A hematoma is a localized collection of blood under the skin. It can appear as a blue-red swelling (a bruise) and is usually caused by forceful trauma that bursts blood vessels. A large hematoma is potentially dangerous because it puts pressure on blood vessels and can impede blood flow. While it is always recommended to consult a doctor, there are some steps you can take to treat mild to moderate hematomas at home.
Treating a hematoma
Immobilize the injured area. Muscle activity and movement can irritate and increase pressure on soft tissues, which can trigger an inflammatory response and worsen the problem. If possible, try to remain immobile for the first 48 hours after the injury..
- Remaining still in a normal anatomical position (lying on your back with your palms and feet pointing forward) is necessary for the healing process and can prevent further damage. This is especially true for extremities and joint areas.
Apply a cold compress immediately. This should be done immediately and repeated every 3 to 4 hours for 48 hours after the injury. Apply an ice pack to the affected area as soon as you notice a bruise. Low temperatures reduce blood flow, which reduces bleeding. Keep in mind that you should not keep the ice pack against your skin for more than 15 to 20 minutes to avoid damaging your tissues. Wrap it in a cloth to avoid the cold bite
- The cold temperature causes blood vessels to constrict and limits swelling and the pooling of blood under the skin after an injury.
- This trick also helps prevent possible tissue damage caused by decreased oxygen supply to the injured area.
Elevate the injury site. This measure is especially helpful for extremities. Elevating the area where the hematoma occurred will reduce blood flow to that specific area, minimizing swelling and preventing the hematoma from growing . You can do this using pillows or blankets.
- If possible, keep the injured area above heart level.
Control swelling with a compression bandage. Gently wrap a pressure bandage or compression bandage around the injured area, but do not wrap it too tightly! The bandage should rest firmly on your skin without blocking blood flow, causing stinging, or leaving marks on the skin. Too much compression can increase swelling around the bruise and even worsen bruising
Apply a warm compress after 48 hours. You can do this using a hot water bottle or a washcloth soaked in hot water. Unlike cold compresses, hot compresses are more useful in the recovery phase, as they dilate blood vessels and improve circulation and the delivery of nutrients needed for healing.
- Like a hot compress, a relaxing warm bath will relieve pain and improve blood circulation to the injured area.
- The improved circulation caused by the heat will help flush waste away from the injury, allowing for faster healing.
- In the case of a very painful injury, the heat will provide a feeling of comfort.
Take pain medication. If you have pain, take paracetamol. Avoid aspirin, as it will only prolong the bleeding . Follow the instructions on the bottle.
Healing a hematoma through diet
Increase your protein intake. This will provide the benefits needed to repair your tissues. . In general, high levels of protein are found more often in animal sources rather than plant sources. Examples of healthy proteins that can promote healing include:
- whey protein;
- tuna ;
- wild salmon;
- halibut ;
- the poached egg ;
- turkey or chicken breast;
- fresh cheese.
Eat enough vitamin B12. A person with a vitamin B12 deficiency bruises more easily. This is especially true for vegetarians, as plant-based foods do not contain vitamin B12 unless they are fortified. If you are vegan or vegetarian, ask your doctor or nutritionist if you should take a vitamin B12 supplement.
- B12 is naturally present in a wide variety of animal foods such as organ meats (beef liver), seafood (clams), meat, poultry, eggs, milk and other dairy products, some grains, and nutritional yeast.
Consume more vitamin C. It's important to get enough vitamin C to help your body heal and repair damaged tissues. Top sources of vitamin C include cantaloupe, citrus fruits, berries, watermelon, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, spinach, squash, tomatoes, and potatoes..
- Generally speaking, you can get enough vitamin C by eating a balanced diet. Supplements are only prescribed in special circumstances such as malnutrition or pregnancy.
Make sure you're getting enough vitamin K. Vitamin K deficiency is rare in adults. However, if you have it, it can affect blood clotting and cause other bleeding problems, which can make bruises worse. Vitamin K deficiency can be caused by conditions like diabetes, celiac disease, and cystic fibrosis. If you think you might be affected, contact your doctor .
