No, rubbing a bruise does not help and can actually make it worse. When you bruise, tiny blood vessels under the skin have broken, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues and appear as a discolored mark. Applying pressure or rubbing the area can further damage these fragile vessels, potentially increasing internal bleeding, swelling, and pain.
Why Rubbing a Bruise is Not Recommended
The immediate aftermath of a bruise involves internal bleeding and inflammation. Manipulating the bruised area by rubbing or applying excessive pressure can:
- Increase Bleeding: Further disrupt damaged capillaries, leading to more blood leaking into the tissue.
- Worsen Swelling: Aggravate the inflammatory response, causing more fluid to accumulate.
- Intensify Pain: Put additional stress on tender, injured tissues and nerve endings.
- Delay Healing: Interfere with the natural clotting and healing processes that begin immediately after the injury.
For these reasons, it's advised to avoid putting more pressure on the bruised area or rubbing it.
Effective Bruise Care: What to Do Instead
Instead of rubbing, the best approach for most minor bruises involves measures to reduce swelling, pain, and promote healing. The R.I.C.E. method is often recommended:
- R - Rest: Avoid using the injured body part as much as possible, especially during the first 24-48 hours. Strenuous activity can worsen the bruise.
- I - Ice: Apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the bruised area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, for the first 24-48 hours. The cold helps constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the area and minimizing swelling.
- C - Compression: Gently wrap the bruised area with an elastic bandage, if appropriate, to help reduce swelling. Ensure the bandage is snug but not so tight that it cuts off circulation or causes throbbing.
- E - Elevation: If the bruise is on an arm or leg, raise the limb above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling by allowing gravity to drain excess fluid away from the injured site. For instance, if you bruise your leg, prop it up on pillows.
Additional Tips for Bruise Management:
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) can help manage pain and discomfort. Avoid aspirin, as it can thin the blood and potentially worsen bleeding.
- Gentle Movement (Later Stage): Once the initial swelling has subsided (after 48 hours), gentle movement of the affected limb can improve circulation and promote healing, but avoid anything that causes pain.
- Warm Compress (After 48 Hours): After the first 48 hours, some people find that applying a warm compress or taking a warm bath can help increase blood flow to the area, encouraging the reabsorption of pooled blood and potentially speeding up the fading process.
Bruise Care: Do's and Don'ts
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Apply ice immediately. | Rub or massage the bruised area. |
| Elevate the injured limb. | Apply direct pressure to the bruise. |
| Rest the affected area. | Use heat during the first 48 hours. |
| Take pain relievers (non-aspirin). | Engage in strenuous activities. |
| Apply a warm compress after 48 hours. |
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most bruises are minor and heal on their own, consult a doctor if you experience:
- Bruising after a severe fall or accident.
- Bruising that appears for no known reason.
- Easy bruising, especially if accompanied by bleeding elsewhere (e.g., nosebleeds, gum bleeding).
- A bruise that gets worse or doesn't improve after a few weeks.
- Significant pain or swelling that hinders movement.
- Bruises under a fingernail or toenail that are painful.
- A lump over the bruise.
