Hematomas, popularly known as purple spots, are spots of blood accumulation on the skin that may be purple, yellow or brown in color, more frequent on the skin and nails, due to trauma that leads to the leakage of a small amount of blood into the skin. region.
Usually the bruises disappear gradually but can be painful and unsightly, so massaging the site gently with an anti-inflammatory ointment, such as Arnica, is a good option to help eliminate bruising more quickly.
However, other simple ways to eliminate this type of purple spot include:
1. Use ice
This is a very simple and quick way to get bruises from the skin and consists of passing an ice predella on the hematoma as soon as it appears. The ice will decrease the blood supply to the site, reducing the hematoma.
The ice pebble should be applied by making circular movements. If cold causes pain, it is best to wrap it in a clean, thin cloth such as a diaper or dish towel, for example. Ice should be passed over the region for 3 to 5 minutes and then wait 1 hour before repeating the procedure.
2. Wear warm compress
To remove bruises that are longer than 24 hours, warm water packs may be applied as they increase local blood circulation and help remove formed clots. To do this, you should soak a cloth in warm water and then apply on the spot, letting it act for approximately 20 minutes. After 1 hour, the procedure can be repeated.
3. Ointments for hematoma
In addition to the arnica ointment, Sodium Heparin-based ointments such as thrombofob or traumeel are great options to remove blood from the skin, be it from the arms, legs or other parts of the body, fighting the symptoms quickly.
Bepantol or the natural aloe vera gel can help moisturize the skin and facilitate healing if there are associated wounds or scars.
Warning signs to go to the doctor
It is advised to seek medical help when the person presents:
- Purple marks on the skin with ease, by hitting any sofa, for example;
- Several purple spots on the body that do not hurt;
- When the purple markings can be observed but the person does not even remember how they appeared;
- In case the bruise appears and disappears from one day to the next.
In addition, if the bruise causes severe pain or if there is another sign of change in the circulation at the site, such as swelling of the limb or severe redness, you should also go to the hospital to look for other more serious problems such as thrombosis.
Main causes of hematomas
The main causes of skin bruising are related to injuries such as blows directly on the affected region, as can happen in sports, due to a fall or accidents involving heavy objects or automobile, for example.
However, a hematoma may also arise after any reason that causes blood leakage, such as an injection, to withdraw blood for examination, after the use of suction cups for some alternative therapies, being very common after aesthetic procedures such as liposuction and cryolipolysis .
Usually these bruises are not severe and disappear on their own, but the use of ice and warm compresses can help eliminate them more quickly.
In addition, bruising may also occur as a result of a coagulation disorder, so depending on its extent and severity you should seek medical help because it may indicate severe bleeding.
