The many colorful stages of bruising can be painful and unsightly. Bruising appears on parts of the body when you injure the soft tissues in your body. But have you ever wondered why they change color?
Bruising is caused by the breakage of small veins and tiny blood vessels under the skin. When the red blood leak, this is what causes the different colored marks to appear.
Red bruising occurs when the bruising is fresh, and can happen with minutes or a couple of days. It is bright red because of the high levels of iron and oxygen.
Blue bruising happens when the blood loses its oxygen, turning it a deep shade of purpley blue.
Similar to blue bruising purple bruising is the sign of a nasty more intense blow. At this stage the iron in your body rapidly produces new red blood cells and quickly transports them to the point of injury.
Green is a sign of healing, your body begins to break down your red blood cells, and transforms the hemoglobin in to new chemicals.
Yellow coloration is the final stage of the healing process, at this point the hemoglobin your body has been broken down, and produces a chemical called bilirubin which causes the yellow color to appear.
1. Hold an ice pack directly on affected area to reduce swelling and redness.
2. Elevate the area of bruising to reduce bleeding.
3. Apply heat after 2 days.
4. Compress the area.
5. Apply natural ointments.
