Bruises can be rather unsightly and, at times, painful. They usually appear as black and blue marks on the skin, which arise due to trauma. The injury induced causes tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, to burst. The blood gets trapped below the skin's surface, which, in turn, appears as a bruise. Bruises heal naturally over a relatively short period of time, some in as little as three to four days. Others though, require more time and may need a couple of weeks to show signs of improvement. There are however, quite a number of home remedies that you could use to treat bruises. Let's take a look at six of them:
1. Apply an ice pack
Ice is one of the most effective home remedies for bruising. It cools the blood vessels and slows down the bleeding. If using this method, wrap a couple of ice cubes in a towel or a thick cloth and apply it to the bruised area for about 10 minutes.
2. Apply an elastic bandage
Wrap a bandage on the bruised area as early as possible. This will prevent the bruise from getting infected. An elastic bandage applies pressure to the tissues and reduces the bleeding.
3. Apply a heat pack
A heat pack may also be used to clear away any blood clots. Apply an electric heat pack for about 20 minutes, a number of times throughout the day. Alternatively, a warm compress or a hot water bottle may be used to apply heat on, or under the bruised area.
4. Apply a raw onion
To help heal bruises more quickly, apply a slice of raw onion.
5. Apply some tea
Tea helps reduce the pain caused by bruises and lessens the markings. Soak a teabag in some hot water, then soak a piece of cloth in the tea and apply it to the skin.
6. Apply some vinegar
One of the best home remedies for treating bruises is vinegar. Simply mix a couple of drops of apple cider vinegar to some lukewarm water. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply a generous amount onto the bruised skin for about an hour.