The most effective bruise remedy: choose natural remedies or doctor's remedy?

Bruises can appear suddenly without knowing why. Not to mention the shape and color that disturbs the appearance of the skin. Fortunately, bruises can be treated at home without having to bother going to the doctor. But, what kind of bruise medication is most effective?

The stages of discoloration of the bruise

Bruises are a type of skin injury that usually occurs as a result of a blow or blunt force blow directly against the skin, causing the rupture of small blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

It usually takes a different amount of time to treat a bruise depending on the severity of the bruise and the location of the bruise. From starting to form until completely disappearing, bruises usually last two to three weeks.

In some cases, bruises may take longer to heal. Some parts of the body take longer to heal, especially the feet and hands.

Following are the stages of the process of changing the color of the bruise, from the first time you hit it until it is completely healed.

1. Pink to red

As soon as the impact occurs, your skin will look red. You may also notice that the impacted area becomes slightly swollen and painful when pressed.

2. Bluish to dark purple

One day after the impact, the bruise will darken, turning bluish or purple. This is due to the lack of oxygen intake, as well as swelling in the area around the bruise.

As a result, hemoglobin which is usually red will turn blue. These bruises, which are purplish blue in color, can last up to five days after the impact.

3. Pale green

Around the sixth day, the bruise on the skin turns greenish. This indicates that the hemoglobin contained in the blood has begun to break down. At this stage, the healing process has begun.

4. Yellow brown

After a week, the bruise will gradually become lighter in color, that is, to a pale yellow or light brown. This stage is the final stage of the bruise healing process. Your bruise will no longer change color, but will slowly fade away and return to your original skin tone.

How to treat bruises naturally

You may not always be able to prevent bruising, but you can speed up the healing of bruises at home in the following ways before using medical medications.

1. RICE Technique (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

Bruising is most effective if it is done as soon as possible after the bruise appears. The most common way to get rid of a bruise to relieve pain and swelling is to use the RICE technique— rest (break), ice (cold compress), compression (press), and elevation (lift).

• Rest (break)
  Rest and protect the injured or sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that might be causing pain in your bruised luke. If the bruise is large enough, limit activity on the first day.
• Ice (cold compress)
  The cold sensation will help you reduce pain and swelling. Apply a cold compress immediately as soon as a bruise appears to prevent or minimize swelling. Cold compress for 10 to 20 minutes 3 times a day. After 48-72 hours, then you can apply warm water to the affected area if the swelling is gone. Do not apply ice cubes or hot water directly to your skin. Wrap a towel over ice or a heat source before applying it to your skin.
• Compression (press)
  Press or wrap the bruised area with an elastic bandage. This will help reduce swelling. Do not wrap too tightly, as this can cause the swelling to become worse.
• Elevation (lift)
  If bruises appear on your feet or hands, elevate the injured or sore area with a pillow when applying ice and whenever you sit or lie down. Try to keep the bruised area at the level of the heart or above to help minimize swelling.

2. Apply aloe vera

Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that is believed to be effective in treating various health conditions, including bruises.

Aloe vera contains various types of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and other bioactive substances that can reduce inflammation and heal wounds.

The best use is to use natural aloe vera gel taken directly from the plant. However, you can also use an over the counter aloe vera gel. Make sure the product you buy does not contain too many chemical additives in it.

3. Use the natural arnica remedy

Arnica is a flower that has often been used as a natural remedy to treat bruises and swelling. A study from British Journal of Dermatology has shown that applying an ointment containing arnica can reduce the bruising caused by laser procedures.

Arnica flower extract is available in the form of ointment, gel, and oral medicine. Follow the instructions for use listed on the packaging, or consult a doctor about its use.

4. Compress the vinegar

Vinegar mixed with warm water can actually be used as a remedy for healing bruises. Vinegar increases blood flow near the surface of the skin, so it can help soothe the blood that has collected in the bruised area.

Mix water and vinegar in a bowl and wet a clean washcloth with the solution. Place it on the bruised area for 10-15, repeating if needed.

5. Eat pineapple

Pineapple contains an enzyme mixture called bromelain. Well, bromelain is believed to be effective in fading bruises and reducing inflammation.

You can eat pineapple or use a supplement that contains bromelain. There is also a bromelain ointment that you can use to treat bruises.

Various options for bruising medication

Always use caution when using medications, including medications to treat bruises. Read and follow all directions on your medicine label. When the aches and pains go away, start stretching slowly and continue to increase in intensity over time.

1. Topical medicine

To fade bruises, you can choose topical or topical medications such as thrombophobes, which come in the form of ointments, gels, or creams. Some of them contain vitamin K. Vitamin K itself is an important nutrient that helps the blood clotting process.

Apart from vitamin K, you can also take advantage of vitamin C to reduce inflammation and heal wounds quickly. Vitamin C is usually available in the form of a gel, ointment, or serum. You can also get Vitamin C by eating enough vegetables and fruits.

2. Painkillers

If your bruise is accompanied by pain, you can try taking paracetamol (Panadol, Biogesic, Tempra, Termorex, Omegrip) or ibuprofen (Proris, Midol, Bodrex Extra, Motrin IB) to relieve pain and reduce bruising. Do not use aspirin, especially for children and toddlers.

When should I see a doctor for bruises?

In some cases, the bruise may not change color or won't heal. Bruises that feel hard to the touch, get bigger and more painful can indicate a blood clotting disorder, such as a platelet disorder or hematoma formation.

A hematoma is a lump that forms when blood starts to collect under the skin or muscle. Instead of experiencing the breakdown and healing process described above, the blood in the hematoma actually clots in the body.

A hematoma can only be removed with medical treatment, so check with your doctor if you experience symptoms of bruising that won't go away.