Bruises: Which is better, hot or cold compress?

Phyathai 3

3 Min

We 25/03/2020

AI Translated

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Bruises: Which is better, hot or cold compress?

Some accidents, even if not severe enough to cause wounds or bleeding, can leave bruises on the skin, followed by bothersome pain and inflammation. The visible bruises appear as spots caused by broken capillaries under the skin, leading to blood leaking into the surrounding tissues. Most often, this results from impacts with hard objects, including exercise and contact sports.

 

Why does the color of a bruise change?

It can be seen that immediately after the injury, the bruise under the skin is clearly red because the blood leaking from the capillaries still contains a large amount of oxygen. After about 3 hours, the oxygen is depleted, causing the bruise to appear purple, then it changes to green and brown sequentially.

 

What type of compress is best for bruises?

Both hot and cold compresses are beneficial for treatment, but they differ in the timing of use. According to principles, from immediately after the injury up to 48 hours later, the correct method is cold compress to relieve symptoms, help constrict blood vessels, and reduce blood leakage from torn capillaries. This results in decreased inflammation. It is best for the patient to rest the bruised area and apply cold compresses intermittently for about 15-20 minutes each time. Additionally, elevating the injured limb above heart level, such as sitting with the leg raised on a chair, helps limit blood circulation and reduces swelling and inflammation.

 

After 48 hours, switch to hot compresses applied for 10-20 minutes each time to improve blood circulation, stimulate faster self-repair, and speed up recovery from the injury. This also helps fade the bruise color over time.

 

Foods that help improve recovery

Besides external treatments, choosing the right foods can help the body heal itself faster from within. Patients should eat foods rich in vitamin K, such as kale, broccoli, soybeans, lettuce, and strawberries, which help blood clot faster. Consume anti-inflammatory fruits like pineapple, as well as foods containing zinc, such as spinach, pumpkin seeds, and legumes, to stimulate tissue repair and help the body return to normal more quickly.

 

What to do if a bruise does not improve?

If you notice that a bruise is not improving and swelling or inflammation is increasing, this is a sign that the patient should urgently see a doctor. This also applies to bruises around the eyes, which are more delicate than other areas, as well as red, swollen bruises accompanied by fever. These symptoms indicate the need for medical diagnosis and treatment. The Emergency Medicine Center and ambulance service at Phyathai 3 Hospital, 1st floor, are available to provide emergency assistance 24 hours a day, every day.


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