Ron asked
I have a bruise on my finger from being pinched by my book bag. Its been their for 2 weeks and it hasn't healed. What should I do?
Answer
It is not unusual for a bruise to take longer than 2 weeks to completely heal. The most common time range for complete healing is two to four weeks so you shouldn't be overly concerned that your bruise is still there.
Bruises occur when muscle fibers and connective tissues underneath the skin are injured. A visible bruise forms when blood from the ruptured capillaries and damaged tissue by the skin’s surface leaks out. As mentioned above, most bruises will heal in two to four weeks but that can certainly vary by the individual and the severity of the damage. Certain medications can prolong healing time as well as genetic factors.
The best treatment to shorten the healing time of a bruise is to ice the wound area intermittently for the first day or two of injury. After the first few days, you can apply a heating pack, hot water bottle or warm compress to area to facilitate healing.
Most bruises are not serious and will heal well on their own, it just takes time. If you prefer, there are several over the counter (i.e. OTC) products available, but their overall efficacy is unknown. The most popular products contain vitamin K, arnica or both (e.g. 'Bruise Cream', 'Arnicare' and 'Dermend Bruise Formula').
Vitamin K For Bruises
Vitamin K is a well known blood clotting factor and deficiency will increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Theoretically, vitamin K may help to break down stubborn blood deposits. There is however a lack of evidence that supports the use of topical vitamin k to increase the healing rate of bruises. Nevertheless, they shouldn't cause any harm and may be worth trying for long lasting bruises.
Arnica For Bruises
Arnica is a common ingredient in a variety of homeopathic products. It is often used to treat pain, inflammation and bruises. Evidence of benefit is mixed. While some studies have shown that arnica can can inhibit many different inflammatory producing agents such as cyclooxygenase 2, others have shown no benefit. One product, Arnicare, has shown some benefit is speeding up the healing time of bruises and may be a good option for you.
In addition to vitamin K and arnica, there may be some other over the counter options to try:
Pycnogenol For Bruises
Pycnogenol is a potent antioxidant that contains proanthocyanidins. Studies have shown that proanthocyanidins may strengthen capillaries, making them less likely to break or open upon trauma. In addition, pycnogenol may also increase skin elasticity, helping to absorb trauma and thus prevent damage to capillaries.
Bromelain For Bruises
Bromelain is a popular enzyme found in pineapples. Commonly used as a digestive enzyme, it may speed healing of wounds and bruises. It may help to clear metabolic wastes and remove inflammation causing substances from the wound area as well. Most evidence suggests to use between 200-500 mg of the supplement daily in divided doses on an empty stomach. Bromelain may be your best supplement option to treat a long lasting bruise.
Unless there is significant pain or no evidence of healing, there is rarely cause for concern with simple bruises. As bruises heal, they generally change color and should become less painful. Lastly, depending on the severity of you injury, your bruise may actually be a hematoma, which is a collection of pooled blood under the skin. Hematomas generally have a squishy, lumpy feel to them while a bruise does not typically have a hardened area. Like bruises, hematomas are generally not serious.
