly marks to fade, depending on the location. Even if bruises seem unavoidable, there are ways to speed up healing and help your skin go from black and blue to beautiful faster.
The R.I.C.E. Method
Like with athletic injuries or surgery, the R.I.C.E. method (which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation) can limit the pain and swelling of bruises. Start this treatment as soon as possible after minor injury to reduce bruise formation and repeat every three hours for the first two days.
Heat Application
Heat will boost circulation to the area and flush away fluid under the skin. Try this after the R.I.C.E. method or on bruises that have already formed by using a hot water bottle, heating pad, or warm bath. For facial bruises, a washcloth moistened with hot water can easily be placed over the face.
Anti-Bruise Foods
According to Cleveland Clinic recommendations, a diet with enough vitamin C and vitamin K can help keep skin bruise-free. Load up on green, leafy vegetables, which contain the highest amounts of vitamin K to support healthy blood clotting. Vitamin C, easily found in citrus fruits, increases collagen production that strengthens blood vessels.
Arnica Montana
Centuries ago, mountain climbers in the Alps turned to a native flower called Arnica montana to naturally heal their pains and injuries. You can find this same plant as the homeopathic active ingredient in Arnicare Bruise Gel. Designed to spot treat the pain, swelling, and discoloration of bruises, this unscented gel cools on contact and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no greasy or sticky residue.* It works best when used soon after impact, so make sure you keep some handy in your medicine cabinet, kitchen, or purse for quick application.
Arnicare Bruise is available at Walmart. Shop online or find a store near you.
*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not F.D.A. evaluated.
5 thoughts on “What to Do When You’re Black and Blue”
I use the Arnicare Gels, bruise AND the Arnicare gel for muscle stiffness, swelling from injuries, plus bruises, to get relief from doing extra on the yardwork, plus gardening, at the beginning of Spring,plus throughout the year, as needed.
I purchased Arnica Montana 30c. Having eyelid surgery Thursday the 23rd which will take about an hour to remove skin drooping over my eye pupil. I would like to get a head start on bruising possibly starting tomorrow Tuesday to take 5 pellets/3 times day and continue for about a week after surgery?
I’m 83 and bruise easily. Looking forward to hearing your recommendation. Thank you.
Joyce L’Heureux, 661.296.7622 — 661.510.8027 cell
Hi Joyce, for surgery, please see our recommendations here on the Boiron Medicine Finder App. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
I had a cable get wrapped around my legs about a month an a half ago and still have some brusing and knots left and only recently found out about this amazing product its helping with some of the color but its going to take a long while for the knots to go away
Hi Crystal,
We are thrilled to hear that you have found relief with our product.
Thank you!