What is a bruise?

A bruise is often caused by a bump, knock or fall.

Bruises usually occur when an injury causes blood to leak into the skin or tissues beneath the skin. So what can make bruises so unsightly? Well, with nowhere to go, the blood gets trapped under the skin, forming a red or purplish mark which may be painful or feel tender to touch.

Stages of a bruise

NA0037 UK 2019 Stages of bruises 2022 F2F2FF 01

Usually a bruise fades away in about two weeks, and during this time the bruise’s colour will change as our body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood. As a bruise heals, look out for these five stages:

  1. Initially your bruise is likely to be red from fresh blood leaking into your tissues.
  2. After one or two days, the blood will begin to lose oxygen and the bruise will begin to change colour and may appear purple, blue or even black.
  3. At around five to 10 days, your bruise might change to a green or yellow colour. These colours come from compounds called biliverdin and bilirubin that the body produces when it breaks down haemoglobin.
  4. After 10-15 days, your bruise may be a shade of yellowish-brown or light brown.
  5. And finally, once the bruise turns a light brown it will begin to fade.

Minor mishaps are often unavoidable. From a small bump in the home to a trip or fall while out and about, bruises happen. Especially when you or your children play sports. Nelsons® Arnicare® Arnica Cream can be applied to the affected area straight after the knock or fall to help minimise bruising.

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