- Sources of vitamin K include leafy green vegetables (such as Swiss chard, kale, parsley, and spinach), broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green beans, avocados, and kiwi.
- Fermented dairy products such as yogurt and cheese, as well as fermented soybeans such as miso and nattō (fermented soybeans) are also good sources of vitamin K.
Drink plenty of water . Proper hydration improves blood circulation and helps the body heal after an injury . The amount of water you need will depend on your activity level, body size, and overall health. In general, men should drink 4 liters of water per day and women 3 liters per day. .
- Water is the ideal liquid for hydration . Sugar-free fruit juices and caffeine-free herbal teas can be drunk in moderation, but you should definitely stick to water.
- It's possible to drink too much water, so avoid forcing yourself to drink if you're no longer thirsty. Over-consumption of water can cause a dangerous electrolyte imbalance.
Add turmeric to your recipes . Turmeric is a spice that has long been used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. Consuming it and using a topical curcumin product can help you heal
Understanding the situation
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Determine the type of hematoma you have. A hematoma is what happens when blood leaks out of the blood vessels and collects under the skin or between two layers of body tissue. . There are several of them that have different names depending on where they occur. For example, we can cite:
- subcutaneous hematoma (bleeding between the brain and the surrounding dura mater;
- cephalohematoma (bleeding under the scalp) ;
- subungual hematoma (bleeding under a fingernail or toenail
Identify possible symptoms. Symptoms will depend on the location and size of the hematoma, but there are some that you will experience more often than others.
- Pain is one of the most common symptoms of a hematoma. It is caused by inflammation of the affected tissue.
- If the tissue is flooded with blood, it will become inflamed and eventually swell.
- Redness at the site of a bruise is caused by the accumulation of blood under the surface of the skin (a subcutaneous hematoma) and inflammation.
- Internal hematomas can cause more serious symptoms, such as headaches and confusion, loss of consciousness, or weakness in the extremities. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Know your risk factors. Trauma is one of the main causes of bruises. For example, if you play a contact sport, such as martial arts, boxing , or rugby , you are more likely to get one, but there are other causes as well. Common risk factors include: :
- bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease;
- drugs that affect blood clotting such as aspirin or warfarin;
- vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin C, vitamin B12 or vitamin K;
- age, as older people have thinner and more delicate skin, increasing the risk of bruising and hematomas.
Knowing when to call a doctor
Get treatment if your bruise gets worse. A mild or moderate bruise can be treated at home. However, if it starts to get bigger and more painful, it could indicate a serious problem. Get treatment to prevent the bruise from getting worse. .
- An X-ray or CT scan may be needed to ensure there is no serious underlying injury.
- Hematomas left untreated can have serious long-term impacts.
Treat any traumatic head injuries. If your bruise is on your head or neck and is the result of an accident or injury, see a doctor to make sure it's not a concussion or other serious injury. Untreated head injuries can cause permanent damage, and some are even life-threatening
Seek medical help if it doesn't improve after a week. Mild to moderate bruising is common after an injury, but it should start to resolve after about 24 hours. If your bruise doesn't improve after 7 days, it could be a sign of a serious injury or a deeper problem. Talk to your doctor and follow the treatment they recommend..
- He may recommend that you go to the hospital or urgent care clinic to get checked out.
- He may also prescribe medication to improve your circulation and make the hematoma disappear.
Do the same if you experience a side effect from a medication. Some people may experience side effects after taking pain medications or medications prescribed to treat bruises. If you start to experience symptoms of an allergic reaction or side effects from the medications you're taking, consult a doctor to make sure you're safe.
- Your doctor may prescribe another medication to reduce side effects.
- Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to medications may include rash, hives , fever , shortness of breath, wheezing, and itchy, watery eyes.
Advice
- This article only applies to non-serious hematomas caused by minor soft tissue injury and is not a substitute for professional medical care.
Warnings
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience mood changes, loss of consciousness, confusion, headache, nausea , vomiting , or drowsiness after an injury, especially to the head.
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