Why does bruise turn purple

Why do bruises turn yellow, purple, and green? Bruises usually result from trauma to muscle or other tissues just below the skin. The trauma ruptures tiny blood vessels called capillaries, allowing blood to leak into surrounding tissues. The blood is what gives a bruise its initial black-and-blue color. That initial color is influenced by the loss of oxygen from hemoglobin, the molecule in blood that ferries oxygen from the lungs through the body. Oxygen-carrying hemoglobin causes blood to appear bright red, while oxygen-depleted hemoglobin turns blood bluish.

Bruises usually fade away in about 2 weeks. Over that time, the bruise changes color as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood. The color of the bruise can give you an idea how old it is:. Anyone can get a bruise. Some people bruise easily, while others don't. Bruising depends on several things, such as:. Also, blood vessels tend to become fragile as people get older, which is why elderly people tend to bruise more easily.

Apply a cold compress to the bruise to help slow down the blood that's flowing to the area, which decreases the amount of blood that ends up leaking into the tissues. It also helps keep the inflammation and swelling down. All you have to do is apply cold to the bruise for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for a day or two after the bruise appears. You don't need to buy a special cold pack, although they're great to keep on hand in the freezer.

Here are additional conditions that increase your risk of significant bruising and complications: Aged 50 years or older Bleeding disorders e. How to help a bruise heal faster at home Mild to moderate bruises typically heal after 2 weeks, though some may heal more quickly. If you have mild to moderate bruising and would like to speed the healing process or lessen any pain associated with it, here are a few things you can try at home: Cold compress One of the first steps to helping a bruise heal more quickly is icing the affected area.

Wrap the ice pack with a clean, dry cloth and press it on the bruise. The compress should never be applied directly to the skin as it could lead to further injury. Ice slows the bleeding because it shrinks the blood vessels and reduces inflammation, which can help reduce the overall size of the bruise as well. Topical creams Over-the-counter topical healing creams like arnica, quercetin, vitamin B3, or vitamin K offer anti-inflammatory benefits to help speed up healing times.

Talk to your doctor to find out which cream is right for you. Compression A soft elastic wrap for the first days, during waking hours, can help decrease pain and bruising. The wrap should be firm, but not too tight. If you notice any numbness, tingling or increased discomfort, it means the wrap needs to be loosened or removed.

Elevation Elevating the bruised area comfortably over the heart, if possible, offers similar healing benefits to applying a cold compress. A person can expect about four phases of colors to a bruise before it fades away.

If a bruise does not fade, becomes worse, or other issues accompany it, a person should consult a doctor. Otherwise, most bruises should heal within about 2 weeks with no medical treatment.

Some of the at-home methods to speed up healing that we list in this article are available online:. Different skin types require different skin care products. Read on to learn more about the best skin care products for each skin type. A look at crepey skin, a common complaint where the skin looks thin and wrinkled.

Learn more about how to prevent and treat this condition. Sebaceous hyperplasia causes small, inflamed bumps to appear on the skin. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options in this article. What do the colors of a bruise mean? Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.

Bruise colors When to worry Speeding up healing When to see a doctor Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers. Bruise colors over time and their causes. Share on Pinterest. When to worry about bruises.

How to speed up healing. Share on Pinterest Applying an ice pack to bruised skin can promote healing.