Understanding the Science Behind Bruising and How to Treat Them
Most people have experienced the discomfort of a bruise caused by accidentally bumping into furniture. However, there are times when we discover mysterious bruises that leave us perplexed about their origin. Bruises, while painful, also have an aesthetic appeal. In this article, we delve into why bruises occur, effective methods to speed up their healing, and the possible underlying diseases when bruises persist for an extended period of time.
The Physiology of Bruises
A bruise is essentially a collection of blood that seeps out of damaged capillaries beneath the skin. Initially, it appears dark red due to the presence of hemoglobin, the component of blood responsible for its red color. Over time, the hemoglobin is gradually broken down, resulting in the formation of bilirubin, a substance that gives the bruise a yellowish hue.
Rapid Remedies for Bruises
If the bruise is the result of external trauma, there are effective strategies to expedite the healing process. Applying a cold compress immediately after the injury helps constrict the blood vessels around the affected area, minimizing blood leakage from the capillaries. After 2-3 days, switching to warm compresses can promote blood circulation and aid in tissue repair.
Underlying Diseases to Consider
In most cases, bruises will gradually fade away without any medical intervention. However, if a bruise persists for more than two weeks, it is crucial to consider whether it may be a sign of an underlying illness. Here are some diseases that should be suspected:
- Melanoma: If a persistent dark red spot appears without any apparent injury, it might be indicative of melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Characteristics such as asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven coloration, and a size exceeding 6 mm distinguish melanoma from regular spots or bruises. In such cases, it is essential to consult a dermatologist for a biopsy.
- Senile Purpura: This condition occurs when aging skin becomes fragile, rendering blood vessels susceptible to rupture even from minor trauma. Exposure to sunlight exacerbates symptoms, particularly among the elderly. Medications like aspirin, warfarin, and steroids, often prescribed to the elderly, also contribute to prolonged bruising. Additionally, a decrease in digestive function with age may lead to vitamin C deficiency, further weakening blood vessels and increasing vulnerability to bruising.
- Leukemia: Frequent bruising accompanied by recurrent nosebleeds could be indicative of a blood clotting disorder. When platelet functions and blood clotting factors responsible for facilitating blood clots are impaired, bleeding becomes difficult to control, resulting in frequent bruising. These symptoms could serve as early warning signs of leukemia, demanding caution and prompt medical attention.
- Poor Liver Function: Impaired liver function impedes the production of blood clotting factors. Chronic liver disease hampers the absorption and storage of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting. Consequently, blood clotting factors fail to function effectively, leading to recurrent bruising. If bleeding from the gums accompanies bruising, it may indicate deteriorating liver function.
Pharmacist Kim Ji-young recommends a nutritional supplement, including ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), for individuals looking to optimize liver health. UDCA aids in liver detoxification by activating various metabolic enzymes and enhancing waste product excretion. Kim emphasizes the indispensability of UDCA in cases where the elimination of toxins through bile is impaired. Furthermore, UDCA combats oxidative stress that poses a threat to liver cells.
Conclusion
Understanding why bruises occur and how to expedite their healing is essential for managing this common injury. While most bruises are harmless and resolve on their own, persistent bruising warrants consideration of potential underlying diseases. By staying vigilant and seeking medical advice, we can ensure our overall well-being and address any health concerns raised by prolonged bruising.
Source: Chemist Kim Ji-young
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Everyone has experienced a bruise from bumping into a desk or chair at least once. But sometimes, bruises are found that you don’t know when, where, or why. Bruising hurts, but it’s also aesthetically pleasing. We looked at why bruises happen, how to get them out quickly, and what diseases to suspect when bruises last a long time.
Bruises can be a sign of illnessㅣSource: Getty Image Bank
A bruise is a lump of blood that flows out of the skin when the capillaries burst. A bruise is a condition where blood clots in the skin, so it is initially dark red due to the hemoglobin component that gives blood its red colour. Over time, the hemoglobin element is gradually destroyed, and in this process, a substance called bilirubin is created. It turns yellow because of the yellow pigment bilirubin.
So, is there a way to get rid of bruises fast? If the bruise is caused by an external shock, it is helpful to apply a cold compress before the day is over. Its purpose is to constrict the blood vessels around the bruised area and prevent the blood from escaping the capillaries as much as possible. After 2-3 days, it is good to use warm compresses. Warm compresses promote blood circulation and help damaged tissues heal.
Diseases to be suspected when bruises last a long time
Most bruises will go away on their own. However, if the bruise lasts for more than two weeks, you need to consider whether it is a sign of illness.
1. Melanoma
If there is no shock, but there is a dark red spot that does not go away, it may be ‘melanoma’. Melanoma is a skin cancer that occurs when melanocytes in the skin become cancer cells. Unlike normal spots or bruises, melanoma is characterized by asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, and a size of 6 mm or more. If this form appears on the body, it is necessary to visit a dermatologist for a biopsy.
2. senile purpura
Senile purpura occurs when the skin fails to protect blood vessels due to ageing. As blood vessels weaken with age, even a small shock can cause them to rupture and cause bruising. In particular, the symptoms appear severe in the elderly who have been exposed to a lot of sunlight. Drugs such as aspirin, warfarin, and steroids, which are often taken by the elderly, also have an effect. These ingredients weaken the skin and prevent blood clotting, making bruises last longer. In addition, as we age, our digestive function decreases, reducing the amount of food and nutrients we eat. Among them, when there is a lack of vitamin C, blood vessels weaken and bruise easily.
3. Leukemia
If you get frequent red bruises and frequent nosebleeds, you should suspect a blood clotting disorder. Our body has a hemostatic effect which stops bleeding by clotting blood when injured. However, if there is an abnormality in platelet functions and blood clotting factors that harden blood, bleeding does not stop easily and bruising can occur frequently. In particular, these signals can be precursors of leukemia, so attention is needed.
4. poor liver function
When liver function is impaired, blood clotting factors are not produced well. In chronic liver disease, there is a problem with the absorption and storage of vitamin K, which is involved in blood clotting, and blood clotting factors cannot work properly, so bruising can occur frequently. If bruising is accompanied by bleeding from the gums, liver function may be suspected to be deteriorating.
Pharmacist Kim Ji-young recommended a nutritional supplement for those who want to manage their liver health. It is a nutritional supplement containing ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). UDCA helps detoxify the liver, activating various metabolic enzymes and increasing excretion transporters so that waste products produced in the liver can be released smoothly. Pharmacist Kim explained, “Especially, it is a necessary ingredient when toxins that should be excreted through bile cannot escape well.” UDCA also removes active oxygen that attacks hepatocytes.
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