A bruise is a subcutaneous hematoma. It appears due to the fact that the integrity of the blood capillaries is violated. Instantly, blood penetrates into the tissues that are located nearby. If a person does not have serious health problems, then such formations resolve quickly enough. If a bruise on the leg does not go away for a month or more, then it is better to consult a doctor with this problem.
The nature of bruises
Each of us received bruises from shock or injury. After that, blue spots formed on the body, when pressed, pain was felt.
Often, subcutaneous bruising appeared on the legs or arms for no apparent reason. Because a person is used to a bruise that forms only after a blow or a fall.
There are a number of reasons why hematomas form:
- fragile blood vessels;
- varicose veins;
- blood diseases;
- elderly age;
- taking certain medications.
If bruises suddenly appear for no reason, then this is a signal of the development of a serious internal disease. For this reason, you must consult a doctor. Especially if the bruise of a dark color does not heal for a long time.
The mechanism of bruising
Each bruise resolves at different times. Someone's blue formations disappear in just two or three days. For others, this period can be delayed up to several months.
Why do not bruises on the legs? The bottom line is that healing depends on the speed of blood flow and its pressure. The color of the hematoma can be said about the healing stage. The blood contains red blood cells. These are red blood cells that are responsible for transporting oxygen. The composition of red blood cells contains hemoglobin, in which there is constituent iron. In the process of biochemical reactions in the body, oxidation begins, which affects the color of arterial blood.
Hematoma appears due to hemorrhage. Hemoglobin enters the tissue with blood. On the second or third day, it breaks down into bilirubin and verdochromogen in a healthy person. These substances have a greenish tint. That is why bruises after a certain time acquire a greenish-yellow color.
The breakdown of hemoglobin occurs in several stages. Their duration depends on several factors:
- age;
- the state of the immune system;
- speed of exchange processes;
- Body temperature;
- localization of bruising;
- the presence / absence of blood diseases;
- taking medication.
If a bruise or hematoma formed after a bruise, then it should completely disappear after 14-20 days.
Bruises on the legs do not go away for long: reasons
If bruises and bruises do not heal for a long time, then this is an alarming signal that indicates the development of systemic pathologies in the body.
Why do not bruises on my legs last long? Perhaps the reason lies in a number of diseases. We list the most common "culprits":
- Hematopoietic system disease.
Aplastic anemia is a disease of the hematopoietic system, as a result of which the growth of cell lines in the bone marrow stops. Often with this ailment bruises appear and for a long time do not resolve. The skin of a person is pale. Frequent dizziness, weakness and lethargy are observed. The disease does not go away even after a long rest. In this case, a gradual weight loss occurs and blood often runs from the nose. If you do not start treatment in time, then the disease can develop into leukemia.
If a bruise on the leg does not go away for a long time, then one of the reasons may be blood diseases such as hemophilia and thrombocytopenia. Bruising with these ailments appears even with a very minor blow or bruise. Most often they occur at night. If the lymph nodes have increased, immunity and weight have decreased, and working capacity has fallen, then an urgent need to make an appointment with a hematologist.
If a bruise on the leg does not go away for a long time, then this phenomenon may indicate a lack of vitamins A, C, K in the body. During the development of hypovitaminosis, the walls of the vessels become brittle and brittle. As a result, point hemorrhages appear on the body, which are localized next to each other. Moreover, the healing process of bruises is different. It is for this reason that the skin is bluish in color for a long time. To speed up the healing process, you need to take a vitamin complex.
- Medicines as a cause of bruising.
Blood clotting is observed while taking certain drugs. A side effect is observed after taking aspirin, heparin or analgin. Due to the altered blood composition, sudden bleeding, hematomas appear.
In violation of coagulation, internal bleeding and hemorrhage in the brain may develop. It is impossible to take drugs that affect the hematopoiesis process uncontrollably.
How to distinguish a hematoma from a bruise?
As you know, a hematoma heals much longer than a bruise. It should be understood what is the difference between these entities, which, at first glance, are very similar.
