Bruises and hematomas are skin lesions, sometimes colloquially referred to as "bruises". They generally appear in children and athletes, who are more prone to bruising, and vary in size. A hematoma is different from a bruise. In both cases, blood leaks into the tissues as a result of damage to the blood vessels.
An ecchymosis, or "bruise", is a diffuse effusion of blood with little or no swelling, appearing as a purplish-blue spot that turns yellowish and greenish. A hematoma is a "lump" - more precisely, a bluish lesion due to the presence of blood, more swollen and voluminous than a bruise.
These bruises most often appear on the arms and legs, i.e. the movable limbs of the body. They can last from 3 to 4 weeks.
Bruises or ecchymoses take the form of blue patches, turning green and then yellow. Bumps or hematomas correspond to a mass of blood under the skin, manifested by swelling of the affected area.
Most of the time benign, bumps, bruises and other contusions are nonetheless painful and unsightly. You can limit the damage easily with a few treatments. Find our selection in our parapharmacy section.
In the event of shocks, falls, blows, accidents of all kinds or bleeding, we recommend taking homeopathic granules of Arnica montana 9 CH: 1 dose as soon as possible, then take 5 granules of Arnica montana 9 CH every hour. The doses should be spaced out as the condition improves.
Particularly effective in cases of "black eye ", or bruising of the toes or fingers, take Ledum palustre 5 CH: 5 granules every hour, spaced out as the condition improves, over 4 days.
Here, it's a good idea to combine Arnica montana 7 CH: 5 granules to be taken at the same time and in the same way as Ledum palustre.
For minor contusions and micro-traumas (muscle tears, sprains, dislocations), burns, headaches, toothaches, slight haemorrhages, localized skin inflammations. It is also indicated for jellyfish, insect stings, stinging plants and solar erythema: the rapid cooling of tissues causes local ischemia, inhibiting the spread of the allergen throughout the body.
Indicated for lumbago, sciatica, muscular and abdominal pain (including poor digestion), joint stiffness and rheumatic myalgia.
The GREC Method (Ice, Rest, Elevation, Compression) is a standardized strategy for effectively managing bumps and bruises in the first few hours following trauma.
In addition to the GREC method, the use of topical and oral products can provide further relief. Anti-inflammatory gels, based on diclofenac or ibuprofen, are effective in calming inflammation and reducing pain. Natural creams, containing arnica or calendula extracts, are often used to soothe bruises and speed up their resorption. These treatments should be applied with a gentle massage to promote absorption.
For moderate to severe pain, oral analgesics such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken. These act by reducing the inflammatory response and relieving persistent pain.
In the case of associated muscle contractures, the use of heating patches can be considered after the first 48 hours. These devices promote muscle relaxation and improve blood circulation in the affected area.
Most bumps and bruises heal spontaneously within a few days to a week, depending on their intensity and location. Bruises generally evolve from an initial reddish-purple color to a yellowish or greenish tint, indicating the natural breakdown of hemoglobin. Pain and swelling gradually diminish, especially with proper management.
However, there are certain warning signs that require medical attention:
Soin-et-Nature offers a wide range of products to meet first-aid needs, enabling rapid treatment of everyday injuries and discomforts. Here are the categories available:
The first-aid products available on Soin-et-Nature are designed to help you deal with the little accidents of everyday life, while guaranteeing a natural and appropriate approach.
