Bruising occurs when blood vessels under the skin rupture as a
result of a blow or bump. Blood spills into the underlying
tissue resulting in pain and swelling, as well as the familiar
black and blue marks.
For most of us
bruising is merely an inconvenience, however, as we age it can
become more of a problem. As we grow older our skin becomes
thinner and blood capillaries more fragile, leaving us less
protected and more vulnerable to injury. Some elderly people
develop a condition called purpura senilis. In these cases the
person will bruise with even the slightest touch to the skin
and the bruises can last for months.
To help ease the pain
of a new bruise, experts recommend applying an ice pack on and
off for the first 24 hours. A bag of frozen peas is ideal, or
frozen witch hazel if you have it. The next day apply a hot
water bottle (not too hot) or warm compress. This will help to
encourage re-absorption of the blood and bring faster relief.
It is possible to help
yourself become less prone to bruising. However if you bruise
very easily, you should see your doctor first to check that
there is no underlying health problem.
How
to Help Avoid Bruises A
diet high in bioflavonoids has been shown to keep
blood vessels and capillaries strong and healthy.
Eat a
healthy whole food diet including plenty of dark
green vegetables, onions, garlic and buckwheat.
Eat plenty
of fresh fruit, including citrus fruits, apples,
blueberries and cherries. They are all high in
bioflavonoids.
Drink
green tea - it is also high in bioflavonoids
Supplements
Worth Considering
Vitamin C -
2000mg - 4000mg daily - helps prevent bruising by keeping
veins, capillaries and skin tissue, strong and
healthy.
Vitamin K -
helps strengthen blood vessel walls. Alfalfa tablets
are a good source of vitamin K
Bioflavonoids
- In a study the bioflavonoid rutin was found to
help reduce bruising by strengthening capillaries.
Bilberry
extract - rich in bioflavonoids - helps to keep
blood vessel walls strong.
Experts
recommend applying a cream or lotion containing
Vitamin C to the skin topically. They say this can
help make the skin less prone to bruising, reducing
the number and severity of bruises. This is
especially helpful for the elderly who tend to
bruise very easily.
German
Commission E Monograph has approved the following
herbs as helpful for bruises, all to be applied
externally: Comfrey herb and leaf,
Comfrey root, Peruvian Balsam,
St. Johns Wort, Sweet Clover.
Witch
Hazel applied topically helps to soothe bruising.
For extra soothing power, keep an ice-cube tray of
witch hazel - clearly marked - in the freezer and
apply to bruise as soon as possible.
Information
on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to
substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other
medical professional. You should not use the information contained
herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or
prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product
packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem,
promptly contact your health care provider.
Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not
been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended
to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Bruising occurs when blood vessels under the skin rupture as a
result of a blow or bump. Blood spills into the underlying
tissue resulting in pain and swelling, as well as the familiar
black and blue marks.