So, the difference between a hematoma and a bruise is as follows:
- the hematoma has a larger lesion area;
- the hematoma has an intense degree of color (first a bruise of a crimson color, after which it acquires a blue-red tint, then purple and blue-green);
- at the site of a bruise, the hematoma is more painful when pressed than a bruise;
- severe edema around the hematoma.
Near the lesion site, hematomas are involved in the work of the muscle. Therefore, pronounced pain and fever are felt.
How fast does the hematoma go?
From a medical point of view, a bruise and a hematoma are two different phenomena. With a bruise, small vessels that are located in the layers of the skin are damaged. The hematoma also appears in any tissues (not only on the surface of the skin, but also in the internal organs). The hematoma lies deep. If a bruise on the leg or a hematoma does not go away for a long time, then surgical intervention with an extensive lesion may be required. The surgeon opens the affected area and cleanses of blood clots.
A hematoma, which was formed as a result of an injury, passes on average about 30 days in a healthy person.
The healing period may be delayed due to poor coagulation of the patient’s blood and in case of malfunctioning of metabolic processes in the body.
How long does the bruise heal?
If a bruise formed during the course of an acute infection, the healing process will be longer. This is due to the fact that the body gives all its strength to fight the pathological process. Stimulation of the regeneration of damaged tissues is already on the residual sign.
How much does a bruise go on? The skin is almost completely restored in 10-14 days.
Treatment
To quickly pass the bruise on the leg, you must apply ice. Two days after getting a bruise, you need to apply a warm compress.
For serious injuries or leg operations, doctors strongly recommend physiotherapeutic procedures: electrophoresis, UHF therapy, paraffin therapy.
If a bruise on the leg does not go away for a long time, which has appeared for no reason, then you should immediately consult a doctor.
Treatment for hematomas is to prevent bleeding or replace drugs that cause bruising. If the cause of bruising in the blood disease, then the patient must undergo a full examination, in particular, to test for cancer cells.
Bruising medications
To speed up the removal of minor bruises will help medications. The most effective of them;
- a cream with vitamin K promotes blood coagulation and prevents the formation of bruises;
- "Tramp" eliminates bruises;
- Apizatron, Finalgon;
- gels: "Fastum", "Voltaren";
- heparin ointment helps to thin the blood at the site of the hematoma and prevents the appearance of blood clots;
- "Troxevasin" is effective in resolving bruises;
- "Rescuer" promotes tissue repair.
If the patient has hypovitaminosis, then to strengthen the vessels it is necessary to take vitamin C. Also, some doctors recommend the drug “Ascorutin” to restore vascular strength.
Good reviews about the gel for express removal of bruises "Biocon Bruise-OFF". For many, this tool is just a find, because it removes bruises completely after 1.5-2 weeks. And the next day after application, the bruise begins to fade immediately.
Folk remedies
If a bruise on the leg does not go away for a long time, then you can use traditional medicine. One of the effective remedies that eliminate bruising on the legs are compresses. Here are some recipes:
- grate onions and mix with salt;
- dilute starch in water;
- dissolve salt in vinegar;
- make a mixture of alcohol tincture of propolis and castor oil.
Feedback on the use of these compresses is positive. If the bruise is small, then one of the above recipes will speed up the healing process. In other cases, you must consult a doctor.
Recommendations
There are a number of rules, the implementation of which will reduce the number of bruising. Key recommendations:
- Engage in running, swimming, walking (any kind of physical activity).
- Wear comfortable flats.
- You should refuse to visit saunas and baths.
- Weight is not recommended.
- Drink plenty of fluids (plain water).
- Avoid contact with skin in direct sunlight.
Be sure to take vitamins and lead a healthy lifestyle. If the bruise does not go away for a long time, then self-medication is not worth it. It is better to consult a doctor for advice. Only with a professional gaze will the doctor be able to adequately examine the area of damage and prescribe the necessary diagnostics, and in the future, treatment. Take care of yourself.