You have higher probabilities of getting bruised in summer than in winter. Your skin is generally more exposed during summer due to clothing preferences. The protective clothing from your hands and legs, which are most vulnerable skin areas for bruising, generally disappears.
When your skin mildly rubs against a hard surface, the friction created causes blood to rush to the area. Though the skin usually doesn't get damaged, the small capillaries bringing blood to the skin beaks. This causes the blood to clot and discolor the skin known as bruise. Most bruises heal on their own within 1-3 weeks.
Why do You Get Bruises?
Some people are more susceptible to bruises than others due to many factors. Other than the age, deficiencies of vitamin C and vitamin K are the most prevailing causes.
The most common symptom of bruise is discoloration of the skin in the bruised area. The trapped blood from the broken capillaries below the skin makes the skin dark red, then brown to purple to pale yellow before getting back to normal in a couple of weeks.
Initially the dark color bothers you, it feels like ages that the color is not going and you begin to believe that it will be there for Ever. If your face is bruised, then you will feel even more insecure. Worrying is not going to help. You can do a lot at home to get rid of the bruise marks fast.
Home Remedies for Bruises
You can start remedies immediately as soon as bruised. Apply ice or cold pack to ensure that the broken capillaries are closed, and they do not increase the blood supply under the bruised skin. The ice will constrict the blood vessels. Apply the ice for at least 20 minutes.
Congratulations, you have already won half the battle. You have reduced the potential bruised area. Do nothing for the next 24 hours. You can apply some antiseptic cream if you wish, but not doing anything will also be alright.
Now apply warm compress to disperse the clotted blood. This will lighten the bruised skin as the blood underneath is thinned. Gradually the blood will get absorbed in the tissues and your skin will regain its original color within a couple of weeks or more.
All the above is valid for minor bruises. However, if a large area of your skin is bruised due to a fall or accident, then wrap a bandage in the nearby area of your hand or leg to stop blood supply. There is more blood supply to these areas due to natural gravitational force. Next step is then to apply the ice and warm compresses as explained above.
In addition to taking the above measures, you may like to do the following to speed up the healing process.
1. Eat Pineapples
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain which speeds up tissue repairs. Eat pineapple 3 times a day. Eat it slowly empty stomach. For some people eating pineapple empty stomach can cause acidity and other problems. In that case, eat it after an hour of any other food consumption.
If pineapples are not available then take bromelain supplement 3 times a day. Check with your doctor for the potency. Generally 200-400mg per dose should suffice.
2. Increase Vitamin C and Vitamin K consumption
Eat foods containing Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Both these vitamins help tissue repair and make them healthy. Add more broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, and other leafy greens in your diet to speed up bruise repair.
3. Apply Arnica Gel or Tincture
Rub Arnica gel on the bruise. Arnica (Arnica montana) works very well on bruises, sprains and muscle pulls. You can apply Arnica tincture also. It can be obtained from any homeopathic shop.
4. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera is a master herb for every skin problem. For best results use it with Arnica Tincture. Add a few drops of Arnica Tincture in a tablespoon of fresh Aloe Vera Gel. Mix it well before applying.
5. Vitamin K Cream
Apply Vitamin K cream, if Aloe Vera is not available.
If you treat them well, then bruises are not a big deal. Any way most bruises repair the skin on their own, so whatever else you do is just to speed up the healing process. Do it well.