What is a bruise?

A bruise is caused when tiny blood vessels (capillaries) break or burst under the skin often caused by a bump, knock or fall. When these capillaries get damaged, blood seeps in to the tissue area around it — hence the purple colored appearance of a bruise. There are five stages to a bruise. A fresh bruise is usually bluish purple, after a day or two it will turn blue. The bruise will turn brown to green, then yellow, and finally back to the normal skin color as it heals.

Try NELSONS® ARNICA Cream*, a traditional herbal product for use in bruises exclusively based on long standing use as a traditional herbal remedy. Contains Arnica montana. Always read the label.

3 Tips for Bruise Relief

• Raise the bruised area, if possible, as this will reduce blood flow to the bruised area.
• Wrap a bag of ice (or frozen peas) in a cloth and gently place over the affected area — remember to keep removing at regular intervals to avoid damaging the skin.
• Apply arnica gently to the bruised area, avoiding any broken skin.

Some people are naturally more likely to bruise than others such as the elderly as their skin is thinner and the tissue underneath more fragile. If you suddenly start to bruise for no obvious reason it’s best to seek medical advice from your heath care practitioner.