Bruises are caused by bleeding from injury to blood vessels beneath the skin.
HOW TO TREAT AT HOME:
- Apply cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Elevate the bruised area to reduce swelling.
- Take painkillers to relieve the pain
SEE YOUR GP IF YOU:
- Have severe pain from the bruise.
- Have pus draining from the bruise.
- Have red painful streaks around the bruise.
- Have a fever.
- Have multiple unexplained bruises over the body.
- Are taking blood thinning medications
GO TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF YOU:
- Have painful swelling of the bruised site affecting movement (which may indicate a fracture)
