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What is Bruise Cream?

Sherry Holetzky
Sherry Holetzky

Bruise cream is a common name for any number of solutions that are used to help alleviate bruising. Some formulas concentrate merely on removing discoloration, while others are indicated to help heal a bruise, including the relief of pain and swelling. Some types even claim to help lessen the appearance of scars.

Various bruise treatments contain vitamin K, a recommended ingredient for healing many types of skin damage and blemishes. Other popular ingredients may include vitamin E, arnica, calendula, zinc, and witch hazel. It is wise for users to test any new product on a small area of skin to check for irritation or allergic reaction.

Bruised leg.
Bruised leg.

There are many uses for bruise cream, from treating a simple bruise from a minor injury to treating major bruising from medical procedures such as cosmetic surgery. It may also be used by people who bruise easily or have delicate skin. This cream may be recommended for the site where stitches or sutures have been removed, for post-surgery healing after cosmetic work, and for relief after body art processes such as piercings or tattoos.

While some treatments can be very pricey, there are a number of products from which to choose. There are many choices found online and in health food stores, so consumers should shop around to compare prices and find the best product.

Creams that treat minor bruising are available.
Creams that treat minor bruising are available.

People can also create a simple home remedy to help heal a bruise, using products that are found around the home. Ice can make a dramatic improvement in a bruise by lessening swelling and slowing the leakage of blood in the area. After the bruise has been treated with ice, a clean cloth soaked in a solution of vinegar and warm water can be placed over the affected area. A compress using witch hazel can also improve the condition and appearance of bruised skin by decreasing inflammation. Another option is for patients to crush a generous amount of fresh parsley over the bruise and then cover it with a clean cloth or wrap in gauze to keep the parsley in place.

Applying pure witch hazel, from the witch hazel plant, may help heal bruises.
Applying pure witch hazel, from the witch hazel plant, may help heal bruises.

While some products sound great, it makes sense to learn as much about them as possible before using them. Whichever bruise treatment a person chooses, he or she may want to seek advice from a pharmacist or other healthcare professional before using any medicine or homeopathic remedy. Bruise cream is for external use and should only be applied to areas of unbroken skin.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

@burcinc-- Have you tried the vinegar remedy? I've heard this works quite well. It's supposed to speed up the healing process but the time still varies from person to person and bruise to bruise I think.

If you can get your hands on arnica cream though, that is the best for bruises.

burcinc

@ankara-- I usually don't use anything for bruises either because they disappear on their own. But I have a very bad bruise on my leg right now and I have to wear a dress this weekend. It will look horrible if I have a big purple bruise.

Is there a cheap remedy I can do to quicken healing? I tried witch hazel, but the color hasn't really changed.

bluedolphin

Why spend money for bruise cream? It will go away by itself.

lluviaporos

My mother bruises so easily she constantly looks as though she's been in a fight or something. I think it is just because she is thin skinned (or whatever causes it) because she's had the problem all her life. The slightest bang into a corner and she has blue marks up her leg.

It can indicate a serious disease though if you suddenly start to bruise that easily, so if it happens to you and you've never bruised like that before, don't take this as meaning it's normal. Go and get it checked out.

Using bruise removal creams is not enough if your health is at risk.

umbra21

I have heard that the best cure for a bruise is something most people wouldn't want to try.

Leeches were used in the old days to suck out the "bad blood" which of course didn't work very well. But, kind of ironically, they can actually be used to suck out the bad blood in a bruise, if they are applied when it is relatively fresh. They also get the blood flowing to the area, which helps it heal faster.

I don't mean for you to try this at home, of course. Medical leeches are sterile, but home grown leeches could have all kinds of bacteria on them.

But, if a doctor offers you some leeches after surgery, it might be a good idea to humor him!

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    • Bruised leg.
      Bruised leg.
    • Creams that treat minor bruising are available.
      By: carroteater
      Creams that treat minor bruising are available.
    • Applying pure witch hazel, from the witch hazel plant, may help heal bruises.
      By: dianamower
      Applying pure witch hazel, from the witch hazel plant, may help heal bruises.
    • Bruise cream has been used to reduce the appearance of scars.
      By: schankz
      Bruise cream has been used to reduce the appearance of scars.
    • Some bruise creams can relieve the discomfort associated with bruising.
      By: bertys30
      Some bruise creams can relieve the discomfort associated with bruising.
    • Gauze can be used to keep parsley in place when it is used as a bruise home remedy.
      By: picsfive
      Gauze can be used to keep parsley in place when it is used as a bruise home remedy.