A bruise typically lasts for about 2 weeks.
Bruises, also known as contusions, are a common skin injury that causes discoloration due to broken blood vessels under the skin. While the 2-week timeframe is a general guideline, the exact duration can vary depending on several factors:
-
Severity of the Injury: A more forceful impact results in more broken blood vessels and a larger, deeper bruise, which will take longer to heal.
-
Location of the Bruise: Bruises on areas with more blood vessels or thinner skin, such as the face or shins, may appear more prominent and take longer to resolve.
-
Individual Healing Rate: Factors like age, nutrition, and overall health can influence how quickly your body repairs damaged tissue and reabsorbs blood. Older adults and those with certain medical conditions may experience slower healing.
-
Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin or aspirin, can increase the size and duration of bruising because they interfere with blood clotting.
-
Underlying Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or liver disease, can make you more prone to bruising and slow down the healing process.
The Bruise Healing Timeline & Colors:
Bruises change color as the body breaks down the trapped blood. The color changes offer a general indication of how old the bruise is:
- Red: Initially, the bruise appears red due to fresh blood pooling under the skin.
- Blue/Purple: Within a day or two, the bruise turns bluish or purplish as the blood loses oxygen.
- Green: After about 5-10 days, the bruise may turn greenish as hemoglobin breaks down into biliverdin.
- Yellow/Brown: Finally, the bruise fades to yellow or brown as biliverdin breaks down into bilirubin, eventually being reabsorbed by the body.
When to See a Doctor:
While most bruises heal on their own, consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Bruising that appears for no apparent reason.
- Frequent or excessive bruising.
- Bruising accompanied by pain, swelling, or restricted movement.
- A bruise that doesn't improve after two weeks.
- Signs of infection around the bruise, such as redness, warmth, or pus.
- Any concerns about an underlying medical condition.
