by Carolyn Tytler

Created on: January 23, 2012   Last Updated: January 24, 2012

A bruise is a bluish-black mark on the skin. It is usually caused by the forceful collision between a part of the human body and a hard surface such as a wall or door. According to Murphy's Law, a conspicuous bruise is likely to appear just before an important event like a big date or the first day at a new job.

Bruising occurs when small capillaries or blood vessels under the skin rupture, and blood seeps out into the surrounding tissue. A bruise will normally fade in about a week as the blood is absorbed by surrounding tissues and is carried away.

The following tips are helpful in speeding up the disappearance of a bruise.

The ice pack treatment

As soon as the injury occurs, apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a towel) to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. This will reduce swelling, bleeding and pain.

The heat pack treatment

The next day, apply heat using a hot water bottle or heating pad. This will help circulation by dilating the blood vessels, enabling them to carry away the excess blood from tissues.

Increase fluid intake

Juices, water and herbal teas will help flush waste products from the body. Black or green tea are especially effective because they contain tannins which help shrink swollen tissues and narrow blood vessels. After making the tea, apply the cooled black or green tea bag to the bruise for further benefit.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C accelerates the healing process. It is available in pill form or in fruit and vegetables, such as oranges, grapefruit, kiwis, pineapple, strawberries, mulberries, black currants, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green peppers, kale and Swiss chard.

Vitamin P

Eating foods rich in vitamin P (bioflavonoids) will also promote healing. Such foods are: lemons, green peppers, broccoli, citrus fruit, tropical fruit, garlic, spinach, and red bell peppers.

Vitamin K Cream

Twice daily, rub a cream containing vitamin K into the bruised skin. The cream and the act of rubbing itself will help in the breaking down and the reabsorbing of stagnant blood. 

Arnica and other herbal remedies

Arnica is an herb which, when used in a cream or ointment, is said to act as an anti-inflammatory which will hasten the disappearance of bruising. Other recommended herbal remedies include calendula, comfrey, bilberry, cayenne, and ginkgo. Consult a naturopathic doctor to learn where to obtain these substances and how to use them.

Home remedies

-Press and hold the inside of a banana peel on the bruised area for about 10 minutes.

-Apply a compress of apple cider vinegar and water to the bruise for a brief period.

-Cut a raw onion in half. Dip one half in apple cider vinegar and rub it on the bruise.

-Make a poultice of mustard and apply it to the bruise. It will draw the blood away from the injured area.

It is generally agreed that getting adequate rest is important to speed up the healing process. About 48 hours after the injury, resume a normal schedule. Light activity will help promote blood circulation and flush away the stagnant blood.

If you have tried some or all of these suggestions and the unsightly bruise is still visible on the first day of your new job, or the evening of your big date, perhaps it could be covered by wearing slacks, or a long-sleeved blouse. If this is impossible, apply a skin-colored cream to the bruise pat a light, colorless powder on top of the cream. It should be hardly noticeable.

Above all, don't fret. Be assured than you are much more conscious of the discoloration than anyone else. And anyway, Mother Nature will take care of it on her own in just a few more days. 

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